September 12, 2023
Newly unveiled findings from the Perry Institute for Marine Science (PIMS) and The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) have painted a grave scenario for coral reefs in the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park (ECLSP). As researchers surfaced from an intense expedition, their reports and images bore witness to one of the most drastic coral bleaching events in recorded history — a glaring testament to the accelerating threat of climate change.
Often touted as a beacon of nature’s resilience, the ECLSP, founded in 1958 and declared a “no-take zone” in 1986, ranks among the world’s most revered marine parks. Yet, the very havens that once inspired optimism now teem with signs of environmental distress. Scientists have observed up to 100% of corals bleached in certain areas, while even the most resilient reefs show a concerning 50% bleaching rate.
Lindy Knowles, Senior Science Officer at BNT, narrated the chilling scene at Shroud Wall, a divers’ paradise in the ECLSP, lying 15-18 metres (50-60 ft) beneath the waves: “The sight at Shroud Wall was depressing. The bleached corals were glaringly white, so different than their usual vibrant colours. We immediately could’ve seen the massive amount of bleaching on the reef as soon as we got to the site, before even getting in the water.” Astoundingly, Shroud Wall saw bleaching in 70-80% of its corals.
Jeep Reef, located within the park just 9 metres (30 ft) below the surface, paralleled that of Pillar Wall. Will Greene, a scientist with the Perry Institute specializing in GIS, commented on the unprecedented damage: “Jeep Reef was once a tapestry of corals and sponges. Witnessing half of its corals entirely bleached and another quarter under duress is heartbreaking. It’s an ecological nightmare.”
Dr. Craig Dahlgren, PIMS’ Executive Director who spearheaded the recent expedition, emphasized the global implications. “Coral bleaching is one of nature’s most important distress signals – it’s perhaps the most visceral alarm bell for our planet’s health.”
Though certain corals, including the great star and pillar coral, exhibited some apparent resilience, their future remains uncertain. A silver lining, albeit thin, was the absence of Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease, a deadly and fast-acting infection that has devastated Bahamian corals in recent years.
Immediate hopes for relief of the bleaching crisis rest on nature’s mercy – a drop in ocean temperatures, possibly due to a cold front, could bring temporary relief. However, it’s the longer term where humanity’s role becomes crucial. “Tackling climate change isn’t a matter of choice but of survival,” stated Greene. “We can’t stop the current bleaching event at a meaningful scale, but we can prevent environmental disasters like this from happening down the line by addressing climate change. In the interim, our focus is on helping the park recover by rebuilding resilient reefs engineered to withstand thermal surges.”
Decades ago, a 1998 bleaching event had already caused significant devastation within The Bahamas, with Andros losing half its coral. As this summer’s extreme temperatures bleach millions, if not billions, of Bahamian coral colonies, experts agree that the countdown to action has begun.
Previous models estimated that global warming could annihilate most coral reefs by 2050. “However, these bleak projections seem to be manifesting far earlier than expected,” warned Dr. Dahlgren. “To give corals a fighting chance, a paradigm shift in our approach — from gene banking and coral restoration to advancements in coral genetics — is paramount.”
Technological strides from the Perry Institute may provide a glimmer of hope. Emphasizing the significance of genetic conservation, PIMS’ lead coral aquarist and Nassau native, Ms. Gimel Morley, pointed towards the promise of gene banking: “Gene banks, mirroring agricultural seed banks, could be our best defense. They safeguard the genetic diversity of coral species, ensuring their survival against mounting threats.”
Global coral reefs contribute $2.7 trillion annually, so their importance cannot be overstated. They fortify coastlines, bolster fisheries, drive tourism, and form the bedrock of marine ecosystems. With the reefs of The Bahamas alone potentially contributing up to $135 million per square kilometre, the ecological and economic implications are profound.
For The Bahamas, the path ahead is clear but arduous. As Dr. Dahlgren remarked, “Our aim must transition from merely acknowledging threats to actively countering their global ramifications. This monumental challenge requires an unwavering commitment from the Government to resurrect our reefs.”
The onus now, as PIMS highlights, is on recognizing and restoring corals resilient to temperature stress. Unfortunately, this monumental undertaking is hindered by a lack of needed technology and specialized expertise to conduct some aspects of research, including genetic screening, genomics, and other lines of research that may help save our reefs. The situation is exacerbated by national regulations that curtail collaborations with global partners equipped with such technologies who are ready and willing to help.