Protecting Coral Reefs for the Future

One of Atlantis’ most exciting conservation efforts is The Bahamas’ first Coral Gene Bank, which recently marked its first anniversary. The bio-secure facility can house up to 600 mature coral colonies and currently protects 15 coral species, helping preserve the genetic diversity needed to restore reefs threatened by warming oceans and disease.

Atlantis has also established the Bahamas’ first Sea Urchin Nursery, funded by ABPF and designed to study how algae-eating long-spined sea urchins can help reefs recover naturally. These tiny creatures play a surprisingly big role in reef health by clearing algae that can overwhelm young corals. We’ll bring you more next month!

Rescue Stories That Inspire

Atlantis continues to serve as the only Marine Mammal Stranding Response Team in The Bahamas, caring for rescued marine animals from across the Americas. One recent guest, a critically endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtle named Lucky, traveled more than 2,700 miles after being rescued from freezing waters in Nova Scotia. Under the care of Atlantis’ veterinary and aquarist teams, Lucky recovered beautifully and returned to the ocean this spring.

Atlantis also recently welcomed Kronos, a young Atlantic manta ray, to the Ruins Lagoon. Kronos will help researchers better understand manta ray growth, behavior and migration before eventually being released into the wild. Atlantis was the first facility in the Western Hemisphere to display manta rays and has now cared for 15 individuals as part of its conservation and research efforts.

Helping Guests Connect to Ocean Conservation

Conservation at Atlantis isn’t limited to laboratories and rescue facilities. Our guests are invited to experience it firsthand. Our Marine Adventures and Dolphin Cay programs offer extraordinary opportunities for hands-on learning and inspiration to protect this precious resource, and participation supports the Atlantis Blue Project Foundation, a non-profit working to protect coral reefs and sea life.