University of The Bahamas Students Involved in Groundbreaking Coral Gene Bank

17^th June 2025

Nassau, THE BAHAMAS — A new collaborative effort has begun to preserve and replenish coral species through a new Coral Gene Bank at Atlantis Bahamas, rescuing this precious marine life from Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD) which has been spreading rapidly throughout the Caribbean region.

The Government of The Bahamas, Perry Institute for Marine Science, University of The Bahamas, Atlantis Bahamas and the Atlantis Blue Project Foundation, with support from the Disney Conservation Fund, are working together to ensure that coral life begins to flourish again.

The Bahamas Coral Gene Bank (BCGB) – the first of its kind in the country – was officially opened at the Atlantis, Paradise Island resort on Friday 13^th June.

The bank can house hundreds of coral colonies most vulnerable to SCTLD. At the bio secure lab, healthy coral samples transported from government-approved offshore reefs are propagated and harvested. They will be replanted on coral reefs across The Bahamas.  UB students are already on the front lines of this transformative initiative. Students enrolled in the Small Island Sustainability (SIS) Programme have been helping with this process. The gene bank is home to 15 vulnerable species, according to the Perry Institute.

“We’re really excited to bring students on board in particular because they would be involved in cutting-edge research that’s happening now,” said Dr. Kristen Welsh-Unwala, Executive Director of UB’s SIS Research Complex. “This is a project that is the first of its kind in The Bahamas and also really important within the region and in the world, and one that we hope can be a model for other countries for protecting coral reefs against loss due to Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease, also, against the impacts of climate change.”

Dr. Welsh-Unwala said led by the Perry Institute, UB students documented the initial coral reef samples and relocating them to the gene bank for further analysis and cultivation. Eventually, even more students will be involved, as UB also plans to provide this experiential learning for its scuba diving club. Naturally, when the time comes to replant those healthy corals, once SCTLD is no longer a threat, UB students will be also be involved.

“They are getting trained in cutting-edge and emerging issues while gaining significant exposure to research,” explained Dr. Welsh-Unwala. “So, we’re really excited to have students involved in this for learning advantages, but also for career opportunities as well.”

UB’s participation in this initiative reflects its strategic efforts to strengthen marine science capacity and position the SIS programme as a regional leader in marine research. Just over a year ago, the university established a pivotal partnership with the Perry Institute to advance innovative marine science and environmental conservation research. The collaboration supports joint fieldwork, research training, programme and career development, and enhancement of shared facilities.

“This collaboration is more than just expanding opportunities,” said Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at UB, Dr. Maria Oriakhi. “It’s about leveraging our combined expertise to address matters of national or global importance in marine science. We aim to position The Bahamas as a regional and global centre for marine science education and research. Through collaborative efforts, we will enhance UB’s marine offerings, contributing to the country’s vision for a vibrant and sustainable blue economy.

“Moreover, at University of The Bahamas, our commitment extends beyond academic excellence. We are dedicated to preparing students for a better life in a global society.”