The Bahamas
The Bahamas is a stunning archipelago of over 700 islands and more than 2,200 cays, set in the clear, turquoise waters of the Western Atlantic Ocean. This remarkable location spans approximately 100,000 square miles, with water covering around 95% of its total area. The name "Bahamas" comes from the Spanish words ‘baja’ and ‘mar,’ meaning "shallow seas," reflecting the shallow, yet incredibly diverse marine ecosystems that surround the islands. These waters are renowned for their vibrant coral reefs, with The Bahamas hosting 35% of the Caribbean's coral reefs and featuring the world’s third-longest fringing-barrier reef, the Andros Island Barrier Reef.
The Bahamas’ waters are a treasure trove of natural wonders, celebrated globally for their beauty and ecological significance. They are known as the shark diving capital of the world and are home to the highest concentration of blue holes on the planet, including the second-deepest blue hole on Long Island. The archipelago also boasts one of the world’s most extensive underwater cave systems on Grand Bahama Island and is one of the few places where ancient stromatolites, rare blue-green algae, can be observed. These unique features not only enhance the archipelago’s natural allure but also play a crucial role in supporting its rich biodiversity and vibrant marine life.
Coral Reef Decline
Coral reefs in The Bahamas are facing unprecedented challenges and are in a state of serious decline. These essential ecosystems, which support a remarkable array of marine life, are under threat from climate change, ocean acidification, overfishing, and pollution. The health of Bahamian coral reefs is crucial not only for the diverse marine species that depend on them but also for the local communities that rely on them for their livelihoods through fishing and tourism.
In response to this critical situation, we invite you to join us in our mission to protect and restore these invaluable reefs by supporting BESA’s reef restoration projects. One powerful way to make a difference is by adopting a coral through our program. Your adoption helps fund essential restoration activities, including growing new corals, monitoring reef health, and educating the community about conservation.
By adopting a coral, you are directly contributing to the replenishment of damaged reefs and ensuring that future generations in The Bahamas can continue to enjoy and benefit from these vibrant underwater habitats. Your involvement is crucial in the effort to preserve the coral reefs and their rich biodiversity. Together, we can achieve a healthier and more resilient marine environment for The Bahamas.
How You Can Help
Adopting a coral directly supports essential reef restoration efforts and addresses the critical decline of coral reefs in The Bahamas. By adopting a coral, your contribution helps fund key activities, including:
Coral Cultivation: Enables the growth of new corals in specialized nurseries. These corals are then transplanted to damaged reefs throughout The Bahamas, playing a vital role in restoring and replenishing our local coral populations.
Reef Monitoring: Adoption funds are used to regularly assess the health of Bahamian coral reefs. This involves tracking their recovery and identifying emerging threats, ensuring that restoration efforts are effective and strategies can be adapted as needed.
Conservation Education: Supports programs aimed at raising awareness about coral reef conservation in The Bahamas. These initiatives engage local communities and educate future generations on the importance of protecting our precious reefs.
Research And Innovation:, Your adoption helps fund studies into new coral restoration techniques and reef management strategies specific to the unique conditions of The Bahamas. This research enhances the overall effectiveness of our conservation efforts.
By adopting a coral, you play a crucial role in these initiatives, helping to restore and sustain the vibrant marine biodiversity of The Bahamas. Your involvement is essential in reversing the decline of our coral reefs and ensuring their long-term health and resilience.