The Pub Hub

Published Research from the Perry Institute for Marine Science

Our Research

At the Perry Institute for Marine Science, we lead the way in tackling urgent threats facing our ocean. Our conservation research explores the complex relationships among fisheries, coral reefs, mangroves, and coastal habitats, emphasizing how healthy marine ecosystems directly support the livelihoods of coastal communities.

Why Our Research Matters


  • Strengthening Coastal Resilience: Our studies focus on coral reefs, mangroves, and other habitats that protect coastlines from storms and erosion.
  • Sustaining Biodiversity: We investigate the health and diversity of fish, corals, and marine species to drive conservation and responsible management.
  • Empowering Local Communities: By training local stakeholders and sharing our findings, we enable sustainable livelihoods and foster ocean stewardship.
  • Global Impact: Our data informs worldwide initiatives, advancing science-based policies for climate resilience, biodiversity, and marine resource sustainability.

Our Key Research Areas

  • Sustainable Fisheries: We conduct comprehensive stock assessments for grouper, snapper, conch, and other key species.
  • Community-Led Management: By training local fishers in data collection, we empower communities to practice science-driven harvest limits and responsible fishing techniques.
  • Socioeconomic Research: Through surveys and collaborative discussions, we explore how marine resources affect the livelihoods, culture, and well-being of coastal communities.
  • Education & Capacity Building: We offer workshops and partner with schools to engage, train, and inspire future stewards of the ocean.
  • Reef Restoration: Our research efforts include studying the impact of coral nurseries, transplant initiatives, and long-term monitoring to restore reef resilience and biodiversity.
  • Disease Mitigation: We focus on understanding and combating coral diseases—such as Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease—to protect and revive threatened reef systems.
 
  • Population Assessments: From queen conch to spiny lobster, we track invertebrate health and abundance to inform sustainable harvest strategies.
  • Life-Cycle Studies: Our research examines spawning behaviors, larval development, and critical habitats that support invertebrate populations.
  • Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): We evaluate the effectiveness of MPAs and recommend science-based management to conserve biodiversity.
  • Mangroves & Seagrasses: By restoring critical coastal habitats, we bolster shoreline protection, carbon sequestration, and nursery grounds for countless marine species.
  • Ecosystem Connectivity: Our holistic approach recognizes how interconnected habitats—reefs, seagrasses, mangroves—sustain fish stocks and support healthy coastal economies.
Research Projects
A Climate Vulnerability Assessment for Caribbean Recreational Fisheries
Report (2022) · 37 pp

Reference:
A Climate Vulnerability Assessment for Caribbean Recreational Fisheries (2022).
Environmental Defense Fund, 37 pp.
Article ·
PDF

Summary:
Assesses exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity of recreational fisheries across the Caribbean and recommends priority adaptation actions for fisheries managers and communities.

PIMS contributors: Dr. Karlisa D. Callwood; Dr. Craig P. Dahlgren; Dr. Krista D. Sherman.

Spatial and temporal variability in parrotfish assemblages on Bahamian coral reefs
Diversity (2022) · 14(8): 625

Reference:
Spatial and temporal variability in parrotfish assemblages on Bahamian coral reefs (2022).
Diversity, 14(8): 625.
https://doi.org/10.3390/d14080625 ·
PDF

Summary:
Nine years of surveys around New Providence/Rose Island show notable declines in parrotfish density and size structure, with implications for herbivory and reef resilience.

PIMS co-authors: Dr. Craig P. Dahlgren; Dr. Krista D. Sherman.

Antillogorgia elisabethae Management Plan for The Commonwealth of The Bahamas
Management Plan (2021) · 77 pp

Reference:
Antillogorgia elisabethae Management Plan for The Commonwealth of The Bahamas (2021).
Prepared for the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP), Nassau, Bahamas. 77 pp.
Listing

Summary:
Provides science and policy guidance for sustainable management of the commercially harvested octocoral A. elisabethae, including monitoring and permitting recommendations.

PIMS co-authors: Dr. Krista D. Sherman; Dr. Craig P. Dahlgren.

RAD-seq analysis and in situ monitoring of Nassau grouper reveal fine-scale population structure and origins of aggregating fish
Frontiers in Marine Science (2020) · 7: 157

Reference:
RAD-seq analysis and in situ monitoring of Nassau grouper reveal fine-scale population structure and origins of aggregating fish (2020).
Frontiers in Marine Science, 7: 157.
https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2020.00157 ·
PDF

Summary:
Combines SNP genomics and telemetry to identify aggregation origins and fine-scale structure across The Bahamas, informing spatial protections for Nassau grouper.

PIMS co-authors: Dr. Krista D. Sherman; Dr. Craig P. Dahlgren.

Contemporary and emerging fisheries in The Bahamas – conservation and management challenges, achievements and future directions
Fisheries Management and Ecology (2018) · 25(5): 319–331

Reference:
Contemporary and emerging fisheries in The Bahamas – conservation and management challenges, achievements and future directions (2018).
Fisheries Management and Ecology, 25(5): 319–331.
https://doi.org/10.1111/fme.12299 ·
PDF

Summary:
Reviews major Bahamian fisheries, key threats, and policy progress, and outlines priorities to strengthen data, enforcement, and adaptive management.

PIMS co-authors: Dr. Krista D. Sherman; Dr. Craig P. Dahlgren.

Understanding and managing fish populations: keeping the toolbox fit for purpose
Journal of Fish Biology (2018) · 92(3): 727–751

Reference:
Understanding and managing fish populations: keeping the toolbox fit for purpose (2018).
Journal of Fish Biology, 92(3): 727–751.
https://doi.org/10.1111/jfb.13549 ·
PDF

Summary:
Synthesizes modern tools (genetics, telemetry, modelling, surveys) and how to deploy them effectively for conservation and fisheries decision-making.

PIMS co-author: Dr. Krista D. Sherman.

Nassau Grouper (Epinephelus striatus) Conservation Management Plan for The Commonwealth of The Bahamas
Management Plan (2018)

Reference:
Nassau Grouper (Epinephelus striatus) Conservation Management Plan for The Commonwealth of The Bahamas (2018).
Prepared for the Department of Marine Resources, Nassau, Bahamas.
PDF

Summary:
Sets national objectives and actions to rebuild Nassau grouper stocks, including aggregation closures, enforcement, and monitoring protocols.

PIMS co-authors: Dr. Krista D. Sherman; Dr. Craig P. Dahlgren.

Nassau Grouper Policy Brief
Policy Brief (2018) · 7 pp

Reference:
Nassau Grouper Policy Brief (2018).
Nassau, The Bahamas, 7 pp.
Listing

Summary:
Summarizes urgent management needs to protect spawning aggregations and accelerate recovery of Nassau grouper in The Bahamas.

PIMS authors: Not publicly listed online.

Historical processes and contemporary anthropogenic activities influence genetic population dynamics of Nassau grouper within The Bahamas
Frontiers in Marine Science (2017) · 4: 393

Reference:
Historical processes and contemporary anthropogenic activities influence genetic population dynamics of Nassau grouper (Epinephelus striatus) within The Bahamas (2017).
Frontiers in Marine Science, 4: 393.
https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2017.00393 ·
PDF

Summary:
Microsatellite analyses link fishing pressures and historical factors to patterns of genetic diversity and structure across Bahamian Nassau grouper populations.

PIMS co-authors: Dr. Krista D. Sherman; Dr. Craig P. Dahlgren.

Nassau grouper migration patterns during full moon suggest collapsed historic fish spawning aggregation and evidence of an undocumented aggregation
Bulletin of Marine Science (2017) · 93: 375–389

Reference:
Nassau grouper migration patterns during full moon suggest collapsed historic fish spawning aggregation and evidence of an undocumented aggregation (2017).
Bulletin of Marine Science, 93: 375–389.
https://doi.org/10.5343/bms.2016.1042 ·
PDF

Summary:
Telemetry during lunar spawning seasons reveals a collapsed historic aggregation and evidence of a previously undocumented aggregation, supporting seasonal closures.

PIMS co-authors: Dr. Craig P. Dahlgren; Dr. Krista D. Sherman.

Integrating population biology into conservation management for endangered Nassau grouper (Epinephelus striatus)
Marine Ecology Progress Series (2016) · 554: 263–280

Reference:
Integrating population biology into conservation management for endangered Nassau grouper (Epinephelus striatus) (2016).
Marine Ecology Progress Series, 554: 263–280.
https://doi.org/10.3354/meps11771 ·
PDF

Summary:
Reviews Nassau grouper life history and aggregation dynamics, proposing a research-to-policy framework for recovery.

PIMS co-authors: Dr. Krista D. Sherman; Dr. Craig P. Dahlgren.

Multi-year tracking of Nassau grouper spawning migrations
Marine and Coastal Fisheries (2016) · 8: 522–535

Reference:
Multi-year tracking of Nassau grouper spawning migrations (2016).
Marine and Coastal Fisheries, 8: 522–535.
https://doi.org/10.1080/19425120.2016.1227404 ·
PDF

Summary:
Acoustic telemetry across multiple years reveals migration distances, timing, and site fidelity, informing spatial protections for spawning sites.

PIMS co-author: Dr. Craig P. Dahlgren.

Review of the benefits of no-take zones
Report (2014) · 104 pp

Reference:
Review of the benefits of no-take zones (2014).
Report to the Wildlife Conservation Society, 104 pp.
PDF

Summary:
Global synthesis showing how fully protected areas increase biomass and ecosystem function, with guidance for MPA design and enforcement.

PIMS author: Dr. Craig P. Dahlgren.

Implementation of Access and Benefit Sharing in The Bahamas: A Precautionary Tale
Conservation (2025) · 5(1): 3

Reference:
Implementation of Access and Benefit Sharing in The Bahamas: A Precautionary Tale (2025).
Conservation, 5(1): 3.
https://doi.org/10.3390/conservation5010003

Summary:
The paper reviews how The Bahamas implemented Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) and explains how the current regime is hindering non-commercial research and conservation. It recommends distinguishing commercial vs. non-commercial research, streamlining permits, reducing prohibitive fees, and enabling timely data sharing to protect biodiversity.

PIMS co-authors: Dr. Krista Sherman; Dr. Craig Dahlgren.

Authority, capacity, and power to govern: Three marine protected areas co-managed by resource users and non-governmental organizations
Marine Policy (2025) · 177: 106647

Reference:
Authority, capacity, and power to govern: Three marine protected areas co-managed by resource users and non-governmental organizations (2025).
Marine Policy, 177: 106647.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2025.106647

Summary:
Evaluates governance effectiveness in three Madagascar MPAs under co-management; one site showed moderate authority and capacity, while others struggled with enforcement power and consistent governance.

PIMS co-author: Dr. Aaron C. Hartmann.

Acknowledging and Supplanting White Supremacy Culture in Science Communication and STEM: The Role of Science Communication Trainers
Frontiers in Communication (2022) · 7: 787750

Reference:
Acknowledging and Supplanting White Supremacy Culture in Science Communication and STEM: The Role of Science Communication Trainers (2022).
Frontiers in Communication, 7: 787750.
https://doi.org/10.3389/fcomm.2022.787750

Summary:
Highlights how pervasive white supremacy culture shapes science communication practices and argues that SciComm trainers are positioned to drive inclusive change through accountability, representation, culturally responsive practice, and inclusion.

PIMS co-author: Dr. Karlisa A. Callwood.

Joining global efforts to halt coral reef decline: a call for more diversity, equity, and inclusion at international scientific meetings
Reef Encounter (2022) · 37(1): 28–35

Reference:
Joining global efforts to halt coral reef decline: a call for more diversity, equity, and inclusion at international scientific meetings (2022).
Reef Encounter, 37(1): 28–35.
PDF

Summary:
Calls for stronger DEI commitments in international coral reef meetings to broaden participation, improve collaboration, and strengthen collective action against reef decline.

PIMS co-author: Dr. Valeria Pizarro.

Characterization of a thermally tolerant Orbicella faveolata reef in Abaco, The Bahamas
Coral Reefs (2020) · 39(3): 675–685

Reference:
Characterization of a thermally tolerant Orbicella faveolata reef in Abaco, The Bahamas (2020).
Coral Reefs, 39(3): 675–685.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00338-020-01948-0

Summary:
Documents a naturally heat-tolerant Orbicella faveolata reef in Abaco and highlights its resilience to thermal stress—an important model for adaptation and conservation in a warming climate.

PIMS co-author: Dr. Craig P. Dahlgren.

Turf algae redefine the chemical landscape of temperate reefs, limiting kelp forest recovery Science (2025) · 388(6749): 876–880

Reference: Turf algae redefine the chemical landscape of temperate reefs, limiting kelp forest recovery (2025). Science, 388(6749): 876–880. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.adt6788

Summary: Shows that turf algae release bioactive compounds that alter seawater chemistry and directly suppress kelp recruitment, highlighting chemical ecology as a key barrier to kelp forest recovery.

PIMS co-author: Dr. Aaron C. Hartmann.

Acropora cervicornis and Acropora palmata cultured on a low maintenance line nursery design in The Bahamas PLOS ONE (2022) · 17(5): e0267034

Reference: Acropora cervicornis and Acropora palmata cultured on a low maintenance line nursery design in The Bahamas (2022). PLOS ONE, 17(5): e0267034. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0267034 · PDF

Summary: Demonstrates a durable, low-maintenance horizontal line nursery design in The Bahamas with high survivorship for both staghorn and elkhorn corals, reducing upkeep to a few visits per year.

PIMS co-authors: (as listed in article) include PIMS collaborators on nursery design and monitoring.

Census of heat tolerance among Florida’s threatened staghorn corals finds resilient individuals throughout existing nursery populations Proceedings of the Royal Society B (2021) · 288: 20211613

Reference: Census of heat tolerance among Florida’s threatened staghorn corals finds resilient individuals throughout existing nursery populations (2021). Proceedings of the Royal Society B, 288: 20211613. https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2021.1613

Summary: Rapid standardized assays across six nurseries reveal broad, reproducible variation in thermal tolerance—showing that a small subset of nursery corals captures much of the population’s resilience.

PIMS note: External collaboration; no PIMS co-authors listed.

Bahamas Coral Reef Report Card – Volume 2: 2015–2020 Report (2020)

Reference: Bahamas Coral Reef Report Card – Volume 2: 2015–2020 (2020). Perry Institute for Marine Science. PDF · Web page

Summary: Synthesizes AGRRA/PIMS monitoring results across The Bahamas, grading reef health indicators and highlighting disease, recruitment shortfalls, and management priorities.

PIMS team: Led by PIMS scientists including Dr. Craig P. Dahlgren and Dr. Krista D. Sherman.

Characterization of a thermally tolerant Orbicella faveolata reef in Abaco, The Bahamas Coral Reefs (2020) · 39(3): 675–685

Reference: Characterization of a thermally tolerant Orbicella faveolata reef in Abaco, The Bahamas (2020). Coral Reefs, 39(3): 675–685. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00338-020-01948-0

Summary: Identifies a naturally heat-tolerant O. faveolata reef in Abaco, offering a valuable refuge and model for adaptation-focused conservation.

PIMS co-author: Dr. Craig P. Dahlgren.

Rapid assessment of the occurrence of stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) along the southern coast of Grand Bahama, Bahamas Report (2020)

Reference: Rapid assessment of the occurrence of stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) along the southern coast of Grand Bahama, Bahamas (2020). Perry Institute for Marine Science. Cited in regional SCTLD white paper

Summary: Documents the early spread and species affected by SCTLD along Grand Bahama’s south coast to guide rapid response and treatment prioritization.

PIMS team: PIMS disease response and monitoring group.

New Providence Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease Preliminary Assessment Report (2020) · 9 pp

Reference: New Providence Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease Preliminary Assessment (2020). Report submitted to the Department of Marine Resources, Nassau, Bahamas. 9 pp. Listing

Summary: Preliminary island-wide assessment of SCTLD prevalence and susceptible species around New Providence to inform immediate management actions.

PIMS authors: PIMS disease response team (field & analysis).

Bahamas Coral Reef Report Card – Volume 1: 2011–2013 Report (2016)

Reference: Bahamas Coral Reef Report Card – Volume 1: 2011–2013 (2016). Perry Institute for Marine Science. PDF

Summary: Establishes baseline reef condition across The Bahamas using AGRRA methods, setting the foundation for subsequent national report cards.

PIMS team: Led by PIMS with national partners.

New Providence and Rose Island, Bahamas Coral Reef Report Card Report (2014)

Reference: New Providence and Rose Island, Bahamas Coral Reef Report Card (2014). Perry Institute for Marine Science. PDF

Summary: Island-level reef health snapshot for New Providence/Rose Island, highlighting coral cover, fish biomass, and management targets.

PIMS team: PIMS monitoring staff and partners.

Tourism and coral reef health in the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park Proceedings of the 65th Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute (2013)

Reference: Tourism and coral reef health in the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park (2013). Proceedings of the 65th Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute. PDF

Summary: Evaluates links between visitation and reef condition in a no-take MPA, underscoring management practices that protect coral health while supporting eco-tourism.

PIMS co-authors: PIMS scientists including Dr. Craig P. Dahlgren and colleagues.

An assessment of the queen conch resources of the East Grand Bahama National Park Report (2019) · 9 pp

Reference: An assessment of the queen conch resources of the East Grand Bahama National Park (2019). 9 pp. Listing

Summary: Rapid field assessment of queen conch density, size structure, and reproductive indicators inside East Grand Bahama National Park, with recommendations to support stock recovery and enforcement within the protected area.

PIMS authors: PIMS field team (authors not publicly listed online).

Authority, capacity, and power to govern: Three marine protected areas co-managed by resource users and non-governmental organizations Marine Policy (2025) · 177: 106647

Reference: Authority, capacity, and power to govern: Three marine protected areas co-managed by resource users and non-governmental organizations (2025). Marine Policy, 177: 106647. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2025.106647

Summary: Evaluates co-management in three Madagascar MPAs; finds uneven authority and capacity across sites, with enforcement and power dynamics limiting effective governance.

PIMS co-author: Dr. Aaron C. Hartmann.

Marine biophysical monitoring plan for The Bahamas National Protected Area System (BNPAS) Monitoring Plan (2020)

Reference: Marine biophysical monitoring plan for The Bahamas National Protected Area System (BNPAS) (2020). Submitted to the Bahamas National Trust, Nassau, Bahamas. Listing

Summary: Framework and protocols to track ecological condition of coral reefs, seagrass, and mangroves within BNPAS, aligning indicators with management targets.

PIMS team: PIMS scientists in collaboration with BNT.

Bahamas Coral Reef Report Card – Volume 2: 2015–2020 Report (2020)

Reference: Bahamas Coral Reef Report Card – Volume 2: 2015–2020 (2020). Perry Institute for Marine Science. Web page · PDF

Summary: Scores reef health across islands (BRHI) and highlights disease impacts, recruitment gaps, and priority actions to bolster resilience and recovery.

PIMS leads: PIMS monitoring team (incl. Dr. Craig P. Dahlgren; Dr. Krista D. Sherman).

Preliminary assessment of Hurricane Dorian’s impacts on coral reefs of Abaco and Grand Bahama Report (2020) · 28 pp

Reference: Preliminary assessment of Hurricane Dorian’s impacts on coral reefs of Abaco and Grand Bahama (2020). Report submitted to the Government of The Bahamas. 28 pp. PDF

Summary: Rapid post-storm surveys document damage patterns to reefs and associated habitats, guiding recovery priorities and management responses.

PIMS authors: PIMS expedition team led by Dr. Craig P. Dahlgren.

Expanding The Bahamas marine protected area network to protect 20% of the marine and coastal environment by 2020: a gap analysis Gap Analysis (2017) · 66 pp

Reference: Expanding The Bahamas marine protected area network to protect 20% of the marine and coastal environment by 2020: a gap analysis (2017). 66 pp. PDF · Executive Summary (PDF)

Summary: Identifies biodiversity and ecosystem service gaps in the existing protected area system and prioritizes new MPAs to meet the national “20-by-20” goal.

PIMS contributors: PIMS scientists among Bahamas Protected partners.

20 by 20 White paper: Marine protection plan for expanding The Bahamas Marine Protected Areas Network to meet The Bahamas 2020 declaration White Paper (2018) · 137 pp

Reference: 20 by 20 White paper: Marine protection plan for expanding The Bahamas Marine Protected Areas Network to meet The Bahamas 2020 declaration (2018). 137 pp. Full Report (PDF) · Executive Summary (PDF)

Summary: Synthesizes science, socioeconomics, and stakeholder input to propose priority areas and management actions to achieve effective protection of 20% of marine/coastal habitats.

PIMS contributors: PIMS scientists with Bahamas Protected partners.

Bahamas protected: Realizing the 2020 goal to effectively manage and expand Bahamian marine protected areas (Ecological Gap Analysis Workshop) Workshop Report (2016) · 41 pp

Reference: Bahamas protected: Realizing the 2020 goal to effectively manage and expand Bahamian marine protected areas (2016). Report of ecological gap analysis workshop, Nassau, New Providence. 41 pp. Listing

Summary: Documents workshop findings and priority recommendations that informed the Bahamas Protected initiative and subsequent gap analyses.

PIMS contributors: PIMS scientists with BNT, BREEF, and TNC.

Bahamas Coral Reef Report Card – Volume 1: 2011–2013 Report (2016)

Reference: Bahamas Coral Reef Report Card – Volume 1: 2011–2013 (2016). Perry Institute for Marine Science. PDF · Archive PDF (dLOC)

Summary: Establishes the national baseline for reef health using AGRRA indicators and provides island-by-island grades to guide management.

PIMS team: PIMS monitoring program.

Monitoring program for The Bahamas National Protected Area System: Methods for assessing the ecological condition of coral reefs, seagrasses and mangroves Methods Report (2014) · 22 pp

Reference: Monitoring program for The Bahamas National Protected Area System. Methods for assessing the ecological condition of coral reefs, seagrasses and mangroves (2014). Report submitted to the BEST Commission under the GEF FSP Pilot 3 Demonstration Project “Tourism and coral reef health in the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park”. 22 pp. Listing

Summary: Standardized field methods and indicators to support consistent long-term monitoring across BNPAS focal ecosystems.

PIMS authors: PIMS science team.

New Providence and Rose Island, Bahamas Coral Reef Report Card Report (2014)

Reference: New Providence and Rose Island, Bahamas Coral Reef Report Card (2014). Perry Institute for Marine Science. PDF

Summary: Island-level reef status for New Providence/Rose Island with indicator scores and management implications.

PIMS team: PIMS monitoring staff and partners.

Rapid ecological assessment for the expansion of Lucayan National Park Rapid Ecological Assessment (2014) · 34 pp

Reference: Rapid ecological assessment for the expansion of Lucayan National Park (2014). 34 pp. Background Report (PDF) · LNP Management Plan (refers to 2014 REA) (PDF)

Summary: Field surveys of reef, mangrove, and creek habitats supporting the case for LNP expansion and informing zoning and management.

PIMS collaborators: With Bahamas National Trust and partners.

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