The MSC Foundation has marked a key milestone in its commitment to coral conservation and marine research in The Bahamas.

The MSC Foundation’s Marine Conservation Center will be a base for biologists, scientists, students and island visitors alike, and will feature interactive pavilions, a lecture hall, a Bio Lab, and a land-based coral nursery.

The new research facility will also provide educational opportunities for visitors on the importance of the marine ecosystem and the critical need to protect coral reefs and will be the hub for the MSC Foundation’s Super Coral Reefs Program.

“The opening of our Marine Conservation Center marks a defining moment in our multigenerational commitment to ocean conservation,”  Pierfrancesco Vago, Chair of the MSC Foundation Executive Committee, said in a press release.

“It brings to life the MSC Foundation’s concrete plans for restoring coral reefs, advancing science, and creating training opportunities for Bahamian and international students,” he said.

“With the continued support of the Government of The Bahamas and local authorities, our work here is contributing to the circular economy through ecosystem preservation, regeneration, and knowledge sharing,” Vago said.

Launched in 2019, the MSC Foundation’s Super Coral Reefs Program has been driving efforts to help restore coral reefs in the 64-square-mile area around Ocean Cay with coral species that are more resilient to environmental stressors such as rising ocean temperatures

“Bravo to MSC and the MSC Foundation for creating the Marine Conservation Center at Ocean Cay, a treasured Mission Blue Hope Spot,” Dr. Sylvia Earle, renowned marine biologist and founder of Mission Blue who participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony, said in a press release.

“The Center is a place to discover why the ocean matters to everyone, everywhere, and to inspire actions that can be taken to restore and care for the vast blue realmthat makes possible the existence of life— humankind very much included,” Earle said.

The new facility features a fully equipped bio-lab and The Aquaria, a dedicated land-based coral nursery housing 22 coral tanks to support restoration efforts. It also boasts a 50-seat lecture hall, providing a space for educational programs and scientific collaboration.

The center’s Welcome Hub and Discovery Pavilion will also offer immersive experiences for visitors, including guided tours, interactive exhibits, and hands-on coral restoration activities, fostering a deeper connection to marine conservation.

“This facility will connect marine scientists, educators, and the public, annually supporting up to 30 marine science students from four universities,” Daniela Picco, Executive Director of the MSC Foundation, said in a press release.

“By strengthening partnerships with Bahamian and international experts, engaging the wider community and making a bridge to hundreds of thousands of island visitors, we have laid foundations for lasting ocean stewardship and meaningful conservation efforts,” Picco said.

About the Super Coral Reefs Program

The Foundation began collaborating with the University of Miami and Nova Southeastern University in 2020 to develop the Super Coral Reefs Program through Florida-based graduate internships in marine science.

Since 2022, the group has been focusing on identifying hardy species of coral at Ocean Cay, conducting research in accordance with parameters of permits authorized by The Bahamas Department of Environmental Planning and Protection, and propagating such types of coral species, mainly focusing on critically endangered elkhorn coral.

The work builds upon MSC Cruises’ multi-year restoration of Ocean Cay’s marine ecosystem, which began when the company started redeveloping the former sand-mining site.

The 64 square miles of waters around the island have since flourished. With the opening of the new Marine Conservation Center, the Foundation is scaling up its efforts.

Ribbon cutting at Ocean Cay. Photo courtesy of MSC Cruises

Among the Super Coral Reefs Program’s successes to date:

• Identifying high thermal resilience in some genetic populations of corals, focusing on critically endangered Elkhorn coral.
• Developing techniques to grow coral in open-water nurseries.
• Successful start to out planting resilient corals, aiming to increase out planting capacity over the coming years to 6,000 corals annually.
• 100 percent survival of nursery-grown corals during the unprecedented marine heatwave of summer 2023.

Photos by Jackie Sheckler Finch

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