September 5, 2023
The breathtaking coral reefs of The Bahamas, renowned around the world for their vibrancy and diverse marine life, are under serious and immediate threat as a powerful ocean heat wave driven by climate change is causing widespread coral bleaching and killing off entire reef systems.
Over the past several weeks following sharp spikes in ocean temperature, large scale bleaching events have been discovered at several sites, signalling a dire emergency with far-reaching consequences for marine life and local communities. Bleaching is not just a cosmetic issue but a lethal and irreversible one. The local marine science organisation the Perry Institute for Marine Science (PIMS) is springing into action to assess the ongoing damage and enact emergency measures to save and restore coral reefs wherever possible.
This deadly coral bleaching is just the latest blow to the precious reef systems of The Bahamas, which have also been devastated by Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD).
These twin deadly threats are transforming extraordinary underwater landscapes into desolate wastelands. The urgency to protect and restore coral reefs has never been greater.
Bahamian and Senior Marine Scientist of PIMS Dr. Krista Sherman said: “In the face of this crisis, we cannot underestimate the situation’s urgency. The future of our coral reefs hangs in the balance. We are closely monitoring the situation, and our findings will be reported to the public, shedding light on the dire situation in our wild ocean.”
Historically, experts projected that by 2050, most coral reefs could be wiped out due to global warming. Dr. Craig Dahlgren, PIMS Executive Director said: “The rapid unfolding of what we once believed was decades away is now happening before our eyes. Coral reefs in The Bahamas face the risk of not surviving to 2050 unless decisive action is taken – ranging from research and ‘gene banking,’ to scaled-up coral restoration, to swiftly moving forward on innovation in coral genetics to support and amplify the success of heat-resistant species.”
PIMS Senior Researcher Dr. Valeria Pizarro said: “It is very, very scary out there. In shallow reefs less than 25 feet deep, coral bleaching began around three weeks ago, and the result is that 80-100% of these corals are now fully dead. While bleached corals can recover under suitable conditions, it’s unlikely this year due to extreme temperatures. We’ve also noticed that warm water is now reaching depths beyond 60 feet, which could harm corals even deeper down.
The Bahamas has faced coral crises before, with events such as the 1998 bleaching event causing significant damage. Andros lost approximately 50% of its coral because of that event.
PIMS Lead Coral Aquarist Ms. Gimel Morley underscores the importance of genetic preservation and restoration: “Gene banking combined with long-term restoration represents our best hope in this crisis. PIMS and its global partners are poised to lead in climate change policy and carbon reduction initiatives. We know that certain corals will make it through, so our focus lies in researching and utilising these resilient corals to restore and revitalise reefs.” A coral gene bank, like agricultural ‘seed banks,’ are a “Noah’s Ark for Corals” and serve to safeguard and preserve the genetic diversity of coral species. These specialised facilities aim to maintain the genetic diversity of various coral species, particularly those that are vulnerable, endangered, or facing extinction due to various threats. And, to promulgate and more rapidly grow for replanting coral species that are vital to ecosystems but also more resistant to heat and disease than other species.
In the US, it’s been estimated coral reefs generate $3.4 billion annually. Globally, that number has been estimated at $2.7 trillion. With up to $135 million per square kilometre at stake in The Bahamas, local reefs hold significant ecological, economic and touristic value. Coral reefs serve as natural barriers against storms, sustain fisheries and tourism, and nurture marine life, impacting countless communities’ jobs, food security, and coastal protection. A quarter or more of the world’s marine life relies on reefs, and over half of the world’s population relies on seafood as their primary source of protein.
The situation demands immediate action. Dr. Dahlgren said: “We must shift our focus from a perceived threat to understanding its current and universal impact. This collective challenge necessitates concerted efforts in restoring resilient reefs.” In The Bahamas, PIMS has identified some coral species that are resistant to temperature stress, which can be used to help restore damaged reefs. But, the challenge is that identifying these resilient corals requires genetic testing not available in The Bahamas.
Dahlgren said: “Observing the recent decrease in water temperatures in Florida is an encouraging sign that may give corals there a much-needed reprieve, and hopefully, we will see this in The Bahamas too, but there has already been significant damage done to Bahamian corals this summer and events like this are likely to become more common in the years ahead.”
The Perry Institute’s research stands on the cusp of transformative breakthroughs aimed at constructing resilient reefs by merging cutting-edge technology with ecological understanding.
Dahlgren said: “We remain optimistic about the potential positive impacts on marine environments as our commitment to environmental stewardship drives us to anticipate a future where conservation efforts bear fruit across the waters of The Bahamas.”
In closing, PIMS Education and Outreach Officer Ms. Danielle Cartwright said: “A team from PIMS and BNT is in the Exuma Cays this week conducting an evaluation of the extent of coral bleaching in this precious National Park. Our findings will be reported to the Bahamian public next week and on an ongoing basis.”