Bahamas News
NEW STUDY LINKS CORAL DISEASE TO COMMERCIAL SHIPPING PORTS
Spread fueled by vessel traffic between islands
#TheBahamas, August 11, 2021 – The first scientific assessment into Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD) in The Bahamas highlights the need for early detection and rapid response to an underwater outbreak causing the greatest decline in a decade to coral populations.
In a new study published in the journal, Frontiers in Marine Science, a team of researchers confirmed a theory first espoused by the Perry Institute of Marine Science in April 2020, that tainted ballast water brought SCTLD to Grand Bahama sometime in 2019, and from there, the disease rapidly spread to New Providence.
Strengthening the hypothesis is the fact that no SCTLD has been reported near Bimini, the island closest to Florida. The southern state has been affected by SCTLD for at least five years.
“Freeport and Nassau are the two largest container ports in The Bahamas and are over 200 km apart with multiple islands between them where SCTLD has not yet been reported. It is probable that SCTLD arrived in The Bahamas via commercial shipping, followed by rapid spread within islands via local currents and other vectors,” according to the research article posted earlier this month.
It’s authored by Dr Craig Dahlgren, Dr Valeria Pizarro, Dr Krista Sherman and William Greene of the Perry Institute of Marine Science and Joseph Oliver from Grand Bahama’s Coral Vita, a company specializing in reef restoration.
“Bahamian reefs could experience local extinctions of at least three species that are already rare. At least one coral species is at risk of becoming extinct locally due to SCTLD,” said the study’s lead author, Dr Dahlgren, a recognized expert in tropical marine ecosystems.
“These results imply that Bahamian coral reefs could suffer a major change in coral community composition, thus impacting their ecological functionality.”
Corals are the engineers that build a valuable, diverse marine ecosystem. Without them, the ecosystem collapses and reefs lose their function.
“The rate of spread of SCTLD is a great concern and challenge for the management of reefs. The absence of SCTLD from surveys of Grand Bahama and New Providence in 2019 but a widespread occurrence across at least two thirds of the reef area in 2020 for both islands indicate a rapid spread of the disease,” said co-author and marine biologist, Dr Pizarro.
Once reaching The Bahamas, researchers suggest the spread of the disease within reefs was likely due to several factors – direct contact with contaminated ships, diving equipment, fish, water currents and Hurricane Dorian.
“Smaller vessels including commercial and recreational fishing boats, yachts, and inter-island mailboats may have also contributed to the spread of SCTLD within each island and to other parts of The Bahamas, like north Eleuthera Island where SCTLD was confirmed in December 2020,” the study stated.
The research intends to provide marine resource managers with information on where the disease occurred and what species were affected in a short timeframe. Moreover, the study identifies which coral species could suffer local extinctions and makes recommendations for antibiotics and the adoption of other measures such as coral rescue facilities to prevent loss of these species locally.
Scientists believe the disease could be contained through effective regulation of ballast water transfer, implementing policies relating to pumping, dumping and disinfecting bilge water, and minimizing other human spread.
A deadly disease, SCTLD infects over 20 species. It is waterborne and highly transmissible. It could linger in an area for several years, swiftly reducing colony density and living coral tissue. The cause of the disease is unknown.
According to the study, reefs closest to Grand Bahama and New Providence main commercial shipping ports recorded the greatest number of coral death and infection rates for the most vulnerable species. The further away from the port, the healthier the corals.
In New Providence, direction of the corals in relation to the port also played a factor. Sites to the east of the port were generally healthier when compared to sites west of the port, where nearly the entire coastline was affected by SCTLD.
When it came to Grand Bahama, depth was a significant factor in influencing the proportion of colonies that were healthy. Death and infection were more prevalent in shallow reefs.
There was one bright spot identified. Resistance to the disease was slowly taking hold in a case of survival of the fittest. Although there is an increase in new deaths, scientists observed a decrease in active infection for most species on both islands. The proportion of healthy corals, however, remain largely unchanged.
The study entailed rapid assessments of 25 reefs off Grand Bahama conducted in March 2020 and six reefs off New Providence in June 2020.
Surveys began at sites where SCTLD had been reported for each island and extended outward along the reef from those locations to assess the extent of the disease outbreak for both islands. A second set of surveys for both Grand Bahama and New Providence was conducted in January 2021 to examine changes over time at previously surveyed reefs and at additional sites to determine the spread of the disease for each island.
These last surveys were comprised of 16 sites in Grand Bahama, including 11 of the previously assessed sites, and 29 in New Providence, including all sites surveyed in June 2020.
“Results from this study stress the need for early detection and suggest that preventing the spread of the disease between islands via vessel traffic is of utmost importance,” the study noted.
By LINDSAY THOMPSON
Bahamas Information Services
NASSAU, The Bahamas –– Due to measles outbreaks in countries in close proximity to The Bahamas, the Ministry of Health and Wellness is taking no chances and officially re-launched its Community Vaccination Outreach Programme, to keep the public aware of the contagious disease.
A press conference was held on Wednesday, April 23 2025 at the Ministry on Meeting Street, during which health officials also discussed the immunization and vaccination status locally.
Present were the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, Minister of Health and Wellness; Dr. Philip Swann, Acting Director, Department of Public
Health; Dr. Jillian Bartlett, Senior Medical Officer; Nurse Gina Ferguson-Rose, National Immunization Coordinator; and Dr. Eldonna Boisson, PAHO/WHO Representative for The Bahamas, and Turks and Caicos Islands.
The update coincided with observance of Vaccination Week in The Americas, April 26 to May 3, 2025 under the theme ‘Your Decision Makes a Difference. Immunization for All.’ According to the Centre for Disease Control, the United States confirmed over 800 cases of measles this year, including a death in Texas, and cases in Florida, Maryland, New York, New Jersey, and Washington. This is compared to 248 cases for the entire year, 2024. In Canada during the first two months of 2025, there were 227 measles cases, with many requiring hospitalizations. Compared to 146 for the whole of last year. Last week, Belize reported two cases.
“Which is one of the reasons the Department of Public health is having this press conference to alert parents of the danger and the need to ensure your child is immunized,” said Dr. Darville.
He noted that many of the confirmed measles cases in the US are in states that have direct flights to The Bahamas, which can result in possible imported cases.
“Secondly, the country’s current Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) immunization rates are just under 85 percent which makes us very vulnerable as a nation,” he said.
Dr. Darville said he was pleased to report that “there are no reported cases of measles in the country and the Department of Public Health along with our partner PAHO, is launching a community based door-to-door programme to promote public awareness and education programmes about measles, mumps and rubella, and to immunized those children that may have been missed.”
He reminded the public that measles is a highly contagious disease and the rapid spread is of great concern to public health. And, he reaffirmed that immunizations are free at the public clinics, urging parents and guardians to review their children’s immunization records. If they have any concerns, contact the team at the newly reopened Baillou Hill Road Community Clinic or the EPI center at 341-1741 or 341-1766.
“Remember these vaccines have been around for decades. They are safe, effective and are provided free of charge at all public health facilities,” said Dr. Darville.
Dr. Swann reinforced the message that the measles vaccine is a vital tool in protecting public health. It prevents measles, a highly contagious
disease that can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and even death, especially in young children and individuals with weakened immune systems.
“By achieving high vaccination rates, communities benefit from herd immunity, which helps shield those who cannot receive the vaccine due to medical conditions. The vaccine has played a key role in drastically reducing measles cases worldwide, contributing to efforts toward the potential elimination of the disease. Promoting widespread access to the vaccine is essential to safeguarding lives and preventing outbreaks,” he said.
He added, “We believe that combining these strategies can boost vaccination rates and help protect entire communities through herd immunity.”
Dr Swann advised the public that the Department of Public Health is re-launching its community programme. The first wave will be the teams of nurses and nurse extenders who will be wearing Vaccination Week in the Americas t-shirts. And, they would be in communities this week with a blitz being planned for the communities served by the Baillou hill Road and Fleming Street clinics this coming weekend.
Dr. Eldonna Boisson, PAHO/WHO Representative for The Bahamas, and Turks and Caicos Islands also stressed the importance of being vaccinated.
“The problem for us is that our vaccination coverage is dangerously low. What this means is that if a case of measles comes into The Bahamas, we are at a very high risk of that case spreading the diseases to the Bahamian population, particularly children.
“We run a very real risk of having a measles outbreak, which needless to say will also severely affect tourism.
“So, what can we do? The answer is simple. Ensure that we are vaccinated with two doses of the MMR vaccine. This will protect the children and prevent spread of this potentially very severe disease,” she said.
(BIS Photos/Mark Ford)
Bahamas News
Bahamian Archivist Antoinette Seymour Preserves Cultural Heritage with New Book “Been to Cat Island”
The Bahamas, April 25, 2025 – Bahamian archivist and international chess legend Antoinette Seymour has undertaken the significant
endeavor of archiving the rich cultural history of the Bahamas’ major islands. In her recent publication, “Been to Cat Island”, the first title in the “Been to Bahamas” series published by Inspire Publishing (Bahamas) 2024, Seymour passionately explores this vital task.
For many, the prospect of documenting the complexities of island history could seem daunting. However, Ms. Seymour, inspired by the strategic teachings of her late father, renowned chess master Warren Seymour, embraces the challenge. “Archivists preserve and safeguard culture, history, heritage, identity, legacy, and memory,” she asserts, referencing a 1996 UNESCO publication that states, “The loss of archives is as serious as the loss of memory in a human being.”
“Throughout my life, I have heard fascinating stories about Cat Island and from Cat Islanders—stories that deserve safeguarding,” Ms. Seymour emphasizes. “If these narratives are not preserved, they will tragically vanish.”
In “Been to Cat Island,” readers can explore the unique identity of Cat Island through Seymour’s passionate lens. Discover the origins of icons like Sir Sidney Poitier, encounter delightful anecdotes such as pigs feasting on lobster, and revel in the island’s rolling hills, pristine beaches, and vibrant heritage. This book is not merely a historical account; it is an intimate portrayal of resilience, culture, and connection.
While holding a critical archival position at her alma mater, the University of Windsor in Ontario, Canada, Ms. Seymour remains devoted to
her Bahamian roots. She aims to ensure that current and future generations of Bahamians cherish our nation’s rich history. When not archiving, Ms. Seymour travels throughout the island and shares her expertise in chess with children across The Bahamas. She is a proud mother of two and a grandmother of one.
“Been to Cat Island” is available now at Chapter One bookstore, Logos Bookstore, Cia Monet, select museums in The Bahamas and bookstores in Canada, and on Amazon.com in both paperback and eBook formats.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Antoinette Seymour
Author Email: antoinetteseymour@yahoo.com
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