MSC Foundation: New Center for Coral Conservation
The MSC Foundation is nearing the completion of the first phase of establishing the Marine Conservation Center at Ocean Cay, Bahamas, thus reinforcing its commitment to coral research and protection.
The center is designed to support the Super Coral initiative, a project aimed at enhancing the resilience and reproduction of corals through the cultivation of fragments from five different species and 13 genotypes of reef-building corals. The second phase, expected to be completed by April 2025, will significantly strengthen local coral reef restoration and protection efforts.
The Marine Conservation Center will also serve as an important hub for education and public awareness, fostering greater understanding of the need to protect these critical marine ecosystems. During a three-day workshop held aboard MSC Seashore and on Ocean Cay, experts and academics collaborated to develop the new 2030 Roadmap for Coral Conservation. This strategic plan updates the previous version created in 2019 at a meeting in Bimini and marks an important step forward in the foundation’s long-term vision.
MSC Foundation Hosts and Speakers at Panel Discussion in Nassau, The Bahamas
Island of Ocean Cay, The Bahamas
Dr. David Smith, Chief Scientific Officer of the MSC Foundation Advisory Board, highlighted the significant achievements to date: the identification of coral populations with high resistance to elevated temperatures, the adoption of outdoor coral nursery growth techniques, and transplant methods that resulted in a 100% survival rate during the latest marine heatwave.
The workshop was attended by representatives from key institutions and organizations, including the Bahamas Department of Environmental Planning and Protection, the Perry Institute for Marine Science, Nova Southeastern University, the University of Miami, and many other research and conservation entities. Daniela Picco, Executive Director of the MSC Foundation, praised the cooperation among public, academic, and private partners as a model of long-term collaboration, supporting this initiative for the positive impact that can be achieved when communities, governments, and philanthropic organizations work together towards shared goals.
Since 2022, the Super Coral Program has prioritized studying and propagating particularly resilient coral species, with a special focus on the endangered elkhorn coral. This effort is integral to the ecological restoration process initiated by MSC Cruises, which transformed a former sand mining site into a thriving marine environment. With the opening of the Marine Conservation Center, the MSC Foundation aims to expand its operations, integrating scientific research and public education to engage local communities and visitors.
Super Coral Programme (2)
Super Coral Programme (5)
Super Coral Programme
Paul Lewis, Program Director in the Bahamas, described the center as “a beacon of hope” and a tool for education and community involvement, emphasizing the importance of understanding the value of coral reefs in protecting coastlines, supporting biodiversity, and sustaining local economies. Collaborations with institutions like Nova Southeastern University and the University of Miami, active since 2020, have supported master’s students involved in coral restoration research.
In July 2024, new agreements were signed with the University of the Bahamas and BAMSI, paving the way for scholarships and internship opportunities for local students. These initiatives will enhance skills in marine conservation and promote the sharing of scientific knowledge. Dr. Maria Woodside-Oriakhi, Provost of the University of the Bahamas, noted that the MSC Foundation’s support helps achieve the strategic goal of expanding academic offerings and fostering new research opportunities.
Finally, Matthew McKinnon, Chair of the MSC Foundation Advisory Board, stated that the foundation’s commitment to coral reef conservation is both an environmental and social duty. The future success of the program will rely on the ongoing evolution of partnerships and active participation from stakeholders. Targeted awareness campaigns will inform tourists and cruise passengers about the importance of coral conservation in the Bahamas and worldwide, helping to spread greater awareness and encourage active participation in the cause.
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