Picture of Dr. Krista Sherman

Fieldwork Wrap-Up: Strengthening MPA Management in The Bahamas

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are critical tools in the conservation of marine species and habitats, safeguarding reefs, seagrasses, and mangroves that provide vital ecosystem services to coastal communities. At the Perry Institute for Marine Science (PIMS), we’ve been working closely with the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) on the Global Environment Facility 2020 (GEF2020) project, an initiative aimed at improving knowledge, assessing changes in key marine resources, building capacity, and strengthening the management of Marine Protected Areas in The Bahamas.

As part of this project, five national parks managed by BNT were selected as focal MPAs for our research:

  1. Andros West Side National Park
  2. Bonefish Pond National Park
  3. Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park
  4. Lucayan National Park
  5. Moriah Harbour Cay National Park 
Dr. Craig Dahlgren surfaces with a sponge specimen in hand after a successful survey in Andros West Side National Park.
Dr. Craig Dahlgren surfaces with a sponge specimen in hand after a successful survey in Andros West Side National Park.

During the summers of 2023 and 2024, our team, led by Dr. Craig Dahlgren, collaborated with BNT technical staff and park wardens to collect ecological data on priority species within these parks. This data will guide conservation and monitoring plans tailored for each of these Marine Protected Areas in The Bahamass, supporting the sustainable use of the country’s marine resources.

Assessing Sponge Populations in Andros West Side National Park

In Andros West Side National Park, the focus was on assessing historic commercial sponge grounds, home to three critical species—grass, wool, and hardhead sponges. These species survived the sponge fishery collapse in the 1930s. With renewed interest in the sponge industry, it’s vital to understand the current status of these sponge populations and their recovery from harvesting pressure. Our research aims to develop best practices for a sustainable sponge industry while conserving this unique habitat.

Marine scientist Dr. Krista Sherman dives into the clear Bahamian waters, carefully inspecting a vibrant sponge – a crucial step in assessing the health of this marine habitat.
Marine scientist Dr. Krista Sherman dives into the clear Bahamian waters, carefully inspecting a vibrant sponge – a crucial step in assessing the health of this marine habitat.
A sponge on the seafloor serves as the perfect hideout for juvenile crawfish, showcasing the incredible role sponges play in supporting marine life. Protecting habitats like this is key to sustaining healthy fisheries.
A sponge on the seafloor serves as the perfect hideout for juvenile crawfish, showcasing the incredible role sponges play in supporting marine life. Protecting habitats like this is key to sustaining healthy fisheries.

Lobster Recruitment in Bonefish Pond National Park

In Bonefish Pond National Park (i.e., Bonefish Pond), we installed collectors to monitor spiny lobster recruits. This park was restored over a decade ago to enhance its mangrove nursery habitat. The data will help us study lobster recruitment and assess the restoration’s success. This research is vital to understanding how this habitat supports spiny lobsters, a valuable commercial species in The Bahamas.

A tiny juvenile crawfish cradled in the palm—an up-close look at the future of our marine ecosystems. Protecting these young ones is essential for sustaining vibrant, healthy fisheries.
A tiny juvenile crawfish cradled in the palm—an up-close look at the future of our marine ecosystems. Protecting these young ones is essential for sustaining vibrant, healthy fisheries. Photo provided by Lindy Knowles / Bahamas National Trust.

Monitoring Nassau Grouper in the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park

Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park has been a no-take zone since 1986, offering a unique opportunity to study the critically endangered Nassau grouper. Using the Atlantic and Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment protocol, we conducted standardized fish surveys to collect data on the abundance and size of Nassau grouper within the park. This information is key to science-based management strategies, assessing the effectiveness of current Marine Protected Area design, and ensuring long-term conservation.

A Nassau grouper hides beneath a rocky ledge in the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park.
A Nassau grouper hides beneath a rocky ledge in the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park.

Coral Reef Assessments in Lucayan and Moriah Harbour Cay National Parks

In Lucayan National Park and Moriah Harbour Cay National Park, the focus was on threatened reef-building corals. We combined in-water coral reef surveys with aerial habitat mapping using commercial drones to document the conditions of staghorn and elkhorn corals. These corals form intricate three-dimensional structures that provide essential habitats for numerous fish and invertebrate species. Understanding the condition of these reefs is crucial not only for biodiversity but also for supporting sustainable fisheries in The Bahamas.

Lily Haines, PIMS Communications and Marketing Manager, carefully plants staghorn coral off the shores of Nassau. Through our Reef Rescue Network, we’re working to restore staghorn and elkhorn coral across The Bahamas and the wider Caribbean, building resilient reefs for future generations.
Through our Reef Rescue Network, we’re working to restore staghorn and elkhorn coral across The Bahamas and the wider Caribbean, building resilient reefs for future generations. Pictured here, Lily Haines, PIMS Communications and Marketing Manager, carefully plants staghorn coral off the shores of Nassau.

Next Steps and the Importance of Our Findings

In the coming months, our PIMS research team will process the data collected throughout the GEF2020 project. These findings will provide valuable insights into the status of commercially, ecologically, and culturally significant marine resources. The ultimate goal is to develop recommendations that will shape the long-term and science-based management of Marine Protected Areas in The Bahamas, ensuring marine ecosystems continue to thrive and provide for future generations.

Will Greene, our photogrammetry and remote sensing specialist, and Taylor Walters, our coral technician, share a smile before diving into snorkel surveys in the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park.
Will Greene, our photogrammetry and remote sensing specialist, and Taylor Walters, our coral technician, share a smile before diving into snorkel surveys in the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park.
From sea to shelf: These dried commercial sponges are used for everything from bathing and cleaning to art and decor, showing just how much the ocean contributes to our daily lives.
From sea to shelf: These dried commercial sponges are used for everything from bathing and cleaning to art and decor, showing just how much the ocean contributes to our daily lives.

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