The MSC Foundation celebrated the official opening of its Marine Conservation Centre at Ocean Cay, marking a key milestone in its commitment to coral conservation and marine research in The Bahamas.
The MSC Foundation’s Marine Conservation Centre will be a base for biologists, scientists, students and island visitors alike, and will feature 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 and will be the hub for the MSC Foundation’s Super Coral Reefs Program.
Launched in 2019, the MSC Foundation’s Super Coral Reefs Program 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 Marine Conservation Centre represents a significant investment in the future of The Bahamas, reinforcing the nation's leadership in marine conservation and sustainable tourism.," the cruise line said. "This 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 our 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 our oceans."
The Marine Conservation Centre was officially opened on 10APR by the Chair of the MSC Foundation Executive Committee and Executive Chairman of the Cruise Division of MSC Group, Pierfrancesco Vago, together with the Prime Minister of The Bahamas, the Honourable Philip Davis, and renowned marine biologist Dr Sylvia Earle.
Key Cabinet ministers from The Bahamas, local Bimini Council members, other dignitaries and key stakeholders from The Bahamas were also in attendance, alongside MSC Foundation partners.
Pierfrancesco Vago, Chair of the MSC Foundation Executive Committee, said:
“The opening of our Marine Conservation Centre marks a defining moment in our multigenerational commitment to ocean conservation. 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.”
Dr Sylvia Earle, the renowned marine biologist and founder of Mission Blue, who participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony nearly two years after the NGO designated Ocean Cay as a “Hope Spot” — a site important to ocean health — said: “Bravo to MSC and the MSC Foundation for creating the Marine Conservation Centre at Ocean Cay, a treasured Mission Blue Hope Spot. The Centre is a place to discover why the ocean matters to everyone, everywhere, and to inspire actions that can be taken to restore and care for the vast blue realm that makes possible the existence of life— humankind very much included.”
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 boasts a 50-seat lecture hall, providing a space for educational programs and scientific collaboration.
The centre’s Welcome Hub and Discovery Pavilion will also offer immersive experiences for visitors, including guided tours, interactive exhibits, and hands-on coral restoration activities, fostering a deeper connection to marine conservation.
"This facility will connect marine scientists, educators, and the public, annually supporting up to 30 marine science students from four universities." said Daniela Picco, Executive Director of the MSC Foundation. "By strengthening partnerships with Bahamian and international experts, engaging the wider community and making a bridge to hundreds of thousands of island visitors, we have laid foundations for lasting ocean stewardship and meaningful conservation efforts.”
About the Super Coral Reefs Program
The Foundation began collaborating with the University of Miami and Nova Southeastern University in 2020 to develop the Super Coral Reefs Program through Florida-based graduate internships in marine science. Since 2022, we have been focusing on identifying hardy species of coral at Ocean Cay, conducting research in accordance with parameters of permits authorized by The Bahamas Department of Environmental Planning and Protection, and propagating such types of coral species, mainly focusing on critically endangered elkhorn coral.
The work builds upon MSC Cruises’ multi-year restoration of Ocean Cay’s marine ecosystem, which began when the company started redeveloping the former sand-mining site. The 64 square miles of waters around the island have since flourished. With the opening of the new Marine Conservation Centre, the Foundation is scaling up its efforts.
Among the Super Coral Reefs Program’s successes to date:
· Identifying high thermal resilience in some genetic populations of corals, focusing on critically endangered Elkhorn coral.
· Developing techniques to grow corals in open-water nurseries.
· Successful start to outplanting resilient corals, aiming to increase outplanting capacity over the coming years to 6000 corals annually.
· 100% survival of nursery-grown corals during the unprecedented marine heatwave of summer 2023.
