There may no longer exist in law a designation of that area off Athol Island as a sea garden, but in reality the sea garden is still there, and recognising what it is and what it means should be reason enough for its continued protection.

There is a fear today that the proposed development of Athol Island which will include a golf course will do untold damage to the marine life there and will eventually destroy the coral reefs. Director of Maritime Resources Michael Braynen told The Guardian on Monday that an amendment to the Fisheries Act, in 1986, took away the protection from what was considered by many as "the world's oldest sea gardens."

However, the government and the people of The Bahamas should not be in agreement to let the sea gardens be destroyed for the simple reason that it may not be illegal, in law, and because the development of the island will bring in millions of dollars for the public and private sectors. At least for the short term.

Because the one thing with foreign investors is that they can relocate in the event it becomes necessary. The multi-million and even billions of dollars that are often quoted may sound like dray loads of money to Bahamians but may only be a small fraction of the worth of the investors, and an amount which they may have no difficulty in recouping, if the business heads south.

According to the January 2004 issue of What-To-Do - Nassau, Cable Beach & Paradise Island, a surreal world of wonder lurks under the ocean's surface, and in The Bahamas that includes some spectacular sights that won't be found in most other places. It says while the warmth and clarity of the waters are well known, what is truly notable is the volume and variety of life harboured in the depths.

The article goes on to paint a picture of schools of brightly coloured tropical fish ... gaily striped sergeant majors, blue-green parrotfish and triggerfish, silvery-red grunts and vivid blue tangs in a memorable scene above the reefs.

And while stating that there's plenty to look at but not to touch, divers are told that this will ensure that these beautiful examples of underwater life stay that way for the next generation of divers to enjoy.

Coral reefs are living, breathing animals, with a hard limestone shell, which many people mistake for big, brightly coloured underwater rocks.

The thin film of living tissue that makes up the outer layer of a reef is especially susceptible to damage, which could allow bacteria to eat at the coral.

According to Leroy Lowe of Bahama Divers, in the 2005 Bahamas Handbook, a reef at Athol Island that is frequented by snorkellers is pretty, very close to Nassau and there's a lot of stuff to see there. It is said there are about 50 different species of fish on the reef." Someone else is quoted as saying that the Sea Gardens at Athol Island are gorgeous ... That they are a protected area with plenty of live coral formations, colourful fish, lobsters, and even an occasional turtle.

It could be that in 2006 and beyond, that picture will change, and succeeding generations will not be able to sing the same kinds of praises for Athol Island that have been voiced in the past.