2009 Newsletter – Second Edition

Hello! Welcome to the second Blue Water Divers newsletter of 2009.  It was great to get in touch with some folks we have not heard from in a while, and we look forward to keeping everyone up to date.

In this issue:

• Ike recovery progress.
• Lionfish update.
• Welcome to new staff from Iowa.
• PADI eLearning course.
• Extended Summer SPECIAL.
• The Naked Conch now open.

IKE RECOVERY PROGRESS
In the months after hurricane Ike, Grand Turk continues to progress with clean up efforts and rebuilding. More and more houses are being put back together, and hotels and apartments are returning as well. Most notably and very much missed is the Salt Raker Inn.  It has been a long road for them and although it will still be a while before the hotel is open, we are all anxiously awaiting the re-opening of their Secret Garden restaurant. We hope to have the High Tide rake and scrape band back there playing on Friday nights in less than a month.

Aid funds from the UK have also been getting organized, and there are now several full-time government consultants here to assist with budgets and spending. That is good news for Grand Turk, and the amount rumored to be available is over $5M USD. That, in addition to having more visitors continue to return to the island for our wonderful diving, will provide a much needed boost to our economy following the storm!

One of the most exciting Ike recovery updates (for me anyway!) is that I have started construction to replace my house, which was completely destroyed in the storm.  We have been at if for nearly two months now, and I am thrilled with the progress so far.  I should be moved in and hope to have divers over to visit my deck for sunset drinks before the end of the year!!

LIONFISH
The Caribbean Lionfish invasion has been getting a lot of press lately in both local and international publications. Here in Grand Turk, the Dept. of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR) has been sponsoring information clinics and monitoring lionfish activity. Both Blue Water Divers and Grand Turk Diving have been compiling information for DECR records on lionfish sightings and assisting with removal of this invasive species. To give you an example – our new dive instructor, Dan, has already removed over 70 lionfish both from dive sites on the wall and by snorkeling closer to shore.  I have removed another 30 myself in that same time, and our other instructor, Jesse, has removed over 50. Grand Turk diving has also removed similar numbers, and information on all of these has been added to what DECR is doing.

While it is unlikely that we will ever eradicate them, at least we can help keep their numbers from getting out of hand. They are a beautiful fish to see, and an excellent photographic subject, so it is fun to see one or two, but we will continue with the removal project to preserve the health of our waters.

I just read that in Cayman Islands they have added local fresh caught lionfish to the menu of some restaurants.  Locals have been eating them here too and I understand they are quite tasty.

NEW STAFF FROM IOWA
We are very pleased to have a new dive instructor join Blue Water Divers!! Dan Oselette from Iowa joined the team in April and has been working out great! Dan is a PADI instructor who has worked in Mexico and Florida and has a strong interest in photography.  Now that we have two full time instructors, we can operate all three of our boats for diving, snorkeling or cay trips….Come on down and meet Dan!!

E- LEARNING
If you know of someone who wants to get certified, but says they don’t have the time,  let them know about our website link to the new PADI eLearning course.  You can sign up and do all your academics and exams online.  And then travel – to Grand Turk for example! – to finish your confined and open water training.  It is fun, safe, and easy.  Best of all, you can do it on your own time and at your own pace.  Check out our link for more info.

SUMMER SPECIALS
We are pleased to extend our summer special until Sept. 1, 2009.  Book with us before then and receive 4 dive packages for the price of 3!!  This is a great deal for families or two couples traveling together.  Email us for details and bookings!

THE NAKED CONCH
Newcomers and return guests alike will love the new Conch World that has just opened on the southeast side of Grand Turk. It is modeled on the conch farm (the world’s only) from Provo and is a very impressive facility.  It includes a working miniature conch farm, a museum with the history of the entire process (also illustrated in a 6 minute film) and a gift shop/boutique with some beautiful, original art work and jewelry for sale.

It is a fantastic location on Grand Turk with a wonderful view and they have done a magnificent job putting it all together. Have lunch or dinner at their new restaurant – The Naked Conch – it is great food in an awesome setting!! See you there!

SEE YOU NEXT TIME
That will wrap it up for now.  Please drop us a line to say hello…or better yet, let us help you make plans to visit again.  From all of us here at Blue Water Divers, we wish you the best and look forward to seeing you again on Grand Turk soon!!