World Ocean Month

Whilst we close on World Ocean Month ( June 2023), the responsibility to our oceans still remains and now more than ever we need to re-evaluate our relationship with the Mother source.As part of global efforts the United Nations declared June 8th as “World Ocean Day” in with this years theme being “Planet Ocean: Tides are Changing”. On this day they partnered with a host of decision makers, scientists, private sector executives, civil society representatives, indigenous communities, celebrities and youth activists and more as a strategy to put the ocean first.

The Importance of Keeping our Oceans Clean

The Ocean Helps Regulate Our Climate

"The ocean acts as a global climate system as it  regulates the concentration of carbon dioxide by storing, absorbing and releasing the greenhouse gas in a variety of ways and places" - American Museum of Natural History

The Ocean Provides Oxygen for us to Breathe

"A huge amount (from 50% to 85%) of the oxygen in the atmosphere is produced by marine plants.  The ocean produces oxygen through the plants (phytoplankton, kelp, and algal plankton) that live in it. These plants produce oxygen as a by product of photosynthesis" - National Geographic Society

The Ocean Feeds the Population

"The ocean provides us with the necessary resources to survive: oxygen, water, and food. Even if you do not eat seafood, fish meal is used to feed poultry and pork, as well as to organically fertilize crops for millennia.  The ocean is also a source of minerals, energy resources, and medicines"- Ocean Wise

The Ocean is a Vast Economic Resource

"The ocean provides jobs, food, and energy for the entire planet. The fishing industry alone employs nearly 60 million people worldwide generating nearly $250 billion in sales annually. Ocean-based tourism accounts for another $1 trillion each year.In addition to these direct sources of income, hundreds of millions more are employed indirectly by industries that rely on healthy oceans for their success.This includes the shipping industry, tourism operators, and coastal communities"- Everything Manatee

Celebrating our Oceans

There is something truly breathtaking in watching the ocean, it can evoke different meanings for different people.

We are extremely blessed here at Southern Palms to be situated beachfront overlooking the Atlantic waters of the famous Dover Beach. For us it can be described as an underwater museum waiting to be explored which touches the heart, connects the soul and promises endless adventure !

We are committed to preserving our oceans on World Ocean Day  and all days to ensure our little piece of paradise can be enjoyed for years to come.

Turtle Care at Southern Palms

Dover Beach is renowned for being a nesting ground for the Hawksbill Turtles between the months of May and November. These turtles named after their hawk like beak tend to swim in tropical shores and typically consume sea sponge. On average the Hawkbills turtle nests roughly 4 times per season at 2 week intervals and lays around 140 eggs. The mother turtle returns to the sea leaving behind her eggs which eventually hatch 2 months afterwards.

Considered one of the most endangered turtles worldwide we are committed to preserving these species here at Southern Palms and we work closely with the Barbados Sea Turtle Project. We've shared some of our initiatives below

Use of Red Lighting

Studies have shown that the use of red/amber  lighting is safer as they give off a longer wave length light which doesn't interfere with female nesting, mating and migration habits.

Hatchling Care

In the event of a hatching all staff and guests are guided on the process of handling hatchlings. We notify the BSTP and in the interim gently collect the hatchlings place them into a open box. All guests and staff are deterred from shining bright lights on the hatchlings and it is imperative that no turtles are placed into the sea.

The BSTP recover the turtles and release them into a safe and secure location.

Reduce Marine Debris

Plastic straws pose a great risk to sea turtles as it can be fatal once lodged in the airways. We have removed all plastic straws and instead use compostable straws should a guest request  one. In addition, we do not utilise single use cups instead opting for reusable cups.Every evening the beach area is cleared of any objects which may cause obstruction such as loungers, tables and any left over cups.