PIMS and BLUEQUEST Partner to Open New Coral Nursery in Nassau

May 2, 2025—NASSAU | A vibrant new coral nursery has taken root just offshore from Nassau, creating an exciting opportunity for Bahamians and visitors to engage with marine conservation through immersive ecotourism. Born from a dynamic partnership between Perry Institute for Marine Science (PIMS) and BLUEQUEST Bahamas, this nursery utilizes advanced micro-fragmentation techniques, enabling coral fragments to grow up to 40 times faster than natural rates.                                                                                                                                                                                                    Led by dedicated Reef Rescue Network (RRN) specialists Anwar Godet and Alex Frans, alongside BLUEQUEST founder Allison Longley, over 250 vibrant micro-fragments of endangered reef-building corals—including elkhorn and staghorn—have been carefully sourced from nearby reefs and successfully placed into the nursery.

Longley, who has dedicated her career to educating others about the importance of marine conservation says,”Sharing my passion for the ocean has been a dream come true. Connecting people through memorable snorkeling experiences and inspiring action to protect our coral reefs is incredibly rewarding.”

In addition to nurturing coral fragments, the nursery features two reef balls. These concrete structures are now home to “corals of opportunity,” or corals that might not otherwise survive where they are living. They attract juvenile fish, enhancing biodiversity and ecological resilience. Beneath the waves, visitors can witness young coral colonies forming, teeming with colorful fish and marine life—a reminder of the potential of artificial reefs.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             More than just a conservation initiative, this project also introduces the interactive “Reef Rescue Snorkel Experience,” enabling participants to snorkel directly above the coral nursery. Guided by BLUEQUEST marine experts, snorkelers learn firsthand about coral species, reef ecosystems, and restoration techniques, empowering them to become ocean advocates.

“This project is about bringing people together, educating them, and inspiring them to care about coral reefs,” says Alex Frans, RRN coral restoration specialist. “When people see for themselves how incredible and important coral reefs are, they become passionate about protecting them.”

Coral reefs around the world are facing significant threats; in The Bahamas, they are particularly vulnerable to climate change, pollution, and overfishing. Globally, healthy coral reefs support up to 25% of marine biodiversity, support food and livelihoods for 1 billion people, and protect coastlines from storms. With coral cover declining by more than 50% in recent decades, initiatives like this new nursery are essential for reversing these losses and restoring marine ecosystems.

This nursery joins more than 50 others within the Reef Rescue Network, the Caribbean’s largest coral restoration initiative, which has successfully planted over 10,000 nursery-reared corals throughout The Bahamas alone. By integrating ecotourism with scientific conservation, PIMS and BLUEQUEST foster environmental stewardship and provide direct economic benefits to local communities.

Ready to dive in? Book your Reef Rescue Snorkel Experience through @bluequestbahamas or https://live.vcita.com/site/bluequest and become part of the coral restoration story.

Photo Captions: 

1st insert: The team behind Nassau’s newest coral nursery! From left to right: Anwar Godet (PIMS), Allison Longley (BLUEQUEST), and Alex Frans (PIMS) are leading the charge in coral reef restoration and community education.

2nd insert: A close-up look at the coral dome nursery, bustling with coral fragments poised for reef restoration after they grow big enough to be planted onto the nearby reef.

3rd insert: Underwater innovation at its best—coral dome nurseries provide ideal environments for accelerated coral growth. 

4th insert: Reef Balls are cement-based structures that attract juvenile fish and encourage coral settlement and growth.