By: Dr. Craig Dahlgren

For anyone who dives, there is nothing quite like the vibrant colours and diversity of life that is found on a coral reef.  These “Rainforests of the Sea” are increasingly under threat from both natural and human impacts that reduce coral populations to the point where they can no longer effectively reproduce.  Overfishing and loss of key species have also reduced resilience or the ability of reefs to recover from various threats. In The Bahamas, the Perry Institute for Marine Science has launched a major initiative to reverse the decline of coral reefs.  This comprehensive program includes reducing threats to corals; increasing reef resilience through the creation and management of marine protected areas as well as improved fishery management; and the active restoration of corals to reefs.  

Scientists from the Perry Institute are partnering with conservationists, government officials, and businesses such as resorts and dive shops to work together to improve the condition of coral reefs.  Through these efforts by the Perry Institute and its partners, The Bahamas is in the process of nearly doubling the size of its network of marine parks and protected areas and improving management of existing ones. Key reef species such as the Nassau grouper, a key predator on reefs, and grazing species like the longspined sea urchin and parrotfish that keep seaweeds in check and allow corals to grow, are also being given protection to allow populations to recover. The Perry Institute has also created the Reef Rescue Network, which has helped involve dive operators in coral restoration. Through the Reef Rescue Network, coral nurseries have been created throughout The Bahamas with nearly 10,000 corals being grown in nurseries and thousands of new corals being outplanted to reefs annually.  Scientists are also developing new techniques to expand the scope of coral restoration. 

Support from SCUBAPRO has been instrumental in providing support for these initiatives.  To learn more about the Perry Institute for Marine Science (www.perryinstitute.org) and the Reef Rescue Network, visit our website, or find us on Facebook or Instagram.

Photo: Perry Institute for Marine Science Executive Director, Dr. Craig Dahlgren conducts a reef health survey off Abaco, Bahamas.  Photo credit: Kevin Davidson