Ocean Cay

Ocean Cay, The Bahamas

Islands By Design was contracted to prepare an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to assess the environmental impacts associated with the proposed development of Ocean Cay, The Bahamas, and to recommend measures for minimizing, avoiding, negating, or mitigating potential impacts when feasible.

Ocean Cay is a man‐made island located approximately 18.6 miles (30 km) south of south Bimini Island, The Bahamas. Ocean Cay was constructed using an existing rock outcrop along the western edge of Ocean Cay and eastward land reclamation from the late 1960s through early 1970s. The Great Bahama Bank west of Ocean Cay forms a narrow shelf about 1.5 nautical miles (2.8 km) to a depth of approximately 50 ft. (15.2 m) prior to dropping abruptly into the Florida Straits.

The proposed Project will allow the transformation of the current industrial, man-made island to a maritime reserve with facilities for tourism and cruise ship berthing. The Project plans includes various attractions some of which include, a uniquely Bahamian Village, Mixed Use Marina, Grand Beach, Lighthouse, Amphitheatre, Restaurants, Ocean Beach, central Green space, shallow water Lagoon, Private Cabanas, Private Beaches, Children’s Lagoon, Diving sites and Off‐shore diving areas.

Islands By Design was further retained to prepare an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) to ensure that necessary measures are identified and implemented in order to protect the environment and comply with environmental legislation. The EMP will provide construction staff and project managers with guidelines so that they can adhere to the environmental goals of Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) Marine Reserve at Ocean Cay.