The Perry Institute for Marine Science is a not-for-profit organization committed to protecting our oceans through research that both inform the public and encourage action, ultimately improving the understanding and stewardship of our oceans. Our programs focus on improving our understanding of the issues facing our oceans, working with governments to develop management strategies and
The Long-spined urchin, Diadema antillarum, was once the most effective and important grazer on reefs throughout the Caribbean. These urchins are capable of clearing large areas of macroalgae and keeping it clear for coral larvae to settle and grow. However, in 1983, an unknown pathogen nearly wiped out the entire population of Long-spined urchins in
Atlantis’s entry in the 2018 Tour de Turtle race has already made great strides before the beginning of the official race. As of July 23, 2018, she has logged over 1,500 miles. A satellite tracking device was placed on Lucaya on May 27, 2018 on Soropta Beach Panama by the foundation’s partner Sea Turtle Conservancy.
QUICK INTRO ON SPONGES There are currently 8897 described species of sponges belonging to the phylum Porifera, with hundreds of species reported from the Caribbean region, including The Bahamas. In discussing sponges with spongers of The Bahamas, however, they only consider the four harvested species to be sponges, and disregard the rest of the species.
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are a vital tool for sustaining the Bahamian marine environment for generations to come. The Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF) brought together local celebrities – Sawyerboy, Dyson and Wendi Knight, Trueranda Cox, André Musgrove, Kareem Mortimer, Willis Knowles and Keith Carroll- to encourage people to sign a petition for Marine Protected
Lionfish invaded The Bahamas in about 2005 and researchers noticed in 2007 that there was a population explosion of this invasive species. Native to the Indian and Pacific oceans, lionfish have continued to spread throughout the Caribbean and The Bahamas has been one of the hardest hit countries. Lionfish out-eat and out-breed other marine species
Task: Stranding Response Readiness The young male manatee known from Florida who has been named “Manny” and who was rehabilitated at Atlantis’ Dolphin Cay was released to Eleuthera on 9 th January in a collaborative effort between BMMRO, Atlantis’ Dolphin Cay, the Department of Marine Resources and the US Geological Survey Sirenia Project. BMMRO carried
Coral reefs are an integral ecosystem on Earth as they provide many ecosystem services like food security, coastal protection from storms, medicine and millions of jobs through fishing, tourism and recreation. Countries and communities, like The Bahamas, are also intimately tied to coral reefs through both their livelihoods and cultural traditions passed down through many
At the Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF) Sir Nicholas Nuttall Coral Reef Sculpture Garden (CRSG), this survivor coral of Hurricane Matthew has grown to almost 5 times its original size in less than one year, from 155mm in May 2017 to 755mm in March 2018! With the help of Bahamas Environmental Steward
In 2008, Dr. Craig Dahlgren of the Perry Institute for Marine Science and a team from Disney’s The Seas with Nemo and Friends aquarium at Epcot in Orlando began conducting experimental coral restoration on reefs between Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Cay and the settlement of Sandy Point in South Abaco. In 2007 reefs were assessed