Experts Sound Alarm as Coral Disease Threatens Bahamas Reefs

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UNITED STATES – In the fight against Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease, MSC is taking the lead by hosting a stakeholder meeting that brings together industry experts, scientists and key partners to discuss strategies for combating the disease and protecting the country’s coral reef ecosystems.

The one-day summit, held at MSC’s Miami facility, focused on finding solutions to the spread of Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease, a fast-moving outbreak that has impacted reefs across The Bahamas and the wider Caribbean.

The disease attacks hard corals, causing tissue to rapidly die off and threatening one of the country’s most important natural resources.

Professor David Smith, chief scientific advisor to the MSC Foundation, says the foundation’s goal is to help rebuild reefs while preparing them for future threats.

For The Bahamas, the stakes are particularly high.

Coral reefs support the country’s tourism product, fisheries and shoreline protection.

Perry Institute for Marine Science Executive Director Craig Dahlgren says the disease has already spread across much of the archipelago.

As scientists search for answers, environmental regulators say development must also be carefully managed to protect sensitive ecosystems.

Director of the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection, Dr. Rhianna Neely Murphy, says her agency is tasked with striking a balance between economic development and environmental sustainability.

But even with scientific research and government oversight, conservationists say a lack of funding remains one of the biggest obstacles.

Bahamas National Trust Executive Director Lakeisha Anderson-Rolle says properly managing the country’s network of protected areas requires hundreds of millions of dollars.