Bahamas News

Hybrid Corals Could Hold the Key to Reef Restoration

Published

5 years ago

September 9, 2021

Bahamas-based research says there are many factors to consider

#TheBahamas, September 9, 2021 – With nearly 27 percent of the world’s coral reefs lost to destructive events and stressors, a newly released study suggests hybridization – a mesh of different species – could save one of the world’s most important and threatened marine ecosystems.

Research published in the journal, Frontiers in Marine Science, found a naturally occurring hybrid coral and its fragmented sections are more resilient and grow rapidly in comparison to its parental species. The study suggests restoration managers use the hybrid, commonly called fused staghorn coral, to outplant degraded reefs and increase the scale of coral nursery projects.

“Coral restoration research by the Perry Institute for Marine Science (PIMS) and its partners demonstrates how we can bring back populations of critically endangered coral species in The Bahamas and help them adapt to their changing climate to prevent them from going extinct,” said Dr Craig Dahlgren, PIMS’ executive director who’s an expert in tropical marine ecosystems.

In the study, “Should Hybrids Be Used in Coral Nurseries?” PIMS identified hybrids’ untapped potential, alongside researchers from Florida’s Nova Southeastern University and the University of North Carolina Wilmington. The study was conducted at three nurseries on Great Stirrup Cay in the Berry Islands from June 2018 to July 2019.

The problem with coral reef ecosystems lie in their decades long decline due to rising sea temperatures, increased disease prevalence, pollution, overfishing, climate change and the like. Finding ways of protecting these natural resources is critical to the continuity of life around the world.

That’s because coral reefs host a range of ecologically and commercially important marine species. They are essential nursery grounds for numerous fish and invertebrates. They protect coastlines from storm damage and support an extensive tourism industry for many island nations like The Bahamas.

To facilitate coral reef recovery and increase abundance and genetic diversity, many conservation organizations throughout the Caribbean create and maintain coral nurseries, sheltered areas for corals to grow faster away from the reef and predators. In this “coral gardening” method, nursery grown reefs are transferred to the ocean during large-scale restoration efforts. PIMS and its coral restoration branch, the Reef Rescue Network, manages 27 coral nurseries on islands in The Bahamas alone.

The study investigated factors that may influence growth and survival of threatened Caribbean coral species and their naturally occurring hybrid at the Reef Rescue Network’s Berry Islands’ nurseries in central Bahamas. One of the study’s main funders, Norwegian Cruise Line, maintains these private nurseries for conservation and research with Nova Southeastern University.

Researchers found nursery locations with optimal depth, moderate water flow, some light and a limited range of temperatures will likely lead to the most successful coral fragment survival and growth.

Of the initial 157 fragments, 66 (or 42 percent) survived to the end of the 13-month study period. For those that didn’t survive, most were lost at the beginning of the research, likely due to the shock of relocation.

The research was the first to examine differences in the survival and growth between the parents and the hybrid of Caribbean acroporid corals in a nursery setting, along with differences among coral fragment placed in the same locations.

“For coral species that are on the verge of extinction in The Bahamas, growing corals in nurseries is a viable means of preserving genetics, repopulating reefs with these species, and providing habitat to the abundance of life that depends on coral reefs,” said Dr Dahlgran who along with his staff helped to obtain permits for the project, assisted with scouting and setting up nursery sites, coral collections and transportation to the nurseries.

While the parental species have been in decline, the hybrid has persisted on many reefs in the Caribbean with equal or increased abundance, better survival, and equal or less susceptibility to disease and other environmental pressures.

Scientists are therefore convinced “the benefits of including fast-growing hybrid coral to quickly increase reef structure likely outweighs the potential long-term drawbacks.”

Nevertheless, there is at least one concern. Hybrids could potentially reduce genetic diversity since their quick growth and resilience might disrupt the natural order of things.

“Concerns about genetic swamping of the parental species on evolutionary scales must not outweigh the immediate ecological need for shallow coral reefs, particularly when the state of coral reefs is dire,” the report read.

Researchers believe coral species separated by habitat type and depth could help mitigate this potential problem. The study recommended, “outplanting A. prolifera to shallow back reef areas, A. palmata along reef crests, and A. cervicornis to deeper reef slopes.” Prolifera is the hybrid. Palmata is the critical endangered elkhorn coral and cervicornis is the staghorn coral; both of which are the hybrid’s parents.

The research also noted a major difference between parents and hybrid.

“The hybrid is likely to reach outplanting goals by quickly increasing coral biomass and reef structure, albeit the fused branches of the hybrid taxon may provide a different ecological service than the parental species,” the report read.

“For example, the structure of A. palmata serves as a place for larger fish and invertebrates to live and hide. In contrast, the hybrid’s fused branches are more compact, and may be more beneficial to the smaller fish and invertebrates.”

Photo Caption: New research published in the journal, Frontiers in Marine Science, was the first to examine differences in the survival and growth between the parents and the hybrid of Caribbean acroporid corals in a nursery setting. Pictured here is a closer look at the nursery line. The parent species, Acropora palmata (right middle), is ideal for larger fish and invertebrates to live and hide. In contrast, the hybrid’s more compact, fused branches (left) are better suited to smaller fish and invertebrates.

Photo courtesy of PIMS via Precision Media

Bahamas News

CIBC Caribbean Celebrates 2026 Unsung Heroes Finalists

Published

3 days ago

September 22, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Nassau, Bahamas, 22 September 2026 – Six Bahamians whose service is making a difference in communities across the country were recently celebrated by CIBC Caribbean as the bank brought together its top 2026 Unsung Heroes finalists for a special recognition event.

The 2026 finalists were Kristin Butler-Beneby, Dinola Williamson, Amanda Knowles, Tamara Clarke, Ruth Fawkes, and Jaquay Adderley.

During the event, CIBC Caribbean also announced Dinola Williamson as the first runner-up in this year’s program. Williamson is an educator and community activist who has spent more than two decades in education and leads the Family Better Together Kabbalistic Kids Club. Her community work has reached children in Englerston, Fox Hill, Acklins, Crooked Island, and Grand Bahama through mentorship and activities designed to support their holistic development.

CIBC Caribbean Head of Country Terrance Gibson said the gathering was intentionally focused on celebrating the collective impact of the finalists.

“Unsung Heroes is about recognizing the people who may not always receive the spotlight, but whose commitment is felt every day in the lives of the people and communities they serve,” he said.

“While Kristin emerged as our 2026 Unsung Hero, and Dinola as our runner-up, each nominee represents the spirit of this program. They saw needs in their communities and made the decision to act, to serve, and to keep showing up. CIBC Caribbean is proud to recognize them and to help bring greater attention to the work they are doing.”

The recognition event also brought together members of the judging panel who reviewed this year’s nominations and selected the program’s honorees. The panel comprised Olympic gold medalist Tonique Williams, Bahamas Red Cross President Edison Sumner, Guardian Lifestyles Editor Shavaughn Moss, and Organization for Responsible Governance Executive Director Matt Aubry.

During the event, each finalist spoke about the community work that led to their nomination. The judges were also recognized for lending their time and expertise to the selection process.

Gibson added, “Recognition is important, but we also hope that sharing these stories encourages others to look around their own communities, see where they can make a difference, and act.

“Our Unsung Heroes remind us that meaningful change often begins with an individual who simply decides to help.”

Bahamas News

Public Hospitals Authority Foundation Donates Dialysis Machines to Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH)

Published

4 days ago

September 21, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

The Bahamas, September 21, 2026 – The Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) Foundation, a philanthropic organization launched in January 2024 to support public hospitals and healthcare clinics, donated eight additional dialysis machines for the PMH Renal Services unit.

Director of Foundations, Corporate and Community Relations for the Public Hospitals Authority and Executive Director of the foundation, Alana Major, said this initiative is a part of the foundation’s “Sun, Sea and Second Chances” campaign. PHA Foundation aims to secure 30 machines for Princess Margaret Hospital.

“As of today, with this donation, we are now up to 15 machines, so we are very excited about that,” Ms. Major said.

Other members of the foundation were present, including PHA Foundation Chairman Mr. Selvin Basden, who said the foundation is committed to doing its part in fulfilling the mandate of the Government of the Bahamas.

“One of the tenets of the Government is to ensure that access to healthcare is a human right. We are committed to ensuring that, at least from our part, we can deliver on that principle,” Mr. Basden said.

The PMH Renal Services Unit dialyzes about 150 to 170 patients annually. The unit provides care for patients who have been diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease and now need renal support. Patients who receive dialysis typically come to the unit three times a week, either on a Monday-Wednesday-Friday schedule or a Tuesday-Thursday-Saturday schedule.

Head of Department for Renal Services, Dr. Thurston Carroll, said she and the unit are excited to receive the donation, as it will replace machines that are not operating optimally.

“We are particularly excited about today’s donation because, although we have 20 stations within the dialysis unit, we have an aging fleet. These new machines and new water-treatment equipment will allow us to replace some of our aging equipment so that we can continue providing services to our patients.”

Foundation representatives noted that one or two organizations are already considering making bulk donations and if it happens, the foundation may be able to secure another 10 machines or another five machines in the very near future.

PMH Deputy Hospital Administrator Angelica Lockhart-Bastian and Hospital Administrator Mr. Tevard Bastian thanked the PHA Foundation for its donation to Princess Margaret Hospital.

Also in attendance were PHA Foundation Deputy Chairman Dr. Erecia Hepburn; Foundation guest Dr. Maria Oriakhi; Chief Biomedical Engineer Mr. Theodore Nottage; Administrative Officer Ms. Appapisa Neely; and Senior Assistant Hospital Administrator Mr. Valdez Bowe.

By Christina Williams
Bahamas Information Services

BIS Photos/Mark Ford

PHOTO CAPTION:

Group Photo, from left:
– Dr. Rhea Thurston Carroll, Director, Renal Services, PMH
– Nurse Kim Harris, Dialysis Nurse, Dialysis Unit, PMH
– ⁠Sister Darnell Roker, Nurse Manager, Dialysis Unit, PMH
– Mrs. Angelica Lockhart-Bastian, Deputy Hospital Administrator PMH
– Mr. Tevard Bastian, Hospital Administrator PMH
– Mrs. Alana Major, Director, Foundations, Community and Corporate Relations, PHA
– ⁠Mr. Selvin Basden, Chairman, PHA Foundation
– ⁠Dr. Erecia Hepburn, PHA Foundation Board
– ⁠Ms. Donette Danvers, Executive Assistant, Foundations, Community and Corporate Relations, PHA

Bahamas News

Romer Receives Regional Leadership Award

Published

4 days ago

September 21, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Miami, Florida – Director of Aviation and Deputy Director General of Tourism, Dr. Kenneth Romer was presented with The 2025-2026 Infrastructure Leadership MVP Award, during the 10th Annual Caribbean Infrastructure Forum (CARIF) held in Miami September 15-16, 2026.

According to event organizers, New Energy Events, the MVP Leadership Award is the highest individual honor in the industry and is presented to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional, strategic and visionary leadership in advancing infrastructure in the Caribbean. Chosen by an independent jury of regional industry leaders, “The recipient is recognized for their sustained impact, influence across sectors, and dedication to driving meaningful progress in policy, investment, or project delivery”, said Event Organizers.

Romer becomes only the third person from the Region, and the first from The Bahamas to receive the Leadership MVP Award, joining last year’s winner The Honourable Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados.

Represented among the Conference Speakers and present at the Award Ceremony was Minister of Energy, Utilities and Aviation, The Honourable JoBeth Coleby-Davis, who said that, “This award amplifies The Bahamas Government’s commitment to executing a vision that sets the benchmark for infrastructural investments opportunities across our archipelago while supporting exemplary Bahamian leaders like Dr. Romer, who are steering the Caribbean toward more resilient, investable, and innovative infrastructure”.

“While this award is deemed an individual honor, it is a recognition of the Bahamas’ position as a respected regional leader and more so, a reflection of the incredible talent that resides within our small, but indomitable nation that continues to punch above its weight class as the world marks the manner of our bearing”, said Dr. Romer.

Dr. Romer has been instrumental in driving post-pandemic tourism recovery alongside the transformation of airports across the Family Islands through the Government’s landmark Family Islands Renaissance initiative. Under his leadership as Director of Aviation and Deputy Director General of Tourism, the sector has embraced a strategic, forward-looking approach focused on modernizing over 19 runways and terminals, strengthening safety and resilience, expanding international and regional connectivity, and leveraging public-private partnerships to deliver world-class facilities.

Dr. Romer’s work has helped translate the National Aviation Strategic Plan into tangible infrastructure projects that are creating new opportunities for tourism, investment, entrepreneurship and economic growth across the archipelago.

In 2025, he became the first person from the Caribbean and LATAM Region to be appointed to the Board of the International Association of Airports Executives.