OUR WORK
GLOBAL REACH. LOCAL IMPACT.
For over 40 years, The Perry Institute for Marine Science has been a leader in conducting research in support of ocean conservation and stewardship throughout the Caribbean. Some of the core programs have centered around the effective use of Marine Protected Areas for marine conservation and fisheries management, the health of coral reefs and associated ecosystems, and the management of key Caribbean fishery species like the queen conch, Caribbean spiny lobster, and particularly the Nassau grouper.
Perry Institute for Marine Science supports a wide range of research that is helping protect our oceans.
Our four main areas of research include:
The effective management and conservation of the Nassau grouper fishery
Reversing the decline of coral reefs
The effective management and planning of marine protected areas
Addressing issues related to climate change and marine ecosystems
Additionally, our board member Dr. Kent Carpenter manages IUCN’s Global Marine Species Assessment. The project is a global review of the threat of extinction for every marine vertebrate species, plants and selected invertebrates. Our research programs are designed to help us address conservation and management priorities for each focus area. Read more about our many ongoing projects below and how they help us address conservation priorities.
MARINE SPECIES
MARINE SPECIES
Many marine species, like the iconic Nassau grouper — a commercially and ecologically important fish species, are now considered critically endangered.Habitat degradation, impact from environmental change, unsustainable fishing all factor into the challenges facing the world’s marine species. The Perry Institute for Marine Science (PIMS) and its partners are addressing threats to important marine species.
MARINE PROTECTED AREAS
MARINE PROTECTED AREAS
The use of Marine Protected areas such as marine parks, fishery reserves, and other areas of the sea that receive an increased level of protective management, are important management tools for a number of purposes.The implementation of a self-sustaining network of well-managed MPAs is of critical importance to coral reef health. The Perry Institute for Marine Science (PIMS) MPA research continues to inform fisheries and ecosystem management in The Bahamas and the wider Caribbean.
CORAL REEFS
CORAL REEFS
Over the past decades, coral reefs around the world, including The Bahamas, have been in decline. With numerous local, regional and global threats facing coral reefs, the ability of reefs to support biodiversity and ecosystem services to people has been compromised. Our Reverse The Decline of Bahamian Coral Reefs program, a comprehensive 10-year program, is aimed at improving the health of coral reefs throughout The Bahamas.CLIMATE CHANGE
CLIMATE CHANGE
Climate change is the most significant challenge facing us this century.While uncertainty remains over the effects of increased sea surface temperatures and ocean acidification on marine ecosystems, there is a general agreement that a sustained program of research is required along with long-term monitoring to guide decision-making.