ATLANTIS PARADISE ISLAND AND ATLANTIS BLUE PROJECT TO HOST THE BAHAMAS’ FIRST CORAL GENE BANK

Atlantis Blue Project in The Bahamas  Leads the Charge Toward a Sustainable Future 

PARADISE ISLAND, BAHAMAS July  2023: A leader in marine life conservation, Atlantis Paradise Island will be home to  first coral gene bank in The Bahamas, making strides in the global fight against Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD), an affliction decimating coral populations.   Learn more on this website.  Of the 45 reef-building coral species within the region, more than half can catch the disease, including some of the slowest-growing and longest-lived species such as brain, pillar and star corals. Coral survival rate of SCTLD is extremely low and once infected, corals can die within weeks.  The Bahamas Coral Gene Bank at Atlantis Paradise Island (BCGB) is a collaboration between Atlantis and the Atlantis Blue Project Foundation (ABPF), The Bahamas Ministry of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs, Perry Institute for Marine Science (PIMS) and University of The Bahamas.

Proceeds from all experiences at the resort’s marine habitats and Dolphin Cay directly fund ABPF initiatives. Most recently, Atlantis, ABPF and Perry Institute for Marine Science led a coral out planting excursion using coral fragments harvested from nurseries at the resort, and replanted a nearby coral reef to accelerate the process of ecosystem replenishment. The Atlantis Blue Project Foundation is championing the efforts to preserve marine life in The Bahamas. The foundation has successfully financed the country’s first coral reef report card, which involved surveying over 400 reefs to determine the extent of damage and predict recovery after natural disasters. They have established 25 coral nurseries and planted thousands of corals to aid in the growth of depleted reefs. Their efforts have also contributed to creating 1.4 million acres of Marine Protected Areas on the west side of Andros Island and the designation of 17 marine protected areas with coral reefs in The Bahamas.

“We have a responsibility to the ecosystems surrounding us, and establishing The Bahamas Coral Gene Bank is our next step in the ongoing effort to protect our reefs and stop Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease,” said Audrey Oswell, President and Managing Director of Atlantis Paradise Island. “The Bahamas Coral Gene Bank at Atlantis Paradise Island goes beyond coral rescue, it is about securing the future of Bahamian reefs,” said Michele Liu, Senior Vice President of Atlantis Marine and Water Park Operations and Board Member of Atlantis Blue Project Foundation. “Through this initiative, our goal is to preserve critical marine life and safeguard the livelihood of future generations, which has been the goal of Atlantis Blue Project Foundation since its inception in 2005.”   Learn more about Atlantis Paradise Island and Atlantis Blue Project Foundation’s sustainability efforts by visiting the website.