Dr. Craig Dahlgren

Aug 9, 2024 – NASSAU |  In a landmark initiative to protect coral reefs and nurture environmental stewardship, the Perry Institute for Marine Science (PIMS), in collaboration with the Bahamian government is spearheading a program to provide key government officials with scuba training.

The initiative aims to elevate the conservation skills and awareness of young professionals in government regulatory departments. These individuals, integral to ministries dedicated to marine research and conservation, are regarded as key to the country’s environmental future.

Dr. Craig Dahlgren, executive director of PIMS, said: “We see so much potential in these individuals. Armed with the right tools and training, they can lead transformative efforts to protect Bahamian marine environments for future generations. This partnership is an embodiment of that shared vision.”

PIMS has championed ocean health and longevity for over five decades. Its unparallelled experience in preserving coral reefs, coastal habitats like mangrove ecosystems, and critical fisheries, especially in The Bahamas and the Caribbean, positions PIMS as the ideal partner in this collaboration.

So far, the Perry Institute’s dive teams have conducted a PADI Open Water SCUBA certification program for nine government employees. This comprehensive training program, conducted over five days, blends theory with practice.

Herbert Pinder, Assistant Environmental Officer at The Department of Environmental Planning & Protection (DEPP), said: “The experience and thrill that a person has when diving is completely different. It opens our eyes to what the marine environment conditions are currently and how we can conduct developments in an environmentally sound manner.”

Quetta Gibson, DEPP’s Assistant Environmental Officer, said: “The underwater experience is like none I’ve ever encountered. You are able to view the peace and tranquility of the marine world. You are able to participate in underwater activities that impact or potentially impact the environment and provide feedback.”

Akehia Thompson, Assistant Fisheries Superintendent at the Department of Marine Resources (DMR), said: “Taking my first giant stride off the side of the boat, I knew I was right where I belonged. Diving into a whole new world, where theory comes to life, this course has not only been enjoyable but enlightening, and l look forward to utilizing all the skills I’ve gained during this course for the betterment of my unit.”

 Putting Those Skills To Use

The timing of this collaboration is significant, as Bahamian reef systems are currently facing unprecedented urgent and serious threats. Recent spikes in ocean temperatures have wreaked havoc on coral reefs in The Bahamas, triggering extensive coral bleaching and threatening to erase the marine beauty integral to the region. Adding to this catastrophe is the onslaught of the Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD) pandemic. Without drastic action, these twin dangers will have long-lasting repercussions on the Bahamian way of life – which is inextricably connected to the sea.

To help mitigate the effects of SCTLD, a new coral nursery was established in Ma offshore of Lighthouse Point, Eleuthera, thanks to a dynamic collaboration between Disney Cruise Line, PIMS, and the Cape Eleuthera Institute. This nursery is dedicated to cultivating critically endangered staghorn and elkhorn corals, with scientists meticulously selecting the most resilient specimens to withstand coral bleaching. These robust corals are then  relocated to struggling reefs in the area. Disney has worked since 2007 to rehabilitate coral reefs in The Bahamas, including donating millions of dollars from the Disney Conservation Fund to important conservation projects.

In June, two DEPP officers visited the coral nursery managed by PIMS at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point to place new coral onto fish habitats that Disney installed beside the island destination’s trestle pier. These unique fish habitats use native limestone from the island to conserve local marine environments. PIMS and Disney are proud to share their work with the young professionals at DEPP who are committed to preserving these vital marine habitats. Notably, one of the officers  earned her SCUBA certification during this trip.

Research and Regulation for the Blue Economy

Coral reefs in the US contribute a remarkable $3.4 billion to the economy each year. On a global scale, that figure skyrockets to an astounding $2.7 trillion. Bahamian reefs, with a potential value of $135 million per square kilometer, stand not only as ecological wonders but also as significant economic pillars. These reefs play a vital role in serving as natural barriers against severe weather, supporting the seafood industry, and providing a sanctuary for diverse marine life, thus ensuring the livelihood of local communities, creating jobs, and safeguarding coastlines. Undoubtedly, the imperative to protect and sustain them is paramount.

Bradley Watson

Through the collaborative efforts of PIMS, Disney Cruise Line, and local regulatory bodies, The Bahamas is raising awareness on the importance of protecting these reefs and responding to the coral crisis with vigor. As a collaboration between regulators, researchers, and conservationists, this new alliance hopes to steer The Bahamas towards a future where marine conservation isn’t just a goal but an intrinsic part of the nation’s ethos.

This capacity building effort is a cornerstone of PIMS’ strategy to preserve the natural beauty of The Bahamas, made possible through the unwavering support of Disney. Bradley Watson, Conservation Program Manager at Disney, said: “Seeing those nine newly certified SCUBA divers was a dream come true for us at Disney. We believe in the Bahamian Blue Economy and we know that the public sector needs skilled officers to protect the ecosystems that economy is built on. Every time a new student, public servant, or nature lover puts on their gear and takes their first big step off the back of a boat, our marine resources get a little safer and our future gets a little brighter.”

Photo Captions:

Header: Akehia Thompson (DMR), Quetta Gibson (DMR), and Gilles Deal (DEPP) share a moment of camaraderie in their scuba gear, embarking on their training journey with smiles and determination.

2nd insert: Ready for the Deep Blue: Arnold Hamilton, Herbert Pinder, Laurent Beckman-Miller, and Khadejah Thompson from the Department of Environmental Protection and Planning, beaming with anticipation as they embark on their first ocean dive adventure.

3rd insert: Government Officials Inspect a Coral Nursery: Fostering New Life for Endangered Staghorn Coral in The Bahamas

4th insert: Future Guardians of the Deep: Aspiring Divers Mastering the Essentials During Their Safety Stop Training.