<div><strong>SHARK RESEARCH STATION</strong>
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<div>The first time Annie and Tristan visited the island of Andros in the Bahamas they were inexorably drawn to the property that Saving the Blue recently purchased. In fact, the picture on this GoFundMe was taken on the property in 2018 during that first visit... Destiny had spoken. On viewing the property, they immediately dreamt of repairing and nurturing the overgrown, neglected lot and turning it into an inspiring and impactful research station. Now, with the land secured, they plan to fully restore the existing lot to create a cutting edge shark research station.
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<div>The land is immensely overgrown and holds thirteen derelict buildings, all of which are beyond repair. We had the option to hire heavy machinery to flatten the lot, but we have chosen to employ local experts and professionals to perform the work by hand. Not only will this process provide a regular income to the local economy, it will allow the team to be selective with what and how they remove elements. Cutting the bush and collapsing buildings by hand will allow us to easily save protected trees and encourage wildlife, such as native snakes and spiders to move out of danger. To learn more visit our dedicated <a href="https://www.sharkresearchstation.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shark Research Station</a> web page.
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<div>Thank you to all who donated to our original <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/savingtheblue" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GoFundMe</a>, your support played a vital role in where we are today. Now, let's get to work on phase one, clearing the land!
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<div><strong>PHASE ONE </strong>
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<div>First up we plan to remove invasive trees and plants, cut back much of the overgrown bush and remove the endless heaps of dumped trash to create a safe, workable space.
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<div>This project will be led by our cherished team member and Bahamian local, Sorantaa. Rantaa will lead a team of four Bahamians as they plough through the masses of overgrown bush to provide a safe workspace for all that follow. This job will be split into two parts: Initially, the first half of the property will be cleared with the second half of the property worked on soon after, and again in phase five.
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<div>This work will be tiring and difficult in the Bahamian heat, not to mention the mosquitos. We hope you will donate to support us and the local economy as we work to reach this important first goal!
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<div><strong>DONATIONS</strong>
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<div>All donations to this GoFundMe will be used to pay local Bahamians to clear the bush as described above, in addition to purchasing equipment such as rakes, shovels and machetes.
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<div><strong>Thank you to all who have supported us over the years, and to those new to Saving the Blue. There are many causes and nonprofits needing support and we'll be forever grateful that you chose us.</strong>
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<div><strong>PHASE TWO</strong>
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<div>Link to phase two can be found <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/phase-2-equipment-purchase-and-building-clearing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HERE</a>.
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Anonymous

Freek Vonk

Andrew Neal

Sonia Hebenstreit

Sean Williams

John Molander

Andrew White

Halee George

Alex & Lori Noordergraaf

Carole Hart

Whitney Vincellette

Ian Elgert

Angelos Metaxa

Joseph Seebode

Kelly Garvin

David Garrison

Debra Bonnet

Marli Clary

Holly Saathoff

Brian Foster

PHASE 1 – Equipment Purchase and Bush Clearing – Goal $5,000

Enter your donation forPHASE 1 – Equipment Purchase and Bush Clearing – Goal $5,000