In July 2025, the Atlantis Blue Project Foundation took a major step forward in coral reef conservation by funding the establishment of the first in situ sea urchin nursery in The Bahamas. The project, carried out by our grantee Sustainable Ocean and Reefs Inc. (SOAR), focuses on restoring populations of the long-spined sea urchin, Diadema antillarum, a keystone grazer that keeps algae in check and creates the conditions corals need to settle, grow, and thrive.

Diadema populations across the Caribbean were devastated by a mass die-off event in 1983 that caused a greater than 95% population decline region-wide. Populations never fully recovered, and a second mortality event in 2022, caused by a scuticociliate parasite, compounded the problem further. Without these urchins grazing on algae, reefs across the Caribbean have undergone what scientists call a "phase shift" from vibrant coral ecosystems to algae-dominated landscapes where coral recruitment stalls. Restoring Diadema to Bahamian reefs is now considered one of the most promising strategies for supporting natural reef recovery.

To prepare for the nursery installation, the SOAR team spent multiple days organizing, preparing, and shipping custom grow-out units and materials to Nassau. After arriving on site, the team constructed custom grow-outs designed specifically for the next phase of reef grazer research. They then headed underwater to begin transporting and assembling rock piles into complex reef-like structures that provide shelter and habitat for juvenile urchins.

Alongside the nursery construction, SOAR is mapping Diadema antillarum genetics in selected areas of New Providence Island. This genetic data supports reef restoration planning and helps researchers understand population connectivity across the region, a key factor in designing effective long-term recovery strategies.

During the visit, the SOAR team also connected with Atlantis resort guests to share the science behind reef grazer conservation and the critical role these animals play in maintaining healthy coral ecosystems.

This project represents an exciting expansion of reef restoration work into The Bahamas and reflects the Atlantis Blue Project Foundation's continued commitment to funding innovative, science-driven approaches to marine conservation.