Climate Smart Management Planning for MPAs in the Abacos
Project Overview:
Scientists from the Perry Institute for Marine Science (PIMS) are conducting ecological assessments within four Marine Protected Areas in the Abaco region of The Bahamas. The study will focus on Crab Cay Marine Reserve, No Name Cay Marine Reserve, Fowl Cays National Park, and Pelican Cays Land and Sea Park.
A research team from the United States and The Bahamas will conduct field surveys to evaluate the health of key coastal habitats including coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove ecosystems. Researchers will also document important marine species such as corals, reef fish, conch, and lobster.
The vessel supporting this expedition will serve as the operational platform for transporting scientists between survey locations and supporting daily fieldwork operations. Surveys will be conducted using snorkel and scuba, along with underwater photography, video documentation, and drone-based habitat mapping.
Data collected during the expedition will be combined with socioeconomic research conducted by a separate team. Together, these datasets will help inform the development of climate-smart management plans for Marine Protected Areas in the Abacos.
Program Partners
- Perry Institute for Marine Science
- The Bahamas Protected Areas Fund (BPAF)
Location
- The Abacos, Bahamas
Expected Time Frame
- May - June, 2026
Duration of Expedition
- 6–7 Days
Accommodation Needed
- 5–6 Researchers and 1 SeaKeepers Representative
Special Equipment Needed
- Licensed Captain, Swim platform (hydraulic or stationary) or easy access to water, Access to tender or smaller vessel, Compressor (for scuba diving)
Expedition parameters listed above are flexible and negotiable.
Background:
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) play an important role in conserving marine biodiversity and supporting sustainable fisheries in The Bahamas. Maintaining effective management plans for these areas requires up-to-date information about the condition of marine habitats and the species that depend on them.
The Abaco region contains a diverse range of coastal ecosystems, including coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove habitats. These environments provide critical habitat for a wide variety of marine species and support important fisheries resources such as lobster and conch.
The Perry Institute for Marine Science has been conducting marine ecological research throughout The Bahamas for more than two decades and has extensive experience assessing coral reefs and coastal habitats across the region.
By conducting in-water surveys and habitat mapping across multiple Marine Protected Areas, this project will help provide updated ecological information that can support future management and conservation planning in the Abacos.
Mission:
The mission of this expedition is to assess the health of marine habitats and key species within several Marine Protected Areas in the Abaco region of The Bahamas.
Through in-water surveys conducted using snorkel and scuba, researchers will document coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves, and associated marine species including fish, conch, lobster, and corals. These observations will help provide an updated understanding of ecosystem conditions across the study sites.
The research team expects to complete surveys over one day at the two smaller protected areas near Green Turtle Cay and two days at Fowl Cays National Park and Pelican Cays Land and Sea Park.
Applications:
Findings from this project will be shared with the Bahamas Department of Marine Resources and the Bahamas National Trust to support updates to management plans for the Marine Protected Areas included in the study.
By combining ecological data with socioeconomic research conducted by a separate team, the project aims to contribute to the development of climate-smart management strategies for these protected areas.
The expedition will also provide an opportunity for hands-on training, including participation by an intern from the University of The Bahamas, helping support the next generation of marine scientists in the region.
Relevant/Previous Scientific Publication(s):
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