The Bahamas: Coral Reefs

You can help protect the world’s most beautiful and diverse habitats when you Adopt a Coral Reef today.

With its many uninhabited islands and the clearest water in the world, The Bahamas harbors key populations of the Caribbean’s most iconic marine species, from Nassau grouper to bottle-nosed dolphins, bonefish to sea turtles. Tourists, drawn by the climate and the natural beauty of the Caribbean, account for nearly half of the region’s entire income and coral reefs provide more than $4 billion a year from fisheries, scuba-diving, tourism and shoreline protection.

Coral reefs are the foundation that sustains all life in the Caribbean and nowhere is this more apparent than on the reefs and in the communities of The Bahamas.

50 Years and Counting

Coral reefs are among the richest and most threatened habitats in the world. In The Bahamas, they suffer from pollution, overuse, poor management, poor enforcement of laws, and disease and bleaching caused by climate change. The plain truth: Studies indicate that without massive conservation efforts the corals of the Caribbean Sea could be gone in less than 50 years. If the reefs die, it will be the end of life in the Caribbean as we know it.

How The Nature Conservancy Works in The Bahamas

In The Bahamas, the Conservancy works closely with the government, The Bahamas National Trust and other partners to:

• Support the creation of an ambitious network of marine national parks, which could ultimately span more than 500,000 acres
• Conduct scientific field research to identify and protect key areas, such as a shark nursery recently discovered near Andros Island
• Work with local communities and businesses to promote marine conservation and best practices

How Can You Help Save the Coral Reefs of The Bahamas?

When you give today to the Adopt a Coral Reef program, you will help the Conservancy protect and restore one of the world's most extraordinary yet highly threatened regions. You can also call 1-800-84-ADOPT to donate.

With your $50 donation to the Adopt a Coral Reef program, you will receive:

• Personalized certificate with signature photo of The Bahamas commemorating your generosity
• Colorful fact sheet about the coral reefs in The Bahamas
• Adopt a Coral Reef magnet set
• Four issues of Nature Conservancy magazine to keep you informed all year about the many places the Conservancy is working to protect. (Plus, we'll rush the current magazine issue along with your personalized certificate!)
• An invitation to create a personalized nature homepage on nature.org
• Great Places E-Newsletter subscription filled with local and global conservation updates, enviro-tips you can use and stunning nature photography.

Best of all, you'll get the satisfaction of knowing you're helping to protect coral reefs now and for future generations. Please Adopt a Coral Reef today!

Give Adopt a Coral Reef as a Gift

You can also give Adopt a Coral Reef as a gift. Your friend or loved one will adore this one-of-a-kind nature gift and enjoy it throughout the year. View all the benefits your gift recipient will receive.

Adopt a Coral Reef in The Bahamas and help us protect this world of sun-struck waters, gleaming beaches and beautiful coral reefs.