ABOUT US

Marine Conservationist

Keith Cooper – Managing Director | Conservationist

Keith Cooper—affectionately known as the “Stingray Whisperer”—is a passionate marine conservationist and the visionary founder of West End Ecology Tours in West End, Grand Bahama Island. Born in the Bahamas and raised in Florida, Keith is a U.S. Army veteran who parlayed a 20‑year career in hotel sales and marketing into a life devoted to marine wildlife. For more than 15 years, he has immersed himself in the study and hands‑on interaction with stingrays, developing an unmatched expertise in their behavior and ecology.

Through his signature tours, Keith offers guests an immersive, educational encounter with Southern Stingrays—dispelling long‑held myths and fostering a genuine appreciation for these graceful creatures. His engaging storytelling, scientific insight, and unwavering commitment to conservation have inspired both locals and visitors to become advocates for the ocean. Keith’s work not only elevates the Bahamas’ eco‑tourism offerings but also cultivates a lasting legacy of marine stewardship for generations to come.

 His vision is to rejuvenate and rebrand West End as Grand Bahama’s eco‑adventure capital—blending community pride with transformative, sustainable tourism. 

  Ken Nottage – Managing Director | Operations

Ken Nottage brings over 30 years of maritime leadership to his role as Managing Director and Operations. A seasoned professional in vessel operations, Ken has been a driving force behind marine‑based experiences that protect and celebrate Grand Bahama’s coastal heritage. He will oversee all aspects of future projects under development. As former Chairman of West End Local Government and Deputy Counselor for West Grand Bahama District Council, Ken is deeply committed to civic engagement, infrastructure development, and sustainable growth. 

Building on this foundation, Ken holds advanced experience in coastal navigation, seamanship, and vessel maintenance, giving him unparalleled expertise in chart plotting, GPS systems, and safe passage planning.

Off the clock, Ken is a devoted husband and proud father of three young boys. He and his wife treasure weekends aboard their family boat, where Ken teaches his sons hands‑on lessons in boating, navigation, and the principles of marine conservation—nurturing the next generation of ocean stewards.

Senior Advisor

Rupert, a Bahamian national, is the Founder and Chairman of the Blue Action Lab and Blue Action Ventures, as well as the Executive Chairman of the Blue Action Accelerator, a joint venture with Founders Factory, one of the largest venture platforms in the world. He serves as a principal and Co-Chairman of the Grand Bahama Port Authority and Port Group Limited, and director of the Freeport Harbour Company, GB Shipyard, GB Utility, GB DEVCO and the Grand Bahama Disaster Relief Foundation. In addition, Rupert is an advisor to Global Harvester Holdings, a UK green merchant bank, 17 Asset Management, a NY impact investing firm, and he holds a government-appointed board seat as Vice-Chair of The Bahamas Protected Areas Fund. He also advises the University of The Bahamas on climate and resilience initiatives.