As early as the mid-1980s concerned citizens began expressing the need to protect Moriah Harbour Cay and its surrounding areas. Led by Basil Minns, an avid birdwatcher, fisherman, and respected member of the community, a campaign was forged and gained momentum in the late 1990s. A broad spectrum of stakeholders got involved, including students and adults from across Exuma, who wrote numerous letters to the Prime Minister and other government officials. They called for the Government to establish the national park and within months, the “Save Moriah Harbour Cay Project” had attracted a significant following and national attention.