Bahamian Agriculture’s Potential Effects on Coastal Ecosystems and Economy

Abstract

To increase food security, the Bahamas needs to expand its agricultural industry. However, the monoculture practices used in the United States have the potential to contribute to dead zones. Dead zones forming as a result of eutrophication can be caused by nitrogen runoff from agricultural fields. The formation of dead zones in the Bahamas has the potential to damage the tourism and fishing industries of the economy. Cuba has demonstrated that monoculture on an island creates nitrogen runoff as well as decreases food security. Cuba's renovation of their agricultural system sets an example for the Bahamas on how to promote sustainable agriculture. By using sustainable farming practices such as hydroponics, aquaponics, green manure crops, and distancing fields from streams, the Bahamas can develop their food security while avoiding the creation of dead zones.