Delicate coral reefs in The Bahamas that provide habitat, food, and shelter for millions of marine animals are being decimated by rising ocean temperatures and Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease, which kills certain species of reef-building coral. 

In response, we are funding the development of The Bahama’s first-ever Coral Gene Bank to rescue, preserve, study, reproduce, and grow endangered coral species. Inside the gene bank, at least 15 species and up to 600 coral colonies can be propagated, with tens of thousands of coral offspring produced each year. The Perry Institute for Marine Science is managing the design and construction of the facility at Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas, and the institute’s marine biologists will operate the bio-secure facility with help from students at the University of The Bahamas.