Protecting the Exumas

NORTH BAY AT BIG SAMPSON CAY—A RARE PARADISE UNDER THREAT

Crystal-clear waters. Thriving coral reefs. Seagrass meadows teeming with life. The North Bay at Big Sampson Cay is a marvelous, untouched marine sanctuary in the Exumas.

But this rare ecosystem is now at risk. From Yntegra Group who prioritizes profit over protecting Exuma. This destructive and deceitful developer is moving in dredging and land clearing equipment, preparing to tear apart the island and seagrass meadows and shatter this marine sanctuary. We must act now to prevent an irreplaceable piece of the Exumas from being lost forever.

Watch this video below to see what’s at stake and learn how you can help protect the North Bay.

Timeline of Recent Events
April 2022

Bahamas Investment Authority approves the acquisition of Big Sampson Cay by Turtlegrass Resort for development of an eco-friendly resort on the North Bay.

May 2023

The Bahamas Department of Environmental Protection and Planning (DEPP) issues Turtlegrass Resort a Certificate of Environmental Clearance, approving the plans for construction with specific instructions: “NO DREDGING”.

December 2023

Turtlegrass invests $2.5 million in pre-construction on Big Sampson Cay, prioritizing conservation and celebrating Bahamian culture.

January 2024

Yntegra announces it has leased Bahamian Crown Land on Big Sampson Cay, with plans for a high-density development requiring dredging seagrass meadows for a dock in the North Bay in front of the Turtlegrass Resort beaches.

April 2024

Turtlegrass halts investment in Phase II construction, citing environmental concerns over Yntegra’s development.

June 2024

Yntegra unveils a revised version of its controversial plans, including a North Bay supply dock and two east-facing harbors, increasing the environmental risks.

July 2024

Experts warn that Yntegra’s new plans would tear local ecosystems and create hazardous conditions, exposing boaters, residents and staff to dangerous tidal forces and high winds.

August 2024

Rosewood Hotels ignores expert warnings about the significant environmental impact of the Yntegra development and partners with Yntegra to operate the facility if it is constructed.

Untouched Seagrass Meadows:

The Fight to Protect the North Bay

The North Bay isn’t just a scenic stretch of water—it’s a critical marine habitat under siege by plans that would destroy its delicate balance.

Two key players are driving this threat:

  • Yntegra Group, an untested resort developer who has proposed a massive dredging project that would gut the seagrass meadows, destroy the island and disrupt marine life.
  • Rosewood Hotel Group has aligned itself with these plans, despite its reputation as a luxury brand that claims to respect nature.

We’re pushing back. Through scientific research, community advocacy and direct engagement with stakeholders, we’re making the case for protecting what should never be lost.


WHAT’S AT STAKE

UNTOUCHED SEAGRASS MEADOWS

The Crown Jewel of the Caribbean

  • Seagrass meadows are lifelines for endangered sea turtles, offering them food and shelter.
  • These meadows serve as nurseries for conch, an iconic species essential to Bahamian culture and economy.
  • Seagrass captures carbon 35 times more efficiently than the Amazon rainforest, making it a powerful force in the fight against climate change.
  • This is sacred ground—an irreplaceable ecosystem that holds the balance of marine life in its roots.
THRIVING CORAL REEFS

Defying the Odds

  • These reefs provide sanctuary for rare fish species found nowhere else in the world.
  • While coral reefs vanish globally, the reefs of the Exumas remain a beacon of resilience and hope.
  • Divers and conservationists alike recognize these waters as one of the Caribbean’s last great marine treasures.
Turtlegrass Resort
NORTH BAY AT BIG SAMPSON CAY

A Rare Paradise Worth Protecting

  • Some places are too valuable to lose. North Bay is one of them.
  • By protecting this place, we preserve not just a beautiful destination but a vital stronghold for marine life and one of nature’s most powerful carbon sinks.
  • Our natural heritage is disappearing fast. The future of the Exumas depends on what we do today.
JOIN THE CAUSE

How You Can Help

  • Get involved. Get involved and sign our Change.org petition. Your voice matters in the fight to protect this beautiful place.
  • Stay informed. Follow our latest updates and research on the Turtlegrass Facebook, Instagram and Vimeo.
  • Raise awareness. Share this story with your community.
Turtlegrass Resort - Big Sampson Cay