The Tribune

The first shipment of Bahamas-harvested sponges produced under an Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)-financed project left Andros on Monday bound for Europe.

The export consignment is among the first tangible signs that efforts to revive the industry are having an effect. The project is being managed by the Bahamas Agricultural & Industrial Corporation (BAIC) with support from the IICA (Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture), the Bahamas National Trust (BNT), Department of Marine Resources and Bahamas Commercial Sponge Association (BCSA) board members.

Randy Thompson, the Association’s president, said the sale to Europe had encouraged Mangrove Cay residents as it indicated their hard work is starting to pay off. Mangrove Cay spongers have transitioned from manual to mechanised systems via a 1,700 square foot sponge processing centre, which is key to meeting international standards, reducing labour costs and improving productivity.

It will also help them move up the industry’s value chain. One of the project’s key aims is to empower local spongers through training, teaching sustainable harvesting practices as well as providing access to higher-value markets and increasing the value of their product.

BAIC officials said there had also been an increase in sponging on the islands of Long Island, Abaco and Acklins specifically. Bahamians were not aware that sponging was a viable industry in the country and the project has been able to encourage persons who may have lost interest in the industry to return.From all reports, there are indications that persons are returning, to their islands to involve themselves in sponging; this Is good for the expansion of the industry.