The Bahamas National Trust, The Bahamas and the international community lost an amazing friend and dedicated conservationist on Sunday, March 21st. Dr. Alan Bolten, Associate Director of the Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research and long serving BNT Science Advisor passed away after a short but severe illness.
While Alan’s fates have stopped weaving the tapestry of his life, the saga written is quite wonderful and one to be celebrated.
Alan loved sea turtles and his love for them directed his work to not only identifying the threats to sea turtles but to finding the solutions to those threats. In order to find those solutions Alan worked with diverse partners and directed pivotal research among those who could make a difference. He was an authoritative and persuasive leader. Alan leaves a great legacy of professional accomplishment and a network of passionate connections that will continue the work he loved.
He and his wife, Dr. Karen Bjorndal, were almost an annual fixture on the island of Inagua. They conducted important research on Green Sea Turtles at Union Creek Reserve, which became the basis for conservation work to save this endangered species across the globe. He and Karen were part of the early years of the BNT and shared many adventures on Inagua with staff and volunteers. He was extremely close to the BNT Inagua Family, Senior Warden Henry Nixon and former Warden Randolph “Casper” Burrows, as well as the entire Nixon family.
Alan and Karen were the epitome of a perfect couple. Their deep endearing love and synergistic relationship were inspirational to all who knew and worked with them. It is with heartfelt sympathy and love that the BNT extends sincere condolences to Karen with the hope that memories of Alan with his kindness and incredible sense of humor will give her strength in the coming months.
Dr. Alan Bolten will always be known and remembered for his many valued contributions to the BNT and The Bahamas. We will miss him.