Prowling Lionfish

 

Prowling Lionfish

(Bahamas AI Image - ©A. Derek Catalano)

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Bahamas Junkanoo Lionfish T-Shirt

 

Bahamas Junkanoo Lionfish T-Shirt

 Design: ©A. Derek Catalano

 

Purchase

Also available without text

Shipping included 

A Sea Biscuit I found on Jaws Beach, New Providence, Bahamas. It was stained and discolored so I soaked it overnight in bleachy water. This type is called a Fat Sea Biscuit.

 

Fat Sea Biscuit

  ©A. Derek Catalano - Download full size

 

 

The Fat Sea Biscuit

The fat sea biscuit (Clypeaster rosaceus) is a heavy-bodied species of irregular sea urchin within the family Clypeasteridae. Inhabiting the tropical shallow-water marine environments of the western Atlantic, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico, it represents a remarkable evolutionary divergence from typical radial urchins.

Guardians of the Archipelago: The Mangrove Forests of The Bahamas

 

Mangrove Creek with White Egrets and Fish

 

Guardians of the Archipelago: The Mangrove Forests of The Bahamas

 

At the interface of terrestrial stability and oceanic fluid dynamic lies one of the planet's most resilient yet fragile ecosystems: the mangrove forest. Known colloquially as the "blue forests," these halophytic (salt-tolerant) trees occupy the intertidal zones of tropical and subtropical coastlines across the globe.

Nowhere is the dynamic relationship between land, sea, and community more pronounced than in The Bahamas. Comprising an archipelago of over 700 islands, cays, and islets spread across nearly 100,000 square miles of ocean, the Bahamian landscape is defined by low-lying limestone platforms and ultra-shallow marine waters. Within this fragile geographic framework, over 600,000 acres of mangroves form a biological shield. They serve as vital nurseries for the nation's marine life, a primary barrier against cataclysmic storm surges, and a key frontier in the global effort toward carbon sequestration.

Crystalia - PC Wallpaper

 

Crystalia

 (Bahamas AI Image - ©A. Derek Catalano)

 

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Undersea Sci-Fi Vid

 

A quick 10 sec vid I created using Gemini AI

 

 ©A. Derek Catalano

Prowling Lionfish - PC Wallpaper

 

Prowling Lionfish

(Bahamas AI Image - ©A. Derek Catalano)

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WTF? (What's That Fish?) 12: The Trumpetfish

 

Trumpetfish

 

By Rolling Harbour Abaco

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>>

 

"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.

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)

Psychedelic Stingray

 

"Psychedelic Stingray" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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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.

 

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!

Coral World - PC Wallpaper

 

"Coral World" - Bahamas AI Image

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 Download full size: 5376x3072

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>>

Stingray Shore

 

"Stingray Shore" - Bahamas AI Image

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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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.
 

BAMSI North Andros | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Virtual option available

Register here

 

Visit BAMSI Facebook Page 

Earth Day Reef - PC Wallpaper

 

"Earth Day Reef" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 Download full size: 5376x3072

 

 

"Earth Day Reef" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 Download full size: 5376x3072

 

"Coral World Tower" - ©A. Derek Catalano

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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.

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

 

 Download full size: 2856x2874

Rip Ty'd Logo - AI Redo
 ©A. Derek Catalano

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!

 

#breef242 #spinylobster #closedseason