MSC Foundation Expands Coral Restoration Efforts in Bahamas

The MSC Foundation has completed the latest stage of its coral restoration work in the Bahamas, planting 32 nursery-grown fragments of critically endangered elkhorn coral on a reef close to Browns Cay.

The latest outplanting brings the total number of corals planted through the foundation’s Super Coral Reefs Program to 285.

With scientists predicting particularly high ocean temperatures later this summer, the MSC Foundation has also decided to keep additional coral fragments in underwater nurseries until environmental conditions become more suitable.

Elkhorn Coral Faces Significant Threats

Elkhorn coral is native to the Caribbean and is currently classified as critically endangered. Reports indicate that populations across the Caribbean have declined by approximately 97 percent since the 1980s. The species has disappeared entirely from many locations, with the 2023-24 marine heat wave contributing to further losses.

According to the MSC Foundation, elkhorn coral remains particularly important to the Bahamas because of its role as a reef-building species. Healthy coral reefs support both marine biodiversity and the country’s economy.

“Exceptionally warm ocean conditions are forecast this year, which could place corals under significant stress,” said Emeline Bouchet, marine program manager at the Ocean Cay Marine Conservation Center.

The NOAA Coral Reef Watch’s July outlook predicts level 2 bleaching conditions for the Northern Bahamas into September. We therefore kept more fragments in our underwater nurseries, where the team can monitor and manage them closely. Restoration is not simply about planting more corals; it’s also about putting them in the best position to thrive.”

Coral Fragments Grown in Underwater Nurseries

Under the Super Coral Reefs Program, coral fragments are first cultivated in underwater nurseries. Once conditions are considered suitable, the nursery-grown corals are “outplanted,” a process that involves carefully transferring them onto natural reefs.

The technique is intended to support the recovery of damaged reefs while also providing scientists with information that can help guide future coral restoration projects.

The Browns Cay location was chosen following biodiversity assessments and surveys of the reef, which found that the site offered appropriate conditions for the latest outplanting operation.

Marine scientists will continue monitoring reefs around Ocean Cay on a monthly basis - this will allow researchers to assess the health and resilience of both naturally occurring corals and those introduced through the restoration project.

For now, additional coral fragments will remain protected in underwater nurseries while elevated ocean temperatures pose a greater threat to their survival. Once the marine heat wave has ended and conditions improve, scientists plan to restart the outplanting process and the underwater nurseries will then be replenished with new coral fragments, allowing the MSC Foundation’s restoration work to continue.