Spring 2026 Semester Research Projects
Each semester, Island School students dive into hands-on research alongside scientists from the Cape Eleuthera Institute, contributing to meaningful, place-based studies that explore the unique ecosystems of The Bahamas. These Spring 2026 research groups—focused on queen conch, Marine Protected Areas (MPA), corals, sharks, marine mammals, black land crabs, agroforestry, and sustainable systems—are tackling real-world questions with curiosity, collaboration, and care.
In this blog series, students share their experiences, challenges, and discoveries as they navigate the research process and deepen their understanding of both science and self. Read about current research initiatives from our students:
Queen Conch
The Cape Eleuthera Queen Conch Conservancy is looking for ways to conserve the queen conch population in The Bahamas. Spring 2026 students are working with researchers to compare the effectiveness of our land-based hatchery to nearshore enclosures. Read more
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
Data shows a sharp decline in queen conch populations in The Bahamas. What can be done to ensure the continued success of this culturally and economically important species? Spring 2026 students are studying marine protected areas (MPAs) and conducting community surveys to identify conservation tools and where they would be most effective. Read more
Corals
As coral reefs endure mass bleaching events, their long-term recovery relies heavily on the survival of resilient species and their ability to reproduce. Spring 2026 students are working with researchers to conduct coral surveys and assess the health of coral juveniles on the reefs of South Eleuthera. Read more
Marine Mammals
Marine mammals are vulnerable to a number of threats, and Spring 2026 students are working with CEI researchers to increase awareness and conservation of these animals. To determine population sizes of beaked whales and bottlenose dolphins in The Bahamas, the team is conducting visual surveys and monitoring acoustics in the Exuma Sound and Rock Sound. Read more
Sustainable Systems
With the Sustainable Systems research team at the Cape Eleuthera Institute, Spring 2026 students are investigating how Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and The Island School can sustainably irrigate farmland using groundwater. Read more
Agroforestry
In an effort to increase food security, the Cape Eleuthera Institute recently developed an agroforestry site to practice coppice-integrated farming. Spring 2026 students are studying the insect biodiversity of the agroforest and comparing it to the unaltered Bahamian forest to understand the impact of agroforestry on ecosystem biodiversity in Eleuthera. Read more
Black Land Crabs
Black land crabs are an important part of the Bahamian forest, as well as an important economic asset. As predation increases, size and population of black land crabs decrease, which can lead to less vegetation and unhealthy forest habitat. Spring 2026 students are studying the purpose of color variation in these crabs to determine the effectiveness of their camoflogue. Read more