The Season of New Scuba Divers and Coral Babies

Coral reefs worldwide have endured many threats leading to their rapid decline, impacting local economies, food supply, and coastal resiliency. To assist the rehabilitation of reefs at local scales, active coral restoration has been implemented. In 2018, the Bahamas Coral Innovation Hub (BCIH) was established through a collaboration between The Nature Conservancy (TNC), Cape Eleuthera Institute (CEI), and Perry Institute for Marine Science (PIMS). The BCIH have been using their unique scientific expertise and connections to develop and disseminate innovative coral restoration, based at the Cape Eleuthera Institute at The Island School. The overall goal of this initiative is to undertake scientific research that improves current coral restoration techniques, while providing opportunities for Bahamians and young scientists.

YOUNG LEADERS FROM SOUTH ELEUTHERA

The BCIH raises awareness about the importance of coral reefs, fostering community engagement, and promoting responsible practices to ensure the long-term health and resilience of coral reefs. Our team provided Open Water diving training to Bahamian residents in South Eleuthera who are enrolled in the Young Leadership Program at The Island School. These young leaders become positive role models in their communities while building character and also their diving skills. The participants successfully completed the self-study online theory, mastered setting up dive gear, and explored several reefs in South Eleuthera, showing their courage and strength as they developed the skills needed for scuba diving. These certifications enable them to further explore life underwater and allow them to enroll in continued education. They are now equipped to engage in coral restoration efforts as Reef Rescue Divers, opening up opportunities to dive around The Bahamas.

UPCOMING CORAL SPAWNING IN THE BAHAMAS

The Coral Hub team has monitored coral spawning events closely, providing insight into potential spawning dates. Summer is the time of the year when corals find mates, they synchronize their spawning cycles with different environmental cues like water temperature, sunset time and moon phases. August 25th and 26th will be the spawning peak of the year in The Bahamas, when many corals will release bundles of egg and sperm into the water column. These events typically only last a few minutes and the best place to witness this event are shallow areas with high coral cover. Some other creatures, like soft corals, brittle stars, sea urchins, Christmas tree worms, fireworms, might spawn as well, between sunset and midnight. If you are interested in knowing more about the upcoming dates, times and species, check our website https://cape-eleuthera-institute.figshare.com and plan your dives accordingly. Happy diving and may your underwater adventures be as bright and beautiful as the coral reefs themselves!