Grand Bahama Island - On August 25th, 2008. The Grand Bahama Development Company (DEVCO) and UNEXSO hosted a wrap up press conference for the visiting Explorer's Club Flag Expedition at Petersen's Cay. A six-member crew of New York City’s distinguished Explorers Club (TEC) led by Marine Biologists Drs. Stefan Harzen and Barbara Brunnick, and Science Writer Joe Frey had just completed their eight-day Flag Expedition to Grand Bahama Island. The Explorers Club is an international multidisciplinary professional society dedicated to the advancement of field research and the ideal that it is vital to preserve the instinct to explore. Since its inception in 1904, the Club has served as a meeting point and unifying force for explorers and scientists worldwide.

Watch and listen as Dr. Harzen, President and CEO of the Taras Oceanographic Foundation explains what was accomplished during the expedition, while viewing astonishing underwater video footage of the reef at Petersen's shot by award winning Canadian cinematographer, Paul Mockler. Dr. Harzen also reveals the Explorer's Club future plans for Grand Bahama Island and the Bahamas.

Also giving remarks is Graham Torode, President, DEVCO; Nakira Wilchcombe, Environmental Manager, GBPA; Terrance Roberts, Director Business Development & Communications, GBMOT; Andre Cartwright, Sustainable Tourism Development Officer, GBMOT; and Linda Osborne, General Manager, UNEXSO. Mr.

Torode completes the video by making a plea to Grand Bahamian residents to ensure we all do our part to care for and keep our most valuable resource, our environment, pristine for our guests and future generations.

Flag presentation - left to right, Graham Torode- CEO & President , DEVCO; Nakira Wilchcombe- Environmental Manager, GBPA; Dr. Barbara Brunnick, Explorers Club; Dr. Stefan Harzen- NYEC Group, Leader; Linda Osbourne- GM UNEXSO; and Andre Cartwright- GB Ministry of Tourism Spokesman "International Year of The Reef Campaign" Photo: Lyndah Wells