Bahamas News
Remote Bahamian Waters Reveal Fragile Balance of Life
Scientists discover both resilience and alarming threats in Little Inagua
A brain coral affected by Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD) in Little Inagua.
Aug 29, 2024 – NASSAU | A recent scientific expedition led by the Perry Institute for Marine Science (PIMS), with participation from The Bahamas National Trust (BNT), has uncovered critical insights into the health of coral reefs and seagrass beds surrounding Little Inagua, a secluded island in the southern Bahamas. The International SeaKeepers Society provided significant financial support and facilitated the expedition by connecting the team with the research vessel Awatea. The findings could play a crucial role in shaping future conservation strategies for one of the Caribbean’s most pristine marine ecosystems.
Last month’s mission was the first of its kind in over a decade and explored the island’s remote underwater habitats within the protected boundaries of the Little Inagua National Park. Spanning approximately 62,800 acres, it is The Bahamas’ third-largest national park and the largest uninhabited island in the region, remaining a beacon of untouched biodiversity. Yet, as the research team discovered, even these isolated waters are not immune to the pressures threatening marine life globally.
Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD) is a rapidly spreading threat in The Bahamas and the wider Caribbean, affecting over 20 coral species. The disease causes corals to lose tissue quickly, often leading to death and endangering the reefs that protect coastlines and support fisheries.
“Our surveys revealed both hope and concern,” said Dr. Krista Sherman, Senior Scientist at PIMS and the expedition’s lead researcher. “While we found resilient coral colonies and thriving seagrass beds that support critical fisheries, we also documented signs of Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD) and bleaching that highlight the fragility of these ecosystems.”
Healthy seagrass beds in Little Inagua, providing essential habitat and supporting the rich biodiversity of the region’s marine life. Photo Credit: Haley Davis, SeaKeepers
“This park is one of 33 national parks managed by BNT, but it has been, for many years, a mystery. It’s remote, a bit secluded, and yet so beautiful,” said Lindy Knowles, Senior Science Officer at BNT. “We now have a better idea of how the habitats in the park are doing. Corals have been bombarded by SCTLD but the seagrass beds are intact, which shows that the entire system is relatively stable.”
Resilience Amidst Challenges: The Findings
The expedition’s team, comprising scientists from PIMS and BNT, surveyed 17 sites, including 13 coral reefs and four seagrass beds, some of which were last studied in 2011. The assessment revealed both promising and concerning results. Encouragingly, large colonies of mountainous star corals (Orbicella species) and boulder corals exhibited strong health, with no signs of disease or bleaching in certain locations. However, these bright spots were overshadowed by the widespread death of pillar corals (Dendrogyra cylindrus) and the death of historically robust stands of elkhorn (Acropora palmata) and staghorn corals (Acropora cervicornis) from bleaching.
Dr. Valeria Pizarro, senior scientist and coral expert at PIMS, emphasized the significance of these findings. “I was so happy to see juveniles of the smooth flower coral after SCTLD has killed most of these colonies in other parts of The Bahamas. Unfortunately, pillar coral, also known as the Caribbean unicorn, seems to be wiped out by SCTLD. We only saw standing dead colonies.”
Queen conch thriving in the seagrass beds of Little Inagua, a key species for both local fisheries and marine biodiversity, highlighting the importance of protecting these vital habitats. Photo Credit: Haley Davis, SeaKeepers
While the coral reefs showed mixed signs of health, the seagrass beds remain in good condition, providing essential habitat for commercially valuable species.
A Glimpse into Little Inagua’s Rich Marine Life
Despite the challenges facing the coral reefs, Little Inagua’s waters continue to support diverse marine life. The team reported sightings of turtles, stingrays, and various shark species, along with large predators like groupers, snappers, and barracudas. Dr. Krista Sherman, Senior Scientist at PIMS and the expedition’s lead researcher, commented: “I don’t remember ever seeing so many coneys and barracudas. It was also really cool to consistently see black durgon and sargassum triggerfish at some sites since they’re not typical in other parts of the country.”
Economically important species like the Caribbean spiny lobster (Panulirus argus) and queen conch (Aliger gigas) were also observed in abundance, signaling potential long-term benefits for surrounding fisheries.
A Mission Made Possible Through Collaboration
The expedition’s success was the result of collaboration between multiple organizations, including PIMS, BNT, and SeaKeepers. The research team spent nearly two weeks aboard Awatea, a 63-foot sailing catamaran provided through SeaKeepers’ DISCOVERY Yacht Program. By utilizing this incredible resource, the expedition not only minimized its carbon footprint but also significantly reduced costs compared to chartering a vessel independently.
Haley Davis, Citizen Science Manager for SeaKeepers, expressed pride in supporting the mission: “We are excited about the opportunity to engage private vessels for important scientific work and we are more than happy to have used the Awatea as a low-carbon option for this two week liveaboard voyage.”
Lindy Knowles from the Bahamas National Trust conducting a survey of seagrass beds in the pristine waters of Little Inagua, as part of an expedition to assess and protect vital marine habitats. Photo Credit: Haley Davis, SeaKeepers
The expedition was funded through a grant to the Perry Institute for Marine Science from the Moore Bahamas Foundation, The Bahamas National Trust, and SeaKeepers.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Little Inagua’s Conservation
While it may be years before another comprehensive survey is conducted in this remote region, the data gathered will inform ongoing conservation efforts and provide a baseline for measuring future changes. Dr. Sherman said: “The data we collected over the course of this expedition will be analyzed in the coming months. This information will be important to help protect biodiversity and preserve the integrity and function of Little Inagua’s marine ecosystems.”
As The Bahamas faces escalating environmental challenges from climate change, coral disease, overfishing, and pollution, the insights from Little Inagua highlight both the vulnerabilities and strengths of its marine environments. The findings are a reminder that even in the most remote corners of the archipelago, urgent action is needed to preserve the country’s natural heritage for generations to come.
Link to expedition video footage: https://vimeo.com/995499389/cec871e358
Healthy boulder star corals thrive in the protected waters of Little Inagua, highlighting the resilience and beauty of these coral colonies despite environmental challenges.
About the Perry Institute for Marine Science (PIMS)
For over 50 years, the Perry Institute for Marine Science (PIMS) has been at the forefront of marine research and conservation in The Bahamas and the Caribbean. Our mission is clear: leading through science, we innovate solutions, create opportunities, and inspire action to protect and restore ocean life for people and the planet. Our vision? Thriving seas and empowered communities.
From our beginnings as the most productive marine lab and field station in the world on Lee Stocking Island, we’ve evolved into a global, program-based non-profit tackling critical issues such as coral reef restoration, fisheries conservation, and the protection of mangrove and coastal ecosystems. Our holistic approach integrates cutting-edge scientific research with community education and engagement, as well as international collaboration to make lasting impacts on marine environments.
At PIMS, we’re more than just scientists—we’re educators, advocates, and partners. We empower local communities, provide pathways to conservation careers, and work tirelessly to protect and restore the ocean ecosystems that are vital to both biodiversity and human well-being.
About The Bahamas National Trust
The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) was created by an Act of Parliament in 1959 to build and manage the national park system of The Bahamas. Possibly the only non-governmental organization in the world charged with such a responsibility, the BNT works daily to conserve and protect the natural resources of The Bahamas through science, stewardship, and education for present and future generations. There are currently 33 National Parks managed by the BNT, with more than 2 million acres of marine and terrestrial areas protected.
In stark contrast, bleached star coral colonies in Little Inagua reveal the severe toll environmental stressors can take on marine ecosystems.
About The International SeaKeepers Society
The International SeaKeepers Society is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that facilitates oceanographic research, conservation, and education through direct involvement with the yachting community. Providing educational resources and hands-on marine science experiences to students is the primary focus for ensuring the wellbeing of our planet. SeaKeepers enables the yachting community to take full advantage of their unique potential to advance marine sciences and raise awareness about global ocean issues.
Founded in Monaco in 1998, The International SeaKeepers Society has been supporting ocean conservation through direct involvement with the yachting community for more than twenty-five years. What started as a data collection program aboard select luxury yachts, has evolved to engage thousands of participants annually with at-sea and coastal programming. Today SeaKeepers’ mission is focused on the DISCOVERY Yacht Program which is comprised of Scientist-Led Expeditions, Citizen Science, Educational Outreach, and Community Engagement.
As a catalyst working with governments, scientists, institutions, and other marine organizations to further its mission, SeaKeepers supports sensible, achievable marine protection and restoration. Activities take place globally through the efforts of headquarters based in the United States with offices located on the east and west coast, and international representation in Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the South Pacific. For more information, please visit www.seakeepers.org.
Dr. Krista Sherman
Lindy Knowles
Dr. Valeria Pizarro
Haley Davis, Citizen Science Manager
Dr. Krista Sherman, Lindy Knowles, and Dr. Valeria Pizarro, key leaders of the expedition studying Little Inagua’s coral reefs and seagrass beds, working together to uncover vital insights for conservation.
Haley Davis, Citizen Science Manager at The International SeaKeepers Society, who facilitated the expedition by connecting the research team with the vessel Awatea.
ABACO, BAHAMAS — Nearly two months after American sailor Lynette Hooker vanished in waters off Abaco, investigators are preparing
to conduct a new search based on GPS and navigation data that reportedly challenges the account originally provided by her husband.
The case, which first drew international attention in early April, began when Brian Hooker told authorities that his wife was swept away after falling from an inflatable dinghy during rough conditions in waters near Elbow Cay.
Initial search efforts involving Bahamian and U.S. authorities covered extensive areas of the Sea of Abaco but failed to locate the missing Michigan woman.
Now, according to multiple U.S. media reports, investigators have obtained electronic navigation and GPS data that appears to place the couple’s dinghy in a different location from where searchers initially concentrated their efforts.
The new information has prompted authorities to reopen search operations and seek permission for divers to examine a more targeted area of the Sea of Abaco.
Unlike the broad search that followed Hooker’s disappearance, the renewed effort is expected to focus on a relatively shallow section of water, reportedly about 25 feet deep. Investigators believe the location may offer a better opportunity to recover evidence and potentially answer lingering questions surrounding the disappearance.
The latest development marks a significant shift in the investigation.
What began as a maritime search-and-rescue operation has evolved into a complex multinational investigation involving Bahamian authorities, the United States Coast Guard and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Brian Hooker was detained and questioned by Bahamian authorities following his wife’s disappearance but was later released without
charges. While investigators have never publicly accused him of a crime, reports indicate he remains a person of interest as authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the case.
Hooker has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and has maintained that his wife accidentally fell overboard.
The investigation has intensified in recent weeks. U.S. authorities have reportedly seized the couple’s sailboat, Soulmate, transporting the vessel to Florida for forensic examination. Investigators are said to be reviewing onboard electronics, digital records and other potential evidence as part of the ongoing inquiry.
The case has also attracted attention from Lynette Hooker’s family, who have continued to press for answers and support efforts to locate her.
The renewed search comes after Brian Hooker returned to the United States following the disappearance. Reports indicate he cited family reasons, including concerns about his mother’s health, for leaving The Bahamas.
For investigators, however, the focus now appears fixed on the newly identified search area and the electronic evidence that led them there.
Whether the latest operation produces answers remains to be seen. But nearly eight weeks after Lynette Hooker disappeared in the waters of Abaco, authorities believe new technology and new information may finally provide a clearer picture of what happened that night.
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Regional policymakers, development financiers, economists and international partners are converging on Nassau this week as the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) stages its 56th Annual Meeting at the Baha Mar Resort from June 1-5, 2026.
Held under the theme, “Forging the Caribbean’s Future: Strategic Solutions for Uncertain Times,” the gathering is expected to
place The Bahamas at the center of discussions on some of the region’s most pressing challenges, from climate resilience and energy security to debt sustainability and economic growth.
At the launch of the annual meeting on March 19, CDB President Daniel Best underscored the importance of bringing together leaders from across the Caribbean and beyond at a time of global uncertainty.
“The Annual Meeting provides a strategic moment for the Caribbean, an opportunity for our leaders, governments, development institutions, private sector, youth, and international partners to come together to identify practical solutions that can help the Region navigate uncertainty while unlocking the opportunities that lie ahead,” Best said.
The conference host, newly named Bahamas Minister of Finance and Chairman of the CDB Board of Governors, Michael Halkitis, also emphasized the significance of the event during the March 19 launch ceremony.
“Today’s gathering marks more than the start of preparations for an important meeting. It represents the beginning of a renewed conversation about the future of the Caribbean, about our shared aspirations, our common challenges, and the partnerships that will shape the path forward for our region,” Halkitis said.
He added: “Hosting the 56th Annual Meeting of the Caribbean Development Bank here in Nassau provides an important opportunity to strengthen partnerships and advance meaningful dialogue on the future of the Caribbean.”
Over the five-day meeting, delegates will tackle major issues including energy transition and resilience, innovative debt solutions for Caribbean economies, and the impact of global economic shocks on regional development.
The programme features a number of high-level events including the Youth FIRE Forum, the William G. Demas Memorial Lecture, the
President’s Chat titled Financing the Future: MDB Strategies for Uncertain Times, and a series of policy seminars examining climate finance, infrastructure, economic resilience and development lending.
Among the featured participants are CDB President Daniel Best, Finance Minister Michael Halkitis, senior officials from multilateral development banks, regional finance ministers, central bank governors, economists, development specialists and private-sector leaders. The President’s Chat is expected to bring together leaders of major multilateral development banks to discuss financing strategies for developing states facing mounting economic pressures.
The annual meeting also includes sessions branded “EDGE X by CDB: Analytics Unlocked,” which will explore the economic costs of traffic congestion in the Caribbean and how global crises continue to affect regional economies.
The CDB Annual Meeting traditionally attracts representatives from the Bank’s 28 member countries, including government ministers, senior public officials, development agencies, international financial institutions, youth delegates, academics and private-sector stakeholders. Hundreds of delegates are expected to participate in discussions that will help shape development priorities and financing strategies across the Caribbean in the years ahead.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
May 29, 2026 – Two years after The Bahamas made history as the first Caribbean nation to host the African Export-Import Bank’s Annual
Meetings, thousands of delegates are expected to gather in Egypt next month for AAM2026.
The 33rd Afreximbank Annual Meetings will be held from June 21-24 in El Alamein, Egypt, under the theme: “Intra-African Trade and Industrialisation: Pathway to Economic Sovereignty.”
The event is regarded as one of Africa’s most important gatherings on trade, investment, finance and economic development, bringing together heads of state, policymakers, business leaders, development finance institutions and international partners.
For Caribbean nations, the meetings hold special significance.
In 2024, The Bahamas welcomed thousands of delegates to Nassau for the landmark event, marking the first time the annual meetings were staged outside the African continent and placing the Caribbean at the center of growing discussions on Africa-Caribbean trade and investment.
Since then, Afreximbank has continued to expand its engagement in the region, promoting stronger commercial ties between Africa and Caribbean countries and exploring opportunities in trade finance, infrastructure development, logistics, investment and private sector growth.
Organizers say this year’s discussions will focus on strengthening intra-African trade, advancing industrialization, building regional value chains and increasing economic resilience amid global uncertainty.
The meetings are also expected to provide a platform for new partnerships, investment opportunities and development initiatives that could have implications beyond Africa, including for Caribbean nations seeking to deepen economic cooperation with the continent.
As leaders prepare to convene in Egypt, the Caribbean’s growing relationship with Afreximbank remains a key part of the institution’s broader vision of expanding trade and investment connections across the Global South.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
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