thebahamasweekly.com - Baha Mar installs over 300 coral antlers as part of their eco-reef experience

From:TheBahamasWeekly.com

New Providence
Baha Mar installs over 300 coral antlers as part of their eco-reef experience
By Baha Mar
Sep 23, 2014 - 4:36:42 PM

NASSAU, The Bahamas - The marine environment at Baha Mar continues to flourish, with the introduction of more than 300 coral antlers to the $3.5 billion resort’s eco-reef experience.

The eco-friendly coral antlers were installed in July, adding to the artificial eco-reef experience at Baha Mar. Before the antlers were installed, volunteers from Baha Mar assembled each 55lb antler by hand. The installation of 48 reef balls and 320 coral antlers began in April 2014 by Baha Mar’s environmental team.

The reef balls and coral antlers were designed to complement each other by creating optimal conditions for coral and marine life just feet away from the shoreline at the luxury Bahamas resort. Reef balls provide protective void spaces for fish while encouraging coral growth, while the coral antlers create prime ecological conditions for coral settlement, growth and adhesion. Fish are immediately attracted to the eco-reef layout, which closely resembles a naturally occurring coral reef. Over time, the reef balls and coral antlers will be filled in and covered by a living reef.

Over the past three months, the environmental team has documented a number of marine species that now call Baha Mar’s eco-reef home, including parrotfish, sea urchins, sponges and coral. Snorkelers in the crystal clear waters off Baha Mar may also spot Blue Tangs, Bar Jacks, barracuda, Spotted-Eagle rays, Angelfish, starfish, four-eye Butterfly fish, ocean Surgeonfish, Pinfish, and the Nassau Grouper both juvenile and adult sized.

The environmental team will continue to monitor the artificial reef productivity and success over time, gathering valuable research data that can be used to assess solutions to help repair damaged reefs or create new ones throughout The Bahamas.

“We are creating smarter, greener luxury at Baha Mar through initiatives that are not only transforming and preserving the natural environment, but transforming The Bahamas. The steps we take today to conserve and protect the natural beauty of The Bahamas will pay off for generations to come,” said Baha Mar Chief Operating Officer, Paul V. Pusateri.

Baha Mar’s environmental initiatives were designed to inspire guests, employees, partners and neighbors to conserve, preserve and protect the natural beauty of The Bahamas.