"Prowling Lionfish"
(Bahamas AI Image - ©A. Derek Catalano)
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Showing posts with label Marine Life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Marine Life. Show all posts
Monday, August 3, 2026
Monday, July 20, 2026
WTF? (What's That Fish?) 12: The Trumpetfish
Trumpetfish
Quite a while back, I wrote a series of posts dedicated to the unusual or downright weird marine creatures that, when you see them ‘IRL’, you exclaim “WTF”. Behold the Trumpetfish! These long piscine pipes are related to seahorses and sea-dragons. It’s time to spotlight them again. Read more>>
Thursday, June 25, 2026
Unlocking the Horizons: The Blue Economy and Sustainable Opportunities in The Bahamas
"Blue Economy Opportunities" - Bahamas AI Image
©A. Derek Catalano
Unlocking the Horizons: The Blue Economy and Sustainable Opportunities in The Bahamas
For centuries, global economic development focused inward, treating the world’s oceans primarily as highways for trade or bottomless wells for resource extraction. Today, a profound paradigm shift is underway. Governments and marine scientists are pivoting toward the Blue Economy—a framework that reframes the ocean not as a space for unchecked exploitation, but as a vital, finite economic frontier that must be sustainably managed to thrive.
Nowhere is this shift more critical or vibrant than in The Bahamas. For this archipelagic nation, comprising over 700 islands and cays scattered across roughly 100,000 square miles of ocean, water is not a barrier; it is the country's defining asset. By transitioning from a "small island state" to a "big ocean nation," The Bahamas is positioning itself as a regional leader in pioneering green-to-blue economic models.
Thursday, June 4, 2026
The Decline of Land Crabs in the Caribbean and The Bahamas
"Mangrove Crab" - Bahamas AI Image
©A. Derek Catalano
The Decline of Land Crabs in the Caribbean and The Bahamas
For centuries, the rhythmic, mass migrations of land crabs have been a defining ecological and cultural hallmark of the Caribbean and the Bahamian archipelago. During the summer rainy seasons, millions of these terrestrial crustaceans emerge from the safety of the inland forests, moving in vast, shifting carpets toward the coastlines to release their eggs into the sea.
Yet, this ancient ecological spectacle is quietly fading. Across the region, local crabbers and marine scientists are sounding the alarm: land crab populations are in a severe, multi-decade decline. This loss represents far more than the reduction of a single wildlife species. Land crabs are vital "ecosystem engineers" that sustain regional biodiversity, and they are deeply woven into the economic, culinary, and cultural fabric of island communities. Addressing their decline requires unpacking a complex web of habitat destruction, overharvesting, climate pressures, and introduced predators. (MDPI) (ResearchGate)
Thursday, May 28, 2026
Monday, May 18, 2026
BREEF Community Snorkel is Back!
BREEF Community Snorkel
Join BREEF for a Community Snorkel on Saturday, May 30th, 2026 at Sea Beach Promenade from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM!
Whether you’re an experienced snorkeler or trying it for the very first time, this is your chance to explore The Bahamas’ beautiful marine environment alongside friends, family, and fellow ocean lovers.
Whether you’re an experienced snorkeler or trying it for the very first time, this is your chance to explore The Bahamas’ beautiful marine environment alongside friends, family, and fellow ocean lovers.
Snorkel gear provided
Community service exposure available
Family-friendly experience
Participants must be 8 years or older to snorkel. Community service hours available upon request.
Be sure to bring:
Reef-safe sun protection
Refillable water bottle
Your crew!
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Brain Waves: Undersea Coral Mazes & Labyrinths
Brain Coral
The most apposite description of brain coral Diploria labyrinthiformisis is essentially a no-brainer: how could you not call the creatures on this page anything else**. These magnificent corals come in wide varieties of size, shape and colour and they date from the Jurassic period (201–145 million years ago). 4 types are found in Caribbean waters. Read more>>
Saturday, April 25, 2026
Friday, April 24, 2026
The Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute: Farmer Training Series.
The Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute: Farmer Training Series.
We’re back with the third session in our Farmer Training Series.
Join us Monday, April 27 for Integrated Pest & Disease Management in Climate-Smart Agriculture—a practical, hands-on session focused on real solutions in the field.
We’ll cover pest monitoring, identification, integrated control methods, and a Bahamas Development Bank grant training session.
Join us Monday, April 27 for Integrated Pest & Disease Management in Climate-Smart Agriculture—a practical, hands-on session focused on real solutions in the field.
We’ll cover pest monitoring, identification, integrated control methods, and a Bahamas Development Bank grant training session.
BAMSI North Andros | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Virtual option available
Register here
Register here
Visit BAMSI Facebook Page
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Earth Day Reef - PC Wallpaper
Sunday, April 19, 2026
Coral World and the Coral World Tower on Silver Cay, Bahamas
"Coral World Tower" - ©A. Derek Catalano
Download full size: 3264x1836
Coral World and the Coral World Tower on Silver Cay, Bahamas
Introduction
Just offshore from Nassau on the island of New Providence lies Silver Cay, a small coral island once home to one of the Bahamas’ most ambitious marine attractions: Coral World. Today, the site is largely abandoned, its most recognizable remnant being a striking offshore observation tower rising from the sea. This structure, often called the Coral World Tower, has become an eerie but fascinating symbol of both innovation and decline in Caribbean tourism.
The story of Coral World is one of bold vision, environmental curiosity, commercial success, and ultimately, vulnerability to both natural forces and shifting economic realities.
Saturday, April 4, 2026
Rip Ty'd - AI Redo
Helped my son with a video shoot at a local micro-brewery on Dowdeswell St., Nassau. Took a shot of the logo on the building(top) and enhanced it with AI(bottom).
Rip Ty'd Logo - Original
©A. Derek Catalano
Rip Ty'd Logo - AI Redo
©A. Derek Catalano
©A. Derek Catalano
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Spiny Lobster Season Closed!
Spiny Lobster Season Closed!
This means that during the period of April 1st through July 31st it is an offence for persons to take, capture, have in possession, kill, or offer any fresh or live crawfish for sale.
The Caribbean Spiny Lobster, commonly known to Bahamians as crawfish, is the largest fishery, and an important contributor to the economy. It provides income to many fishers, seafood vendors, processors, and exporters. It is also a popular delicacy for Bahamians and visitors alike, so we must protect this species' population.
The closed season for the spiny lobster corresponds with peak breeding times for crawfish species. Harvesting crawfish during this time reduces the reproductive capacity of the species. To uphold Spiny lobster populations, we ask you to join BREEF and support the closed season by choosing a different dish!
Sunday, March 29, 2026
Bonefish Pond National Park: The Green Lung of Southern New Providence
Bonefish Pond National Park - ©A. Derek Catalano
Bonefish Pond National Park: The Green Lung of Southern New Providence
Introduction
Situated on the southern coast of New Providence Island in The Bahamas, Bonefish Pond National Park (BPNP) stands as a testament to environmental resilience and community-driven conservation. Spanning approximately 1,235 acres (5 km²), it protects the last remaining intact tidal mangrove ecosystem on the island’s southern shore. Established in 2002 and managed by the Bahamas National Trust (BNT), the park serves a dual purpose: acting as a critical "nursery" for the nation’s marine life and providing a vital buffer for the capital city against the increasing threats of climate change and storm surges.
Thursday, March 26, 2026
“Clinging to the Wreckage": Bahamas Clinging Crabs
Clinging Crab
The Clinging Crab Mithrax spinosissimus answers to a number of names: West Indian spider crab; channel clinging crab; reef or spiny spider crab; or coral crab. It is found throughout the waters of South Florida and the Caribbean.
Saturday, March 21, 2026
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Green Turtle Cay Reef Ball
Green Turtle Cay Reef Ball
Green Turtle Cay, Abaco
Don’t forget to RSVP today!
Friends of the Environment is bringing our annual Reef Ball to Green Turtle Cay on Friday, March 20th, and we’d love for you to join us for an evening of fun and philanthropy.
Your support helps us continue vital environmental education and conservation programs that inspire the next generation to protect the beautiful land and sea we all call home.
Spots are filling up, so be sure to secure your place today!
If you can’t attend but would like to support the event as a sponsor, we would be grateful for your help in preserving Abaco’s natural environment.
RSVP today or reach out for more information. We hope to see you there!
For tickets visit: www.friendsoftheenvironment.org/gtc
Monday, March 2, 2026
Monday, February 23, 2026
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