Saving Corals from Local Extinction in The Bahamas
Project Overview:
The Perry Institute for Marine Science is leading a coral rescue initiative across The Bahamas to safeguard reef-building coral species at risk of local extinction. This project involves the targeted collection of corals from multiple islands, including both healthy colonies and those affected by Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD), for transfer to a biosecure, land-based coral gene bank facility.
Once in controlled conditions, these corals are stabilized, monitored, and maintained to preserve their genetic diversity. Through advanced propagation and spawning techniques, rescued corals will contribute to future reef restoration efforts, including the reintroduction of resilient genotypes back onto degraded reefs. This work represents a proactive, science-driven approach to preserving coral biodiversity and supporting long-term ecosystem recovery in The Bahamas.
Program Partners
- Perry Institute for Marine Science
- Atlantis Blue Project Foundation
- Government of the Bahamas
- University of the Bahamas
Location
- Northern & Central Bahamas
Expected Time Frame
- June - July, 2026
Duration of Expedition
- 7 days (5 working days/2 travel days)
Accommodation Needed
- 4 Researchers and 1 SeaKeepers Representative
Special Equipment Needed
- Licensed Captain, Access to tender or smaller vessel, Compressor (for scuba diving), Sufficient deck space that is able to be continuously wet and can hold 5 large igloo coolers
Expedition parameters listed above are flexible and negotiable.
Background:
Coral reef ecosystems throughout The Bahamas and the wider Caribbean are undergoing rapid decline due to a combination of rising ocean temperatures, climate change, and the spread of Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease. This disease has caused widespread mortality among reef-building coral species, significantly reducing both coral cover and genetic diversity across the region.
In response, coral gene banking has emerged as a critical conservation strategy. By removing at-risk corals from the wild and maintaining them in controlled, biosecure environments, scientists can preserve living genetic material that would otherwise be lost. The Bahamas Coral Gene Bank is part of a national effort to protect coral biodiversity, housing live coral colonies in specialized systems that promote growth, resilience, and reproductive success.
These systems allow for continuous monitoring of coral health and the application of techniques such as target feeding and simulated spawning cycles to enhance survivorship and propagation. Collecting corals from multiple islands ensures a broad representation of genetic diversity, which is essential for increasing the adaptive capacity of coral populations and supporting effective restoration efforts.
Mission:
Expedition Mission:
To safeguard the genetic diversity of Bahamian coral species through responsible collection, land-based preservation, and controlled breeding, supporting the restoration and resilience of coral reef ecosystems across The Bahamas.
Project Objectives:
-Conduct targeted coral collection expeditions across Bahamian islands to capture a wide range of genetic diversity
-Prioritize the rescue of species most vulnerable to SCTLD and other environmental stressors
-Establish and maintain healthy coral populations within a biosecure gene bank facility
-Utilize advanced propagation and spawning techniques to produce viable coral offspring
-Support reef restoration through the reintroduction of resilient coral genotypes
-Contribute to local conservation efforts and provide education on coral reef preservation to students and communities
Applications:
This project plays a critical role in preserving coral biodiversity in The Bahamas by safeguarding vulnerable species and genetic lineages that are at risk of being lost. By maintaining living coral populations within a gene bank, researchers can support long-term conservation goals and provide a reliable source of resilient coral stock for future restoration initiatives.
The propagation and reintroduction of genetically diverse corals will help rebuild degraded reef systems, improving ecosystem health, supporting fisheries, and enhancing coastal protection. In addition to restoration outcomes, this work contributes to a growing body of knowledge on coral resilience, reproduction, and disease response, informing conservation strategies across the wider Caribbean.
The project also supports education and outreach efforts, helping to raise awareness of coral reef conservation and inspire local stewardship of marine resources.
Program Partners:
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