Abstract

The Savannah Sound area is located on the east coast of the island of Eleuthera, within the Bahamian archipelago. It is a sheltered area with an abundance of seagrass and mangrove ecosystems. Savannah sound is an area that is both ecologi-cally important and culturally important. The community asked that the area be considered within the expanded protected area system of The Bahamas. A rapid ecological assessment of the Savannah Sound mangrove creek was completed August 2017 by members of the Bahamas National Trust, The Perry Institute of Marine Sciences and the University of Tampa using a modified Atlantic & Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (A.G.R.R.A) protocol. This effort is part of a larger effort to assess marine habitats and living marine resources throughout Eleuthera; information gained from assessments can help guide management of these marine systems. It was found to be a productive environment with a high diversity of species on average and a high density of fish, par-ticularly grunts, Nassau Grouper, Queen conch, Spiny lobster and parrotfish. There are some threats that may impact the productivity of the creek, such as dredging and inappropriate development. Based upon the R.E.A results, some spatial management (i.e. a protected area) would benefit the area and ensure the system remains productive.

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