November 2025
Special Edition Newsletter
Current TCRF Facility at South Bank Marina
We did it!
After years of searching for the right place to call home, the Turks & Caicos Reef Fund is proud to announce that we are officially under contract to purchase a 1.45-acre waterfront property on the canal in Long Bay Hills to build out the TCRF Research and Education Center!
This milestone is more than the purchase of land. It’s an investment in the future of the people, reefs, and national heritage of the Turks and Caicos Islands. The ocean is part of who we are and has sustained our communities for generations. Now, it’s our turn to ensure it thrives for the generations to come.
We hope that this new space will become a hub for research, education, and innovation, connecting Turks and Caicos Islanders with regional partners and global scientists working to protect coral reefs across the Caribbean. From our expanded living coral biobank to the new wet and dry labs there will be increased opportunities for local students, interns, and researchers empowering our islands to contribute meaningfully to international science and reef resilience.
We are deeply grateful to the seller, a longtime resident and environmentalist, for offering this property at a below-market price, making this dream possible. We are equally grateful to everyone who has donated to get us this far. With over $900,000 already raised, we are now calling on our community and supporters to help us bridge the final $200,000 needed to close the sale and $250,000 for renovations and development.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build a lasting legacy for the Turks and Caicos. Together we will build a place where conservation, science, and community come together to safeguard our futures.
With gratitude and excitement,
Alizée Zimmermann
Executive Director
Turks and Caicos Reef Fund
Where we are and where we need to go…
Anyone who’s come to our facility in the last year knows that we’re at capacity and we need to grow. I’m so grateful to say, It’s finally happening!
So let’s take a closer look at our soon to be new home:
Overview
The 1.45 acre waterfront site is located on Blue Water Road, Providenciales with direct access to South Bank Marina via the canal.
Current Features
The property currently has a two-story building with a 2-bedroom, 1 bath upper level apartment and a 1-bedroom lower level apartment.
There is also a 10x10 ft concrete shed house.
The canal frontage has a 50 ft cement dock.
Future Features
The proposed research center will also include:
Living Coral Biobank: A 2,300 sq foot biobank / spawning lab.
Laboratories: Equipped with state-of-the-art technology for marine biology and environmental science research.
Classrooms: Spaces for educational programs and community workshops.
Accommodations: Lodging for visiting researchers, students, and staff.
Dock for Research Vessels: Boats for conducting fieldwork and collecting marine samples.
Data Analysis Tools: Software and hardware for analyzing and modeling ecological data.
Library and Archives: A comprehensive collection of scientific literature and research materials
Location
The property is ideally situated on the canal and in an area of ecological significance, offering direct access to diverse marine habitats. Being able to keep our boat docked on property with access to the Caicos Banks will facilitate efficient fieldwork and data collection.
Objectives
Conservation Research: Conduct extensive research on coral reefs, mangroves, and other critical marine habitats to inform conservation strategies.
Education and Outreach: Provide educational programs and workshops for local communities and international researchers, promoting sustainable practices and awareness.
Collaboration and Innovation: Facilitate partnerships with regional and global research institutions and conservation organizations to develop innovative solutions for marine conservation challenges.
Benefits
Enhanced Research Capabilities: A permanent facility will allow for continuous monitoring and long-term studies, providing valuable insights into ecosystem health and resilience. Ample space is available to house the planned container systems for biobank, laboratory as well as eventually starting urchin, crab and conch rearing.
Community Engagement: By involving local communities in research and conservation efforts, the center will promote stewardship of natural resources and support sustainable economic development.
Tourism and Economy: The center will attract researchers and eco-tourists, boosting local tourism and providing economic opportunities.
By The Numbers
Purchase Price: $1.1 million
Estimated Renovation and Site Prep costs: $125,000
Contingency Fund for unanticipated costs: $125,000
Total Initial Investment: $1.35 million
Estimated Market Value of property: $2 million
We already have nearly $1 million committed. Help us close the gap on the purchase price and reach our $1.35 million goal!
Introducing Ocean Legacy Lane
This is where your contribution is set in stone and will literally help pave the paths throughout the property. There are a number of options from your name or business to a dedication or quote.
Government & Community Support
Our vision for a permanent Research and Education Center has received encouragement from both the public and the government.
Department of Environment & Coastal Resources (DECR):
The DECR has issued a formal letter of full support for the project, recognizing that the facility will “result in an increase in the TCI’s capacity to carry out coral and marine conservation and education beyond the reach of TCI Government capacity, an essential component of applied conservation and environmental protection.”
Long Bay Hills Homeowners Association (HOA):
The HOA has expressed confidence in the project and its alignment with the neighborhood’s values, noting that the community “supports the undertakings associated with TCRF’s mandate” and looks forward to ongoing collaboration.
Together, these letters reflect a strong foundation of trust and partnership between TCRF, the community, and government.
What’s Next?
Closing & Transition (December): Once the sale closes on December 15th (Needs donations in place by December 7th) TCRF will immediately begin site preparations.
Rezoning: We have already begun the process to rezone the property from Low-density residential C to Civic which will allow for our research activities to be carried out. We are working with the Planning Department and will not be changing the density or the setbacks.
Stage 1 (First 6 months):
• Pouring slabs for the lab and biobank units
• Installing the prefabricated laboratory and biobank containers
• Relocating our 2 40-ft storage containers from South Bank Marina
• Preparing dock access for our vessel ReefSaver and establishing temporary office space
Thanks to the continued support of South Bank we will be able to keep our operating space at the Marina as well, giving us peace of mind to build out with care and move with intention.
Transparency Corner
As we grow, transparency and accountability remain at the core of TCRF’s values. Every dollar raised goes toward advancing coral reef protection and building lasting conservation infrastructure for the Turks & Caicos Islands.
You can review our most recent financials below:
Statement of Activity (FY 2024–2025)
Statement of Financial Position (FY 2024–2025)
TCRF continues to steward donor funds responsibly and strategically as we scale ensuring that every contribution strengthens both our reefs and our community.
thanks for following along
Keep an eye on our social media pages for updates, job postings, and new ways to get involved.
Your support truly helps us keep the momentum going for our reefs!
“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”
