Few people realise it, but The Bahamas hosts globally significant research projects on climate change that stretch far beyond our waters. Now, the Cape Eleuthera Institute (CEI) is a part of that work. 

Since 2004, scientists from the National Oceanography Center in the UK and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the U.S. have been monitoring changes in deep ocean currents off The Bahamas. To monitor these deep ocean currents, they have a series of moorings with measuring devices positioned across the Atlantic in a line that starts in Bahamian waters to the east of Abaco and stretches all the way to Africa. Through these moorings, scientists can measure the flow of water in different directions across the Atlantic and are starting to build a picture of how those currents might be changing.

Studying Deep Ocean Currents Near Eleuthera

These deep water currents, known as the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) system, are important for transferring heat and nutrients around the ocean and, if they change, that could have consequences that affect the entire planet.

Scientists at the Cape Eleuthera Institute have been working with partners at the University of Miami and NOAA for over three years using cutting-edge underwater drones called sea gliders to collect ocean data off of South Eleuthera to help with hurricane forecasts. This year, that work has expanded to send out a sea glider from North Eleuthera that will collect detailed data off of Abaco to contribute to the wider global initiative to understand the AMOC.

Building A Better Understanding of Current Behaviors

Some scientists have been concerned that these currents are slowing down, based on information from long term indicators. However other studies based on direct measurements hint that we are only just getting a handle on the cycles of variability in those currents. 

In addition to the data collected off Abaco, NOAA and its partners have been collecting information of the strength of the Florida Current passing between Florida and Grand Bahama using an underwater cable to estimate current speeds since the early 1980s. They just published a major study last year showing that the Florida Current has remained stable for the last forty years. This result contradicts previous studies that suggested a slowing down of the AMOC.

The Future of Current Research

While there is still more research to be done to develop a full understanding and identify the trends of these currents, changes in ocean circulation will have a global impact. The Cape Eleuthera Institute is proud to be involved in doing this impactful science that will not only inform The Bahamas but humanity’s response to climate change.