The MSC Foundation celebrates a year of significant progress in the Bahamas, in which it has strengthened its partnerships and expanded its work in coral restoration, marine science, education and stakeholder engagement, especially in Bimini.
Since opening its Marine Conservation Center at Ocean Cay in April 2025, the Foundation has established a strong presence on the ground, driving coral restoration, providing hands-on training to more than 20 marine science students and engaging more than 17,000 visitors over the ocean, reinforcing its long-term commitment to the globally important ecosystems of The Bahamas.
To mark Earth Day, the Foundation reflects on the first year of impact of its Marine Conservation Center, highlighting how sustained collaborative efforts, from coral restoration and marine science to education and public awareness, are contributing to significant progress, reinforcing the idea that every action counts and every voice matters when it comes to safeguarding the ocean.
“Our work in the Bahamas is based on collaboration, science, and shared responsibility,” said Emeline Bouchet, Director of the Ocean Cay-based MSC Foundation Marine Program. “As we celebrate Earth Day, we have an opportunity to highlight that our efforts must go beyond restoration to leverage local knowledge and capabilities, ensuring that students and communities in the Bahamas are actively involved in environmental research, education, and stewardship.”.
Advances in coral restoration and research
A decisive milestone was the opening in April of the Ocean Cay Marine Conservation Center, a purpose-built facility that combines coral restoration, scientific research, training and citizen participation.
The Center now serves as an operational hub that combines science and hands-on fieldwork to maximize the growth and resilience of endangered coral species. Since its opening, more than 600 corals have been cultivated in the underwater nursery, and over 250 have been successfully transplanted to the surrounding reef, demonstrating their resilience during peak summer temperatures.
In February 2026, the MSC Foundation and the Perry Institute of Marine Sciences (PIMS) deepened their collaboration through a coral species exchange at Ocean Cay, increasing nursery diversity and reef resilience with two new species. PIMS also incorporated elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata) fragments into the nurseries it manages as part of the Reef Rescue Network, enhancing the genetic diversity of restoration populations and contributing to the Bahamas Coral Genetic Bank.
Support for research and education in marine sciences
The MSC Foundation has intensified its collaboration with the University of the Bahamas (UB), supporting the creation of a specialized marine science laboratory to strengthen the national capacity for research and teaching.
The academic collaboration continued throughout the year, including six graduate internships for students from the University of Miami and Nova Southeastern University, complemented by 12 field visits. Students from the University of the Bahamas and the Bahamas Institute of Agriculture and Marine Sciences also participated in intensive week-long courses at Ocean Cay, where 16 participants gained hands-on knowledge of coral propagation and reef monitoring and restoration techniques.
Expansion of public participation
In its first year, the Marine Conservation Center has received more than 17,000 international visitors since its opening, serving as a key platform for public participation in coral conservation.
Beyond Ocean Cay, the Foundation supported community initiatives in Bimini, including a beach cleanup with over 120 participants, and a new agricultural education initiative in secondary schools that reached up to 80 students during the 2025-26 school year.
The MSC Foundation’s work over the past year reflects a long-term commitment that aligns environmental conservation with national development priorities, marine science education, and nature-based tourism. “Looking ahead, our goal is to translate this momentum into a measurable, long-term impact,” added Daniela Picco, Executive Director of the MSC Foundation. “By deepening our partnerships and investing in local capacity, we will continue to support The Bahamas as a leader in marine conservation and sustainable development.”.
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