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Bahamas Wildlife Enforcement Network, Nassau (2026)

01/08/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BahWEN Intercepts Suspected Closed-Season Crawfish Offence on Eve of Season Opening
(31 July 2026 – Nassau, The Bahamas)…Members of the Bahamas Wildlife Enforcement Network (BahWEN), led by Force Chief Petty Officer W. Gilbert, have taken a male foreign national into custody following a joint intelligence-led operation in the Exumas, just one day before the opening of the national crawfish season.
Acting on information received, BahWEN officers conducted the operation in partnership with the Department of Marine Resources and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, utilizing a Department of Marine Resources patrol vessel. Prior to the boarding, officers received video evidence appearing to show crawfish being cleaned aboard a pleasure craft before the opening of the national crawfish season.
During the inspection of the vessel, officers also discovered an undeclared fi***rm. The individual was cited, taken into custody and will be handed over to the relevant authorities for further investigation and processing in accordance with the laws of The Bahamas.

BahWEN extends its appreciation to the Department of Marine Resources and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force for their continued partnership and operational support. Collaborative enforcement remains essential to protecting the country's natural resources and ensuring that those who violate environmental laws are held accountable.
BahWEN reminds the public that the closed season for crawfish and other protected species exists to safeguard breeding populations, promote sustainable fisheries and conserve The Bahamas' natural resources for future generations. Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected environmental offences through the appropriate authorities.
.Investigate.Educate.

01/08/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BahWEN Advances Environmental Security Through Science and Regional Collaboration
(31 July 2026 – Nassau, The Bahamas)…A delegation from the Bahamas Wildlife Enforcement Network (BahWEN), consisting of Commander Desiree Corneille, Force Chief Petty Officer Wilbert Gilbert, Force Chief Petty Officer Deann Parker-Davis, and Marine Seaman Logan Storr, attended the BirdsCaribbean Conference in Trinidad and Tobago from 22–26 July 2026.
The conference brought together more than 300 delegates from over 30 countries, including conservation professionals, researchers, government agencies, environmental organizations, educators, and bird enthusiasts from across the Caribbean and beyond. Celebrating its 25th International Conference under the theme "Birds, People, Prosperity: Harnessing the Caribbean's Natural Advantage," the event provided an important forum for discussing bird conservation, habitat management, wildlife monitoring, regional cooperation, and the role birds play as indicators of ecosystem health.
Throughout the conference, BahWEN officers participated in presentations and workshops on bird conservation, habitat management, wildlife monitoring, ecological restoration following natural disasters, and regional conservation initiatives. Particular attention was given to emerging wildlife trafficking trends, post-disaster ecological recovery, and the collection of baseline ecological data, subjects directly relevant to protecting The Bahamas' natural resources and strengthening environmental security.
For BahWEN, understanding bird populations extends well beyond conservation. Birds are among nature's earliest indicators of environmental change. Reliable biodiversity data strengthens environmental intelligence, supports wildlife crime investigations, measures recovery following natural disasters, and helps officers detect emerging environmental threats. Because migratory birds and wildlife trafficking cross international borders, collaboration with regional scientists and conservation practitioners strengthens the partnerships needed to combat transnational environmental crime.
Effective environmental security begins with understanding what is normal—only then can officers recognize when nature is telling us that something is wrong.
As part of the programme, the delegation visited the internationally renowned Asa Wright Nature Centre, where they experienced first-hand how bird conservation, ecotourism, sustainable forestry, and local communities can successfully coexist. The visit reinforced that protecting biodiversity and creating economic opportunity are complementary objectives and demonstrated how healthy ecosystems can support sustainable livelihoods.
The delegation also joined the Bird Banding Working Group, where best practices in the safe capture, handling, measuring, banding, and release of wild birds will be exchanged. Bird banding provides valuable long-term information on migration, survival, breeding success, and population trends, helping scientists better understand environmental change and informing conservation decisions throughout the region.
Presentations also highlighted species of particular concern to The Bahamas, including the critically endangered Bahama Nuthatch, the impacts of Shiny Cowbird parasitism on the Bahama Oriole, and the continued importance of protecting White-crowned Pigeons and other native bird species. Sessions also emphasized practical conservation measures, including responsible pet ownership, to reduce threats to native bird populations and improve habitat resilience.
Approximately 25 participants from The Bahamas attended the conference, providing another opportunity for Bahamian conservation professionals to strengthen regional partnerships, exchange knowledge, and collaborate on shared environmental challenges.
For BahWEN, conferences such as BirdsCaribbean are more than professional development opportunities. They ensure officers remain informed by current scientific research, connected to regional partners, and prepared to protect The Bahamas' natural resources using evidence-based approaches. The knowledge gained will strengthen environmental intelligence, support wildlife crime investigations, improve biodiversity monitoring, and contribute to more informed decision-making as BahWEN continues to build environmental security capability for The Bahamas.
Protect. Investigate. Educate.

16/07/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

*BahWEN Strengthens National Environmental Security Capability Through International Partnership*

Bar Harbor, Maine, USA – 5 July 2026 — The Bahamas Wildlife Enforcement Network (BahWEN) continues to strengthen The Bahamas' environmental security capability through strategic international partnerships and the adoption of modern enforcement practices following its participation in the International Wildlife Crime Stoppers (IWC) Conference in Bar Harbor, Maine.

Representing the Commonwealth of The Bahamas were Commander Desiree Corneille, Force Chief Petty Officer Wilbert Gilbert, and Chief Petty Officer Michelle Woods. The Bahamas was the only nation represented outside of the United States, reflecting BahWEN's growing engagement within the international environmental law enforcement community.

Hosted by International Wildlife Crime Stoppers under the leadership of President Patrick Walsh and Executive Director Wayne Saunders and team, the conference brought together wildlife law enforcement professionals to examine emerging threats, exchange operational experience, and strengthen partnerships dedicated to combating wildlife and natural resource crime. As environmental crime becomes increasingly sophisticated and frequently crosses jurisdictional boundaries, effective enforcement depends upon intelligence sharing, technological innovation, and strong international cooperation.

Throughout the conference, delegates participated in open discussions and experiential learning sessions focused on wildlife crime investigations, intelligence-led enforcement, community reporting programmes, conservation policing, interagency coordination, and operational lessons learned from experienced practitioners.

One of the conference's most valuable case studies examined Maine Operation Game Thief (OGT), a nonprofit Wildlife Crime Stoppers organization that partners with law enforcement to encourage confidential public reporting of wildlife crime. The programme demonstrated how trusted reporting mechanisms, public engagement, and strong partnerships between citizens and enforcement agencies can significantly strengthen wildlife crime detection and environmental protection.

Delegates also explored emerging technologies that are reshaping modern environmental law enforcement, including unmanned aerial systems (UAS), mechanical wildlife decoys, and other specialized investigative tools that enhance surveillance, evidence collection, officer safety, and wildlife crime detection. A practical marine enforcement patrol further demonstrated fisheries compliance techniques and accountability measures that support the sustainable management of marine resources.

Commander Desiree Corneille said the conference represented another important step in BahWEN's deliberate institutional development.

"Capability is built one partnership, one lesson, and one innovation at a time. That is how BahWEN is developing a modern environmental enforcement service for The Bahamas."

BahWEN remains committed to building a professional, intelligence-led environmental enforcement service through investment in its people, international collaboration, and the careful adaptation of proven operational practices that strengthen The Bahamas' capacity to safeguard its natural resources for future generations.

05/07/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CARICOM IMPACS Partnership Strengthens The Bahamas' Environmental Crime Enforcement Capabilities

NASSAU, THE BAHAMAS — 26 June 2026 — The Bahamas has taken another significant step in strengthening its ability to combat environmental crime through participation in a new regional enforcement initiative coordinated by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (CARICOM IMPACS) and supported by the European Union-funded EL PACCTO 2.0 programme.

Representing the Bahamas Wildlife Enforcement Network (BahWEN), Leading Seaman Donald Neely participated in Global Operation Custos Viridis, a regional initiative that brings together Caribbean law enforcement agencies and international partners to enhance cooperation against transnational environmental crime.

Environmental crime has become increasingly sophisticated, with criminal networks exploiting maritime borders to facilitate illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, wildlife trafficking, illegal waste movement, and other offences that threaten biodiversity, food security, and the sustainable management of natural resources. These crimes frequently extend beyond national jurisdictions, requiring coordinated regional and international responses.

Participation in Global Operation Custos Viridis strengthens The Bahamas' access to enhanced intelligence-sharing mechanisms, specialised investigative training, and greater opportunities for cross-border operational cooperation. The initiative also supports closer collaboration with regional law enforcement partners, European agencies, and INTERPOL to improve the detection, investigation, and prosecution of environmental offences.

For BahWEN, the partnership represents another important step in building a modern environmental enforcement capability equipped to address increasingly complex environmental crimes. The knowledge, operational networks, and intelligence gained through the initiative will support ongoing efforts to strengthen maritime enforcement, environmental investigations, and prosecutorial capacity within The Bahamas.

Commander Desiree Corneille, Lead of the Bahamas Wildlife Enforcement Network, said the initiative reflects the growing recognition that environmental crime is also a national and regional security concern.

"Environmental crime does not respect national borders. Whether it is illegal fishing, wildlife trafficking, or organised exploitation of our natural resources, these offences require coordinated international responses. Participation in initiatives such as Global Operation Custos Viridis strengthens our ability to work alongside regional and international partners to protect The Bahamas' environment, support effective prosecutions, and safeguard the natural resources upon which our people and economy depend."

As BahWEN continues to develop its operational capabilities, strategic partnerships with organisations such as CARICOM IMPACS reinforce The Bahamas' commitment to strengthening environmental governance, improving maritime security, and protecting the nation's natural heritage through coordinated, intelligence-led enforcement.

02/07/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

30 June 2026
BahWEN Strengthens National Capacity with Fifth Officer Completing International Wildlife Enforcement Training

NASSAU, The Bahamas — The Bahamas Wildlife Enforcement Network (BahWEN) proudly announces the successful graduation of Chief Petty Officer William Burns and Marine Seaman Logan Storr from the prestigious Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Breakout Academy at the Public Safety Institute in Tallahassee, Florida.
Their achievement marks another significant milestone in BahWEN's commitment to professional excellence and operational readiness. With their graduation, five BahWEN officers have now completed specialised FWC training, with Burns and Storr becoming the first BahWEN officers to successfully complete the Academy's full ten-week resident programme.
Recognised as one of the region's premier conservation law enforcement training programmes, the intensive academy combines classroom instruction with realistic, scenario-based exercises designed to prepare officers for the complex demands of wildlife, marine, and environmental law enforcement.
During the programme, the officers received advanced instruction in water survival, vessel operations, fi***rms proficiency, defensive tactics, criminal investigations, emergency vehicle operations, tactical medical response, wildlife management, fish identification, Boating Under the Influence (BUI) enforcement, Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST), alligator handling, black bear management, and operation of the Intoxilyzer 9000.
The specialised training enhances BahWEN's operational capability by strengthening investigative capacity, marine enforcement, public safety, and the protection of The Bahamas' marine resources, wildlife, and natural environment.
Commander Desiree K. Corneille, Lead Designate, Bahamas Wildlife Enforcement Network, said the graduation reflects BahWEN's continued investment in building a professional environmental enforcement service.
"Every officer who receives advanced training strengthens BahWEN's ability to protect The Bahamas. Chief Petty Officer Burns and Marine Seaman Storr have demonstrated exceptional commitment, and we are proud to welcome them back with knowledge and experience that will benefit both our organisation and our country."
The successful completion of the programme further strengthens the longstanding partnership between BahWEN and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission while reinforcing BahWEN's mission to build a highly skilled environmental law enforcement service capable of meeting the evolving challenges facing The Bahamas.
BahWEN congratulates Chief Petty Officer William Burns and Marine Seaman Logan Storr on this outstanding accomplishment and looks forward to the positive impact their enhanced knowledge and experience will bring to protecting The Bahamas' natural heritage.

02/07/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BREEF AND BAHWEN SUCCESSFULLY HOST 7TH ANNUAL MARINE CONSERVATION WORKSHOP
Nassau, The Bahamas – The Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF), in collaboration with the Bahamas Wildlife Enforcement Network (BahWEN), successfully hosted the 7th Annual Marine Conservation Workshop, reaffirming their shared commitment to advancing marine conservation, strengthening environmental stewardship and fostering collaboration among agencies responsible for protecting The Bahamas' natural resources.
Held from 22 to 26 June 2026 at the BahWEN Base, the five-day workshop brought together twenty-nine (29) participants who engaged in technical presentations, practical field activities and collaborative discussions aimed at enhancing their understanding of marine ecosystems, fisheries legislation and environmental protection.
Participants represented the Bahamas Customs Department, Department of Immigration, Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF), Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF), Department of Agriculture, Department of Marine Resources (DMR), Bahamas National Trust (BNT), Forestry Unit, Department of Corrections, The Nature Conservancy, Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP), Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and BahWEN, demonstrating the importance of a coordinated, multi-agency approach to marine conservation and environmental compliance.
Throughout the week, presentations were delivered by subject matter experts on a wide range of marine conservation topics, including invasive species, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), coral reef ecosystems, marine mammals, mangrove ecosystems, parrotfish conservation, fisheries regulations, climate change, environmental pollution and Queen Conch conservation. BahWEN also delivered presentations highlighting its mandate and the critical role of environmental law enforcement in safeguarding The Bahamas' marine resources.
The workshop concluded with a closing ceremony during which participants received certificates in recognition of their successful completion of the programme and their commitment to advancing marine conservation within their respective organizations.
Commander BahWEN Desiree Corneille commented "Environmental crime does not recognize agency boundaries, and neither should our response. Every officer trained here returns to their organization with a shared understanding, a common purpose, and a renewed commitment to protecting the natural resources that sustain our nation. Partnerships like these are how we build lasting conservation—not through individual effort, but through collective action."
The continued partnership between BREEF and BahWEN reflects a shared commitment to building national capacity, strengthening interagency cooperation and promoting responsible environmental stewardship. Through education, practical training, and collaborative partnerships, both organizations continue to support the sustainable management and long-term protection of The Bahamas' marine environment for the benefit of present and future generations.

30/06/2026

We are just saying...

19/05/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BahWEN Celebrates Officers Graduation from BAMSI Training Programme
(Nassau, Bahamas - 18 May 2026) ...The Bahamas Wildlife Enforcement Network (BahWEN) proudly announces that on May 8th, officers of the organization achieved another major milestone in professional development and environmental leadership by graduating from the BAMSI campus in San Andros with certifications in Nature Tour Guiding, Wilderness Medic and Bahama Host Training. This accomplishment reflects BahWEN’s ongoing commitment to strengthening environmental education, eco-tourism standards, wildlife protection, and community engagement throughout The Bahamas. Through this intensive training programme, participating officers enhanced their knowledge of Bahamian ecosystems, cultural heritage, visitor engagement, and sustainable tourism practices, skills essential to protecting and showcasing the natural beauty of our islands. The certification ceremony marked not only academic achievement, but also a continued investment in building highly trained environmental professionals capable of educating, guiding, and inspiring both residents and visitors alike.

“At BahWEN, we recognize that effective environmental protection goes beyond enforcement alone. It requires education, public engagement, and a strong understanding of the natural and cultural heritage that makes The Bahamas unique. I am extremely proud of these officers for their dedication and achievement, which strengthens BahWEN’s ability to protect, investigate, and educate while serving as ambassadors for our environment and country,” said Commander Desiree Corneille, BahWEN Lead Designate.

BahWEN extends sincere congratulations to Senior Lieutenant Danielle Morley, Force Chief Petty Officer Wilbert Gilbert, TCO Jerone Bastian, Forestry Officer III Terrance Rodgers, and Marine Seaman Logan Storr for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to conservation and national development. The organization also expresses appreciation to the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) for providing quality instruction and creating opportunities that empower the next generation of environmental stewards and tourism ambassadors. As BahWEN continues to grow, partnerships in education, conservation, and sustainable tourism remain vital to advancing the mission to Protect, Investigate, and Educate across The Bahamas.

27/04/2026

Strengthening Wildlife Response in The Bahamas

From April 13–17, 2026, officers from the Bahamas Wildlife Enforcement Network (BahWEN) participated in an intensive Wildlife Human Attack Response Training (WHART) in Cody, Wyoming.

Over five days of hands-on and classroom training, the team developed critical skills in wildlife behavior analysis, crime scene documentation, forensic evidence collection (including DNA, tracks, and tissue), and scene preservation and incident management.

This specialized program integrated law enforcement procedures, wildlife science, and forensic investigation techniques, preparing officers to respond effectively and professionally to wildlife-human conflict incidents. Representing The Bahamas were Chief Petty Officer Ricardo Cummings, Police Sergeant Deniko Lightbourne, Customs Officer Jerone Bastian, and Assistant Forestry Officer Terrence Rogers.

This training significantly strengthens The Bahamas’ national capacity to investigate wildlife incidents, enhance public safety, and support environmental protection efforts. It also highlights the need for continued advancement through standardized forensic equipment, national response protocols, and strengthened inter-agency collaboration.

Protecting people. Preserving wildlife. Advancing expertise.

Bahamas Wildlife Enforcement Network

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