Our National Parks are protected under the law in the Turks and Caicos Islands National Park Ordinance (1989). This ordinance establishes regulations for four different categories of Protected Area:
National Park: Ecosystem and biological conservation with recreation as a primary secondary goal.
Nature Reserve: Ecosystem and biological conservation with recreation as a low-key secondary goal
Sanctuary: For the protection of the natural ecology, or animal or plant, and the avoidance of disturbance of the area by people.
Area of Historic Interest: For the purpose of protecting an area or object of historical interest.
For further and more detailed information regarding the protected area of the Turks and Caicos Islands and the Turks and Caicos Islands environment please visit the website for the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources
| CAICOS BANKS |
|
| French, Bush and Seal Cays Sanctuary |
| Molasses Reef Wreck Area of Historical Interest |
| Little Ambergris Cay Proposed Nature Reserve |
| GRAND TURK |
| Columbus Landfall Marine National Park |
Grand Turk Cays Land and Sea National Park:
(Gibbs, Penniston, Martin , Alonza, Pinzon, Cays) |
| South Creek National Park |
| Long Cay Sanctuary |
| MIDDLE CAICOS |
| Conch Bar Caves National Park |
| Vine Point (Man O’ War Bush) and Ocean Hole Nature Reserve |
| NORTH CAICOS |
| East Bay Islands National Park |
| Fort George Land and Sea National Park |
| Cottage Pond Nature Reserve |
| Dick Hill Creek and Bellefield Landing Pond Nature Reserve |
| Pumpkin Bluff Pond Nature Reserve |
| Three Mary Cays Sanctuary |
| Fort George Area of Historical Interest |
| Wades Green Proposed Area of Historical Interest |
| NORTH, MIDDLE AND EAST CAICOS |
North, Middle and East Caicos Nature Reserve
(International Ramsar Site) |
| PROVIDENCIALES |
| Chalk Sound National Park |
| North West Point Marine National Park |
| Princess Alexandra Land and Sea National Park |
| North West Point Pond Nature Reserve |
| Pigeon Pond and Frenchman’s Creek Nature Reserve |
| Princess Alexandra Nature Reserve |
| Cheshire Hall Area of Historical Interest |
| Sapodilla Hill Area of Historical Interest |
| SALT CAY |
| Big Sand Cay Sanctuary |
| H.M.S. Endymion Wreck Area of Historical Interest |
| Salt Cay Area of Historical Interest |
| SOUTH CAICOS |
| Admiral Cockburn Land and Sea National Park |
Admiral Cockburn Nature Reserve
(Long Cay, Six Hill Cays, Middleton Cay) |
| Bell Sound Nature Reserve |
| Boiling Hole Area of Historical Interest |
East Harbour Conch and Lobster Reserve |
| WEST CAICOS |
| West Caicos Marine National Park |
| Lake Catherine Nature Reserve |
TURKS AND CAICOS NATIONAL TRUST
The Turks & Caicos National Trust is a membership, non-profit, non-governmental organisation dedicated to the preservation of the cultural, historic and natural heritage of the Turks & Caicos Islands. Founded in 1992 after some enabling legislation by the TCI Government. The Turks & Caicos National Trust is governed by an elected Council which includes representatives from all islands in the TCI. Further information the projects of the Turks and Caicos National Trust is found on their site www.nationaltrust.tc
Read about local Turks and Caicos Islands conch and the Caicos Conch Farm, the only one of its kind on the island of Providenciales.
CORAL REEFS
There is a movement toward creating artificial coral reefs in the waters of Grace Bay, Providenciales. Pictured here is a newer one placed in the Bight. These protective homes for juvenile fish are also seen at Smith's Reef, just outside of Turtle Cove and at the snorkel site in front of Coral Gardens, also known as the "snorkel trails". Below is an explanation of artificial reefs and some links that offer ideas on how you can become involved in restoring coral reefs.
REEF RELIEF
By Marsha Pardee Woodring
The Islands of the Turks & Caicos are often described as a brilliant chain of pearls scattered in an endless sea. It is true that these lustrous isles appear luminescent from afar, but it's the setting that adds sparkle to these gems. Framed with a fringing lace of reefs submerged in emerald colored seas, the surroundings set the stage for the splendor of these jewels. To read on click here.
WHY BUILD REEFS?
Man's activities and natural disasters have led to a reductions in our natural reef systems. Recreationally, growth in sports fishing, scuba diving, and boating has increased the pressures on these systems. Commercially, our seafood industry is dependent on developing the ocean to enable ever larger, yet sustainable, harvests. The loss of our natural systems, coupled with increased use, compels us to do everything we can to save natural reefs. Even so, the natural reefs cannot rebuild themselves fast enough to meet human demands. Long lasting artificial reefs are useful tools for restoring our reef systems to a natural and productive balance.
Reef Balls are state of the art designed artificial reefs used to restore ailing coral reefs and to create new fishing and scuba diving reefs. Over 50,000 have been deployed worldwide in over 500 projects. Please visit these various Reef Ball related nonprofit organizations and other companies websites for information on how to start restoring a reef near you. Thanks in advance for your interest in helping to save our worlds oceanic ecosystems.
The Reef Ball Development Group, Ltd.
Eternal Reefs, Inc.
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