ATLANTIS PARADISE ISLAND, BAHAMAS COMMEMORATES WORLD OCEAN MONTH | News
In honor of World Ocean Month in June, Atlantis Paradise Island is highlighting new milestones from the Atlantis Blue Project Foundation (ABPF), the resort’s 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to protecting marine species and their habitats. Recent achievements include the continued management of the Bahamas’ first Coral Gene Bank, the arrival of a critically endangered sea turtle following a 2,700-mile rescue mission, and new host programs designed to deepen the understanding of marine conservation in The Bahamas and beyond.
Over the past twenty years, ABPF has supported scientific research, habitat restoration and community activities focused on coral reefs, mangroves and marine life. Together, Atlantis and ABPF have helped rescue, rehabilitate and release more than 7,500 sea turtles, invested more than $5 million in coral reef research and restoration, and helped protect more than 1.4 million hectares of marine habitat.
“Ocean conservation is in our DNA and World Ocean Month is the perfect time to celebrate with our team members and guests,” said Audrey Oswell, president and general manager of Atlantis Paradise Island. “For decades, we have been actively involved in ocean research, rescue and education through the Atlantis Blue Project Foundation. Our efforts not only protect marine species and their habitats, but our work helps us inspire guests to be as passionate as we are.”
Promoting coral research and reef restoration
A year after its opening, the Bahamas Coral Gene Bank on Atlantis Paradise Island remains a cornerstone of the country’s reef conservation efforts. The first of its kind in the Bahamas, the biosecure facility conserves coral species, supports reproduction and enhances reef recovery in response to rising ocean temperatures and diseases.
The Gene Bank can house up to 600 mature coral colonies, along with smaller fragments and young corals, ensuring the genetic diversity essential for long-term recovery. It currently protects 15 species, including Elliptical Star Coral, Pillar Coral, Maze Coral, Boulder Brain Coral and Grooved Brain Coral.
Atlantis Paradise Island has also established the Bahamas’ first sea urchin farm, a groundbreaking project funded by ABPF to investigate how algae-eating long-spined sea urchins (Diadema antillarum) can support coral reef recovery. Led by Jim Brittsan of Sustainable Ocean and Reefs (SOAR), the program raises young sea urchins in a natural ocean environment designed to prepare them for successful release on coral reefs.
Rescue, rehabilitation and release: greater impact
Atlantis remains the only Marine Mammal Stranding Response Facility in the Bahamas, providing critical care to stranded marine animals across the Americas. Recent efforts include the rehabilitation of Lucky, a critically endangered Kemp sea turtle who was rescued after being stunned by cold in Nova Scotia and transported 2,700 miles to Atlantis for further veterinary care. Lucky’s recovery underlines the importance of coordinated rescue networks and specialist rehabilitation expertise.
For the past 17 years, Atlantis and ABPF have supported the Sea Turtle Conservancy’s Tour de Turtles, a satellite tracking initiative that promotes sea turtle research and public education. This year Atlantis is sponsoring an endangered adult female leatherback turtle from Soropta Beach, Panama.
Marine research in action: the return of manta rays
Atlantis Paradise Island recently welcomed Kronos, a juvenile Atlantic manta ray (Mobula yarae), to the ocean-fed Ruins Lagoon, marking the resort’s first manta ray in more than four years. The newly identified species is found in tropical and subtropical Atlantic waters and can reach heights of up to six meters, making it one of the largest rays in the Atlantic Ocean.
The resort was the first facility in the Western Hemisphere to exhibit manta rays and has now cared for 15 individuals as part of ongoing research and conservation efforts. Estimated to be one to two years old with a wingspan of two meters, Kronos will contribute to research into manta ray growth, behavior and migration before its release.
Protect and preserve: supporting critical coastal ecosystems
To help protect and conserve Bahamian wetlands, Atlantis Paradise Island propagates and grows mangroves in its estuaries and lagoons, supporting critical coastal ecosystems that help protect the coastline, improve water quality and provide habitat for marine life. Since 2010, Atlantis has donated more than 8,000 young mangrove trees to nonprofit partners, including the Bahamas National Trust (BNT), to expand and restore mangrove habitats in the Bahamas while contributing to research on how mangroves can better withstand hurricane threats and strengthen coastal resilience. Guests can observe mature mangrove trees throughout the resort, including at Predator Lagoon, Estuary Lagoon and Ruins Shallows at The Royal, as well as mangrove nurseries at both Predator Lagoon and Dolphin Cay, where young propagules are grown into new plants.
Connecting guests to nature conservation
Atlantis continues to expand the way guests interact with marine life through Flippers, Fins and Feathers, a new experience at Dolphin Cay, the resort’s 14-acre marine habitat and rescue and rehabilitation facility. The guided program introduces guests to dolphins, sea lions and macaws while providing behind-the-scenes access to Atlantis’ veterinary and animal care operations.
The resort is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and has earned Global Humane Certified™ status, reflecting its adherence to strict animal welfare and care standards. These awards support Atlantis’ responsibility in caring for more than 250 species while contributing to conservation efforts on site and in the field.
Atlantis Paradise Island continues to invest in conservation initiatives that combine research, education and guest engagement, promoting deeper connections to the Bahamas’ marine ecosystems.
Visit Atlantis Paradise Island to learn more about these conservation initiatives and the guest experiences designed to provide immersion, education and inspiration.
