Sarah Bretz, ContributorThe MSC Foundation celebrated the opening of its Marine Conservation Center at Ocean Cay earlier this month, marking a key milestone in its commitment to coral conservation and marine research in the Bahamas.
The center will be a base for biologists, students, and island visitors alike, with interactive pavilions, a lecture hall, a Bio Lab, and a land-based coral nursery. The new research facility will also provide educational opportunities for visitors on the importance of the marine ecosystem and the critical need to protect coral reefs. It will be the new hub for the MSC Foundation’s Super Coral Reefs Programme.
Launched in 2019, the Super Coral Reefs Programme has been driving efforts to help restore coral reefs in the 64-square-mile area around Ocean Cay with coral species that are more resilient to environmental stressors such as rising ocean temperatures.
The opening of the center represents a significant investment in the future of the Bahamas, reinforcing the country’s leadership in marine conservation and sustainable tourism. The facility will not only advance scientific research in line with the parameters authorized by the Bahamas Department of Environmental Planning and Protection and in alignment with national priorities of the Ministry of Education, Technical, and Vocational Training, but also provide invaluable educational opportunities for Bahamian students, researchers, and conservationists.
Through MSC’s partnerships with institutions such as the University of The Bahamas, The Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute, and the Perry Institute for Marine Science, the MSC Foundation is helping to equip the next generation of Bahamian environmental stewards with the knowledge and tools needed to protect earth’s oceans.
The Marine Conservation Center was officially opened by the Chair of the MSC Foundation Executive Committee and Executive Chairman of the Cruise Division of MSC Group, Pierfrancesco Vago, with Diego Aponte, MSC Foundation Board Member and MSC Group President, Rick Sasso, MSC Foundation Ambassador and Chairman MSC Cruises (USA) and MSC Foundation Executive Director Daniela Picco, together with the Prime Minister of The Bahamas, the Honourable Philip Davis, the Deputy Prime Minister, Honourable I. Chester Cooper and renowned marine biologist Dr Sylvia Earle.
“The opening of our Marine Conservation Center marks a defining moment in our multigenerational commitment to ocean conservation,” said Vago. “It brings to life the MSC Foundation’s concrete plans for restoring coral reefs, advancing science, and creating training opportunities for Bahamian and international students. With the continued support of the Government of The Bahamas and local authorities, our work here is contributing to the circular economy through ecosystem preservation, regeneration, and knowledge sharing.”
The new facility features a fully-equipped bio-lab and The Aquaria, a dedicated land-based coral nursery housing 22 coral tanks to support restoration efforts. It also features a 50-seat lecture hall.
The center’s Welcome Hub and Discovery Pavilion will also offer immersive experiences for visitors including guided tours, interactive exhibits, and hands-on coral restoration activities.
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