The Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF) has launched its 2026 coral restoration exercise with a series of strategic dives and outplanting exercises at the internationally acclaimed BREEF Sir Nicholas Nuttall Coral Reef Sculpture Garden & Coral Nursery, located in western New Providence off Clifton Heritage National Park. This initiative marks a critical step in protecting one of The Bahamas’ most vital natural resources: its coral reefs.

Coral reefs are far more than underwater scenery. They are the backbone of The Bahamas’ fisheries resources, providing essential spawning grounds, nursery habitat, and feeding areas for the fish species that sustain commercial fishing, local livelihoods, and food security across the islands.

Equally critical is their role in coastal protection. Healthy coral reefs act as natural breakwaters, absorbing up to 90% of incoming wave energy and shielding coastlines from erosion, storm surges, and hurricane damage. Without them, homes, infrastructure, and entire communities face increased vulnerability to the intensifying storms driven by climate change. In an era of stronger and more frequent climate- related events, their protective function has never been more important.

The 2026 outplanting was strategically timed to coincide with the cooler winter months, which offer optimal conditions for coral restoration. Cooler winter sea temperatures significantly reduce physiological stress on corals, improving survival rates and giving transplanted fragments the best possible chance to establish, grow, and contribute to reef recovery. Coral reefs in The Bahamas and around the world have been under intense threat due to warming waters caused primarily by burning fossil fuels; many corals have bleached and died during recent summer underwater heatwaves.

As part of this initiative, BREEF successfully outplanted 154 coral fragments, contributing to improved reef structure, enhanced habitat complexity, and long-term ecosystem resilience in the surrounding marine environment.

“The cooler winter months are ideal for outplanting. Cooler waters allow corals to recover and establish more effectively, especially as we navigate the realities of rising ocean temperatures and the worldwide coral bleaching crisis,” said Jasmond Collie, Outreach & Education Officer at BREEF.

Education remains central to BREEF’s mission. This year’s restoration exercise achieved a significant capacity building milestone: two BREEF Bahamas Environmental Steward Scholarship (BESS) Scholars successfully completed their Reef Rescue certification, a PADI recognized professional diving qualification focused on coral reef restoration techniques.

As a current BESS Scholar, Dymonde Lundy shared how the experience deepened her commitment to marine conservation. “Earning my Reef Rescue certification and helping with outplanting and reef maintenance gave me a hands-on glimpse of how small actions can revive entire ecosystems,” she said. “It reminded me that protecting our oceans isn’t just science, it’s a responsibility.” These young Bahamian environmental leaders represent the future of marine conservation in The Bahamas.

This dual investment in ecosystems and human capital reflects BREEF’s strategic approach to advancing national conservation priorities while strengthening The Bahamas’ Blue Economy.“This critical work is actively restoring coral reefs within the Southwest New Providence Marine Managed Area, and also building capacity for young people to become trained participants in the Blue Economy.” stated BREEF Executive Director, Casuarina McKinney-Lambert.

The BREEF Sir Nicholas Nuttall Coral Reef Sculpture Garden is internationally renowned for its fusion of underwater art and applied marine science. Serving as both a living laboratory and underwater classroom, the site demonstrates how creative approaches can advance reef conservation while inspiring action locally and internationally.

As climate pressures intensify, initiatives like this underscore the importance of timely, science driven restoration efforts and the role of education and collaboration in ensuring The Bahamas remains a leader in marine conservation.

More Photo Highlights Below:

The post 2026 Outplanting Initiative Strengthens The Bahamas’ First Line of Defense Against Climate Change appeared first on ZNS BAHAMAS.