Proposed Amendments to the National Parks Ordinance Mistry of Tourism, Environment, Culture and Heritage Turks and Caicos Islands Government December 2015

Purpose of this document This document is designed to inform all interested parties of the proposed amendments to the National Parks Ordinance as part of the consultation process. Please forward any comments to [email protected] or call 338-4161 or directly at your nearest Department of Environment & Maritime Affairs office.

Deadline for comments: January 17th 2016

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Background The National Parks Ordinance Review Committee was established in 2013 to spearhead the stakeholder consultation process and make recommendations to amend the National Parks Ordinance. The committee was chaired by the Director of Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA). The committee included representatives from the following interests: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Premier’s Office Ministry of Environment and Home Affairs DEMA Attorney General’s Chambers Turks and Caicos National Trust Department of Planning Watersports Interests Members of the Public Member of the Opposition Party

Terms of Reference for the NPORC (approved by Cabinet) were: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Add new Protected Areas; Reword Regulations 3(1)(a) and 3(1)(d); Reword Regulation 3(1)(c); Add ticketing powers for enforcement officers; and Other revisions and recommendations.

The NPORC submitted its revised recommendations to Cabinet on October 14th 2014. These recommendations were considered when drafting the proposed amendments to the National Parks Ordinance found herein.

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Categories of Protected Areas There are currently 4 categories of protected areas (under the National Parks Ordinance): National Parks, Nature Reserves, Sanctuaries, and Areas of Historical Interest Each category has a different intended usage (National Parks Ordinance 4) with different permitted and prohibited activities (National Parks Regulations 3; see Appendices).

Proposed amendments: Change the name of fishing zones to non-commercial fishing zones Currently, there are fishing zones within the Columbus Landfall National Park and the East Harbour Lobster and Conch Reserve, where “subject to the Fisheries Protection Regulations, non-commercial recreational fishing from the shoreline or from the piers or jetties within the zone is permitted, using light tackle of not more than 30 pounds breaking strain”(National Parks Regulation 6(1)(j)). It is proposed to rename these zones as non-commercial fishing zones.

Add newly classified fishing zones It is proposed that 3 National Parks be extended (Admiral Cockburn Land and Sea National Park, West Caicos Marine National Park, and East Bay Islands National Park), with the additional areas being subject to all other restrictions but open to commercial and recreational fishing (subject to restrictions as specified). These areas will be described as fishing zones.

Reword Regulations 3 (1) Prohibited activities within National Parks Currently, the legislation is contradictory – stating that protected areas have certain usages (as described under National Parks Ordinance 4), but then listing prohibited activities that may not permit such usages. Therefore, it is proposed to reword Regulation 3(1)(c) as follows (adding underlined text): (1) The following are prohibited within all national parks- (c) the destruction of, or damage or injury to any animal or plant, except for allowable uses as outlined under Section 4(1)(a) of the Ordinance, or activities covered under a valid scientific research permit. This change will allow developments in protected areas as outlined in Belonger Business Opportunities in Protected Areas (Mehta et al. 2005) described below. In addition, it is currently prohibited to remove “sand, rock, coral, coral-rag or any calcareous substance, except where such removal is necessary to maintain traditional use and access to an established navigational channel, dock or marina” (Regulation 3(1)(d)), with 12 existing navigational channels, docks, and marinas listed in Regulation 3(7). Page 3 of 64 www.gov.tc/dema comments to: [email protected] or call 338-4161

It is proposed to change Regulation 3(1)(d) to: “the removal of sand, rock, coral, coral-rag or any calcareous substance, except where such removal is necessary to maintain wise-use and access to a navigational channel, dock or marina” (changed text underlined).

Reword Regulations 3 (2) Prohibited activities within Nature Reserves As above, usage of nature reserves (National Parks Ordinance 4) contradicts the prohibited activities (National Parks Regulations 3(2)). Therefore, in order to rectify this, it is proposed to change Regulation 3(2)(a) to prohibit “the taking of any animal or plant by any method on land or at sea, except to the extent permitted in any fishing zone or non-commercial fishing zone and for allowable uses as outlined under Section 4(1)(b) of the Ordinance or activities covered under a valid scientific research permit” (added text underlined).

Reword Regulation 3(3) Prohibited activities within Sanctuaries Reword Regulation 3(3) as follows: “The following are prohibited within all sanctuaries(c) the taking of any animal or plant by any method on land or at sea, except for allowable uses as outlined under Section 4(b)(2) of the Ordinance, or activities covered under a valid scientific research permit” (added text underlined)

Guidelines for Development in Protected Areas Rewording Regulations 3(1)(c) and 3(2)(a) would allow developments in protected areas as outlined in Belonger Business Opportunities in Protected Areas (Mehta et al., 2005). The following are guidelines for developments in protected areas:

(a) All development must be in keeping with the spirit of the National Parks Ordinance, which

(b)

(c)

(d) (e)

has a stated purpose of “the conservation of the natural environment and ecology of the islands.” All development must be “off the grid,” and must have sustainable means of generating electricity, treating wastewater and providing fresh water, e.g. solar and wind generated renewable energy, wastewater reuse and rainwater collection. All developments must be constructed of natural materials and should be designed to avoid the need to clear any vegetation. For example, wooden structures supported by piles, rather than cement slabs, etc. No artificial landscaping will be permissible, and no landscaping chemicals, e.g. fertilizer, pesticide, herbicide shall be used. No development shall take place until appropriate locations for such development are identified via a thorough study, undertaken by qualified environmental professionals, which incorporates environmental impact assessment. Page 4 of 64 www.gov.tc/dema comments to: [email protected] or call 338-4161

Examples of possible development include Project

Proposed Location

Interpretive Centre Nature Trails Heritage House Café and Nature Tours Various Ecotourism Projects Lucayan Village and Interpretive Centre Ecolodge Park and Nature Centre Visitor Centre

Gun Hill (South Creek National Park) South Creek National Park Salt Cay Area of Historic Interest South Caicos Pigeon Pond and Frenchman’s Creek NR Ramsar Nature Reserve Flamingo Pond, North Caicos Yankee Town, West Caicos

While the above developments are appropriate for some protected areas, they are not suitable for all. For example, an ecolodge is appropriate for the North and Middle Caicos Ramsar Nature Reserve; however, it would not be appropriate in the South Creek National Park on Grand Turk. It is therefore recommended that further studies be undertaken to determine the capability of the protected area to sustain such developments.

Ticketing Powers for Enforcement Officers It is proposed to give DEMA Officers powers to issue fines of $300+, depending on the offence. Ticketable offences include:

(a) Harassment, including but not necessarily limited to aggressive sales by vendors, uninvited (b)

(c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h)

touching, sexual harassment, refusal to take “no” for an answer; Reckless operation of a vessel, including but not limited to operating a vessel within 300 feet of a shoreline, except in a boat access lane, speeding or operating a vessel in such a fashion as to pose a threat to the public; Anchoring a vessel in a boat access lane; Vending other than in a designated commercial zone; Loading and unloading passengers, other than in a boat access lane; Failure to clean up after an animal (horse or dog, etc.); Lighting a bonfire without a permit; Littering.

Proposed Additional Regulations on Commercial Activities Within Protected Areas:

(a) Vendors – No vending activities should be allowed in a protected area, other than in a designated commercial zone. (b) Customer Service Training – All holders of commercial licenses within National Parks should be required to attend Customer Service Training as a prerequisite to the acquisition of the license.

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(c) Insurance coverage – All persons/business operating in the Protected Areas should have an appropriate and sufficient insurance coverage (to cover life and property) before the issuance of Protected Areas license. Other Proposed Restrictions/Allowances within Protected Areas

(a) Beach Structures – An inventory of all beach structures should be done. Beach structures,

(b) (c) (d)

(e)

(f)

including chairs, tents, etc. shall be required to be registered by DEMA, with an applicable registration fee. The registration numbers should be clearly displayed on the structure, and the structure should be removed from the beach at the end of each day. Other Equipment – Kayaks, paddleboards, etc. shall be removed from the beach at the end of each day. Government Vehicles – An amendment to Regulation 3(1)(j) should make allowance for government vehicles, such as police ATVs, etc. Volunteer Park Wardens – A provision should be made for volunteer park wardens, who would function in an educational, rather than enforcement capacity. Such volunteers should be deputized under the Community Conservation Partner Programme. Catch-and-release Bonefishing – Reword Section 4(1)(b) to allow for catch-and-release bonefishing within nature reserves (n.b. this refers to catch-and-release flyfishing for bonefish ONLY and does not pertain to national parks, sanctuaries, or other protected areas unless otherwise specified). Prohibit animals such as horses in the beach within National Parks – The National Parks Ordinance 6 (1) provides for restriction of certain activities that are harmful to ecology such as the depositing or discharge of any waste or harmful matter in any area. This move is also in support of application for Blue Flag status for TCI beaches.

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Proposed Amendments to Existing Protected Areas – Boundaries, Permitted Activities, etc. NP1 Admiral Cockburn Land and Sea National Park Extend the boundary of the Park to include all marine habitats up to the high water mark and extending to 300 feet offshore from the fringing coral reef, along the entire eastern coast of South Caicos. The extended area will be designated as a fishing zone.

Justification

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Excellent wall diving and representative coral reef ecosystem The area having a predominance of berried female lobsters Critical habitat- migratory pathway and spawning/nursery areas To ensure that fringing coral reef and the breeding grounds for fish are protected.

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NP2 Chalk Sound National Park Remove residential lots from the National Park but with sufficient buffer zones to the north west of the Sound. All developments in these parcels should be in accordance with planning regulations and shall be subject to EIA. Planning Department should establish strict guideline for the development of these parcels to minimise and mitigate against the potential impact which the further development of those lots could have on the national park. All wetlands should be retained in the National Parks. A buffer zone along the northern and eastern boundary up to the existing road should be annexed to the national park. Silly Cay and surrounding waters to Silly Pond are to be removed from the national park.

Justifications

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Scenic water, bonefish, boating, picnic area. Mangroves and other vegetated buffer zones should be protected and not destroyed or disturbed. The vegetated buffer zone can be enhanced by conducting an assisted-natural regeneration project and/or performing various silvical treatments. The beach area and surrounding mangroves near and/or around Silly Cay are pristine and believed to be an important habitat for fishes. Critical habitat- spawning/nursery areas Sufficient buffer zones will be established to protect the ecological integrity of the national park. Some residential lots are developed and were deemed to have been legally obtained from TCIG. TCIG may be forced to compensate the lot owners.

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NP4 Conch Bar Caves National Park Extend the NP to include Indian Cave and the Jacksonville/East Caicos caves. Designate above water areas in caves as Nature Reserves and below water areas as Sanctuaries. Land areas outside the caves shall remain as National Park. Indian Cave shall be designated as a National Park.

Justification of changes

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The entirety of the cave ecosystem is not contained within the original protected area. Critical cave habitats remain outside of protected area at Indian Cave on Middle Caicos and at Jacksonville on East Caicos The caves are unique and protection is necessary to this critical and sensitive area to a number of species at risk. The areas immediately above the caves should be protected to avoid unnecessary damage to the caves underneath and for ecological connectivity reasons. Home to rare species – locally, regionally and internationally Cultural value – symbolic, intellectual and experiential value. Page 9 of 64 www.gov.tc/dema comments to: [email protected] or call 338-4161

NP5 East Bay Cays Land and Sea National Park Extend the national Park to include reef areas off North and Middle Caicos. Extended area is to be designated as a fishing zone. Adjust the boundaries to exclude an area to the south to allow for future port developments to fuel socio-economic development.

     

All developments shall be subject to Planning Regulations including EIA Scenic islands and favourite picnic area The reef areas require protection so that they will serve their functions to protect the shore. Fishing will be allowed (to be designated as fishing zone) but with some restrictions Critical habitat Intellectual (scientific research) and experiential value

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NP6 Fort George Cay Land and Sea National Park & NP9 Princess Alexandra Land and Sea National Park Extend to connect with the Princess Alexandra National Park. New area is to be designated as a fishing zone, but no fishing is to be allowed within 500 feet of a dive mooring.

Justification

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Cultural and historic values 1789 English fort; shipwreck; canons in shallow water, iguanas, ospreys and wading birds. Excellent dive, snorkel and picnic sites To extend protection to the area in between PALSNP and FTNP, for ecological connectivity reasons.

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NP7 Grand Turk Cays Land and Sea National Park Re-designate all cays, with the exception of Gibbs Cay as Nature Reserve. Gibbs Cay to remain National Park.

Justification

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The Grand Turk Cays Land and Sea are important habitat for seas birds, fish nurseries, day outings and picnics. Gibbs Cay prized for recreational features, and Penniston and Martin Alonzo Pinzon cays prized as critical habitats for internationally-important pelagic seabird populations and endangered sea turtle (also on Gibbs Cay). Gibbs Cay remain as National Park to facilitate the public’s enjoyment of its unique recreational features Other remaining cays will be reclassified as Nature Reserve.

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NP11 West Caicos Marine National Park Extend the boundary to include the southern marine areas of West Caicos from the high water mark to 300 feet off the fringing reef, including all of the coastal areas off the southern tip of West Caicos up to Sandy Point. The extended area is to be a fishing zone. Only line fishing will be allowed. No fish pots or traps will be allowed.

Justification

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Excellent wall diving Ecological connectivity reason To protect spawning and breeding areas Critical habitat- migratory pathway and spawning/nursery areas

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NR13 Bell Sound Nature Reserve Re-designate as National Park. Allow catch-and-release bonefishing. Extend to include some shoreline vegetation and mangrove. Establish a buffer zone around the Sound.

Justification

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Re-designation to allow for recreational and amenity area such as catch and release of bonefish. To protect the shoreline and ecological integrity of the area.

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R17 Ramsar Nature Reserve Adjust the boundaries of the nature reserve near the North Caicos International Airport to allow for possible extension of the runway to 9000 ft. Adjust the boundaries of Ramsar site to extend to East Caicos but exclude McCartney Cay as it is private property. Adjust the boundaries of the shallow seaward margin on the south/west of the Ramsar Site to be delineated by the low water tidal. Jacksonville should be declared an Area of Historic Interest. The East Caicos Caves shall be annexed to the Nature Reserve. Nanny Pond shall be annexed to the Nature Reserve. Where pine yard lands are in Crown ownership, they shall be annexed to the Nature Reserve. Where wetland habitats on East Caicos are in Crown Ownership, they should be annexed to the Nature Reserve.

Justification

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Natural, representative mangrove system; bird diversity; ocean hole; iguana; flamingo; Arawak villages; West Indian Whistling Duck 10% of "a population"; fish and turtle nurseries critical habitat Cultural values – Arawak village Rare species - bird diversity, ocean hole, iguana, flamingo, West Indian Whistling dock 10% of population, fish, turtle nurseries. Provisioning values- nutrition and materials Scientific and experiential values Extension of the boundaries will allow for more protection of the area (environmental protection reasons). De-listing some areas near the NC airport will allow for future expansion of the airport (Socio-economic reasons) The area represent a natural mangrove system, Ramsar Sites are designated for wetland areas and the shallow bank area may extend beyond this purpose

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NR19 Pigeon Pond & Frenchman’s Creek Nature Reserve Adjust the protected area boundaries in West Harbour Bluff to exclude the commercial and residential subdivision in order to allow for some sort of development including the development of Marina/dock for West Caicos Development. Offer protection of rock carving as site of historic interest. A sufficient buffer zone should be established. All developments in the area removed from the nature reserve should be in accordance with planning regulations and subject to EIA. Adjust boundaries to exclude 7 commercial lots south of Amanyara development (Block 60000). All development in this area should follow Amanyara style of development (low density development). All Wetlands should remain in the Nature Reserve. Commercial lots which were allocated in this reserve should remain in the protected area. Titleholders should be offered a land swap or compensation for the monies expended on the lease fees, purchase price, registration fee, survey fee, plus 6% interest. If titleholders do not accept, title is retained and development restricted to what is permissible under the National Parks Ordinance. Planning guidelines/policies for development should apply to these parcels.

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Justification

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Critical habitat -important habitat for wetland birds Species and community biodiversity Regulation and maintenance – physical environment, biotic environment Scientific and experiential values Removal of some lots will allow for some kind of developments, subject to existing Planning Regulations (EIA). Buffer zones will be established to ensure that environmental integrity of the Nature reserve (environmental protection reasons).

S23 Big Sand Cay Sanctuary Extend boundaries of the Sanctuary to include the surrounding reef complex.

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Justification

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Critical Habitat – nesting birds Migratory pathway or stopover Spawning and nursery area. To extend further protection to the reef (environmental protection reasons). Important nesting for birds and turtles

S24 French, Bush and Seal Cays Sanctuary Designate dive sites off French Cay as National Park.



To extend further protection to the reef as dive sites (environmental protection reasons). Page 18 of 64 www.gov.tc/dema comments to: [email protected] or call 338-4161

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Critical Habitat – nesting sea birds, terns and Frigate birds Migratory pathway or stopover Spawning and nursery area

S26 Three Mary Cays Sanctuary Re-designate as National Park.

Justification

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Sanctuary or Nature Reserve status, which is awarded to areas of critical ecological significance, is not merited in this case. a popular picnicking spot, and it is therefore recommended that this PA be renamed as a National Park To allow more usage in the area without losing its ability to protect the sites.

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HA27 Boiling Hole Area of Historical Interest Re-designate as Nature Reserve. Increase boundaries to include wading areas for flamingos and other ecologically important salina areas. Adjust the boundaries of Boiling Hole to remove some parcels near the basketball court. Sufficient buffer zones should be maintained near the XSC Airport.

Justification

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Historical and cultural values Critical habitat for birds Regulation and maintenance of physical and biotic environments Intellectual (scientific) and experiential values. The Boiling Hole and adjoining Salinas are important habitat for birds

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HA28 Cheshire Hall Area of Historic Interest Extend boundaries to include access road.

Justification

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Historical value To allow for the development of the frontage area for TCNT, subject to existing Planning Regulations

HA30 Endymion Wreck Include reef areas surrounding the wreck as National Park Justification

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Historical value - 18th century shipwreck in shallow water The presence of other wrecks in the area would also indicate reasons for increasing the limits of this historic site. To extend protection to the reef areas near the wreck (environmental protection reasons). Page 21 of 64 www.gov.tc/dema comments to: [email protected] or call 338-4161

HA 32 Salt Cay Salt Works and Village Area of Historical Interest Re-designate Town Salina areas as Nature Reserve. Re-designate whaling station areas as Nature Reserve. Extend Nature Reserve to include creek areas. Retain town land areas as Area of Historic Interest.

Justification

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Historical values - salt works, historic building including brown and white houses; Critical habitat – important habitats for resident and migratory birds. To further preserve Historical interest.

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Yankee Town Declare Yankee Town and surrounding areas as an Area of Historic Interest. Declare the Causeway and old railroad line, inclusive of a buffer zone of 100 feet on both sides of the causeway and railroad, as an Area of Historic Interest.

Justification

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Historical value- Yankee Town deriving from development in the 1890’s, the town area includes remnants of a large-scale attempt to grow and process Sisal (Agave sisalana) fibre for export. Roads originating at Yankee Town provide access to all other parts of the Island. A causeway (now severed) links Yankee Town with the Eastern shore across Lake Catherine. Cultural and experiential values

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Wades Green Plantation and Teren Hill Designate the Plantation House and surrounding buildings as an Area of Historic Interest. Establish a Nature Reserve on all remaining Crown Land areas surrounding the Plantation. Justification

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Species and Community Diversity - The most important high forest area in the Turks and Caicos Islands, incorporating two major historic plantations. Critical habitat – locally and regionally rare species Regulation of physical and biotic environment For ecological continuity reasons

Little Ambergris Cay and Fish Cays Designate as Nature Reserve.

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Justification

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Critical habitat for endemic species, locally and internationally rare species. Migratory pathway or stopover Spawning and nursery areas Regulation and Maintenance of physical and biotic environment. A low lying sand cay with extensive internal wetland, coastal coppice vegetation and the largest protected population (15,000 individuals) of TC Rock Iguana (Cyclura carinata) For ecological reasons

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North and South Wells, Grand Turk – Designate as Nature Reserve.

Justification

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Critical habitats for the National Flower, Limonium bahamense Species and community diversity Habitat for birds Ecologically important area

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Wheeland Ponds, Providenciales – Designate as Nature Reserve.

Justification

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Critical habitat for Important bird species Species and community diversity Migratory pathway or stopover (birds) Regulation and Maintenance of physical and biotic environment. For ecological reasons

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Shark Sanctuary A Shark Sanctuary (to be defined as an area where commercial exploitation of sharks and rays is banned) is proposed for the area that encompasses all of the Exclusive Economic Zone except where the seabed is at a depth of less than 100m. Justification

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To protect the internationally threatened populations of sharks and rays (elasmobranchs)

Turks Bank Marine Mammal Sanctuary Designate Turks Bank as a marine mammal sanctuary, to be defined as an area where interaction with marine mammals must conform to established rules of etiquette (see Appendix). Justification

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For the protection of internationally threatened populations of marine mammals such as whales and dolphins

Critical Habitat Reserves This is a new category of protected areas and is to include all of the following habitat types:

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Wetlands Pine Woodlands Caves and other karst features Tropical Dry Forest All critical habitats for endangered species.

Any planned development in a Critical Habitat Reserve will be subject to an environmental impact assessment and a policy of “no net loss” of habitat value will be implemented.

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Appendices National Parks Ordinance 2014 http://www.gov.tc/agc/images/laws/10.01%20National%20Parks%20Ordinance.swf Whale Watching Code of Ethics A population of humpback whales migrates from the cold waters of Iceland and Southern Greenland to the Silver Banks and potentially the Turks Bank, where they mate and give birth each winter. During this period and after giving birth, the whales travel around on the Turks, Caicos and Mouchoir Banks. The presence of aggregations of humpback whales close to the Turks and Caicos Islands has given rise to opportunities for whale watching. The advantages of whale watching are wide: it provides an opportunity to teach people to appreciate and understand the value of whales and other cetaceans; it fosters research; it contributes to the conservation of the animals; and helps ensure the economic security of local communities which serve as protectors of marine habitat. It is estimated that from December to April, during the whale migration, Salt Cay and Grand Turk receive 75% of their tourists and operators earn up 70% of their annual income. If conducted appropriately and ethically, whale watching excursions can provide sustainable livelihoods for water sports small business owners throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands. The Grand Turk Cruise Centre (GTCC) is projected to facilitate one-million visitor arrivals in 2014. With increased tourism pressures on whale populations, guidelines governing human/whale interaction are critical in order to protect both human and whale interests. In view of the above, by signing below, I agree to comply with the following voluntary code of ethics for whale watching: 1. No more than 20 persons will be on board a whale watching vessel at any time. 2. When a whale is spotted, the vessel’s engines shall be placed in neutral or shall be allowed to idle for a short period before turning it off. 3. Noise levels are to be kept to a minimum. No horns, whistles or racing of motors will be permitted. 4. Passengers are to be instructed to remain calm and quiet. 5. Boats should not approach within 50 metres of a whale. This also applies to swimmers in the water. All interaction must be due to whale initiation. Under no circumstances, should boats or swimmers chase after a whale that has indicated it is not interested in interaction. 6. Do not allow your vessel to cause the whale to change direction or course. Disturbance can drive whales away from critical habitats. 7. Never allow a boat or a swimmer to come between a mother and calf. Disruption of parental care may reduce a calf’s chance of survival and may incite aggression by the mother.

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8. Snorkelers should not engage in free diving near whales, as this can be perceived as aggressive by whales. 9. Vessels should approach whales from a direction parallel and slightly to the rear, or position the vessel at least 300 metres ahead of the whale and allow it to approach you. Never approach a whale head-on or directly from the rear. 10. Within 300 metres of a whale, move at a constant slow speed, no faster than the slowest whale or at idle, no wake speed. 11. Avoid sudden or repeated changes in speed or direction. Changes in speed or direction may alary whales. If you need to constantly change direction, they are trying to avoid you. Leave them alone. 12. Never approach whales closer than 50 metres. If whales approach within 50 metres of the vessel, slowly steer away or place the engines in neutral and let the whales come to you. Do not engage the prop within 100 metres and do not chase the whales when they leave. 13. Never box in whales, cut off their path and/or prevent them from leaving, particularly when more than one vessel is present. 14. Do not attempt to approach mothers with young calves. A whale with a young calf may protect her calf aggressively if she feels threatened. 15. When leaving, move off slowly at idle, no wake speed until at least 300 metres from the closest whale before picking up speed. 16. No more than three vessels should attempt to watch a whale or group of whales at one time. If several boats are in the area, limit your time to ensure that others get an opportunity to see the whales. 17. When approaching an area where other vessels are whale watching, establish contact by VHF radio and ensure that all operators are aware of whale watching guidelines. 18. Vessels not complying with this code of ethics should be reported to DEMA at 941-5122.

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Existing Protected Areas All Protected Areas

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NP1 Admiral Cockburn Land and Sea National Park

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NP2 Chalk Sound National Park

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NP3 Columbus Landfall Marine National Park

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NP4 Conch Bar Caves National Park

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NP5 East Bay Islands National Park

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NP6 Fort George Land and Sea National Park

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NP7 Grand Turk Cays Land and Sea National Park

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NP8 Northwest Point Marine National Park

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NP9 Princess Alexandra Land and Sea National Park

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NP10 South Creek National Park

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NP11 West Caicos Marine National Park

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NR12 Admiral Cockburn Nature Reserve

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NR13 Bell Sound Nature Reserve

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NR14 Cottage Pond Nature Reserve

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NR15 Dick Hill Creek and Bellefield Landing Pond Nature Reserve

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NR16 Lake Catherine Nature Reserve

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NR17 North, Middle and East Caicos Nature Reserve (Ramsar Site)

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NR18 Northwest Point Pond Nature Reserve

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NR19 Pigeon Pond and Frenchman’s Creek Nature Reserve

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NR20 Princess Alexandra Nature Reserve

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NR21 Pumpkin Bluff Pond Nature Reserve

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NR22 Vine Point (Man O’War Bush) and Ocean Hole Nature Reserve

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S23 Big Sand Cay Sanctuary

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S24 French, Bush and Seal Cays Sanctuary

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S25 Long Cay Sanctuary

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S26 Three Marys Cays Sanctuary

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HA27 Boiling Hole Area of Historical Interest

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HA28 Cheshire Hall Area of Historical Interest

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HA29 Fort George Area of Historical Interest

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HA30 H.M.S. Endymion Wreck Area of Historical Interest

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HA31 Molasses Reef Wreck Area of Historical Interest

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HA32 Salt Cay Area of Historical Interest

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HA33 Sapadilla Hill Area of Historical Interest

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