The Exuma Sound is currently proposed as the location for a series of SpaceX Falcon 9 booster landings throughout 2026. Ongoing monitoring of marine mammal populations in collaboration with BMMRO aims to quantify species-level responses to this change.

The killer whales observed travelling through The Bahamas are thought to be mammal hunting, feeding on other smaller species of whale.

Orcas are occasional visitors to The Bahamas—they were last documented by CEI in the Exuma Sound in 2021.

The Exuma Sound supports a diversity of marine life, with resident populations of beaked whales, as well as migratory sperm whales and pilot whales.

SURPRISE!!

We just had a rare encounter with a group of orcas (Orcinus orca) or "killer whales" in the Exuma Sound!

Our marine mammal researcher, Natalie Hodges, was surveying beaked whales when they encountered a group of three animals.

With more accurate data, especially from areas that are difficult for models to capture, scientists can develop more accurate and timely storm forecasts for coastal communities.

These gliders collect real-time data on ocean conditions (including temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen levels, and current movements) to improve hurricane predictions in the region by providing valuable insights on the factors that influence storm strength.

Last week, our team at the Cape Eleuthera Institute was joined by scientists from the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science to deploy ocean gliders off the coast of Eleuthera in partnership with the NOAA AOML Hurricane Glider Project.

In 2024, the IUCN listed the Queen Conch as a ‘threatened’ species in 2024. That’s where CEI comes in. Through research, education, and outreach, we are working to ensure that conch fisheries are sustainable for generations to come.

islandschool.org/news/the-isl...

New paper alert! 🦀

We’re thrilled to share the latest research from former staff and longtime friend of the Cape Eleuthera Institute, Bill Bigelow, who just published his work on the black land crab (Gecarcinus ruricola) in The Bahamas.

www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...

Do you see what we see? 👀

Yesterday, something magical happened in our wetlab.

The #CapeEleutheraQueenConchConservancy collected our first queen conch eggs!

Most of these eggs were released offshore, and some were kept in the lab for observance. We are delighted to report that they've been hatching!

We are incredibly excited for the recent establishment and launch of The Bahamas Academy of Sciences (BAS), and proud of the founding team—including former CEI Director Dr. Nick Higgs—for this achievement!

We are looking for aspiring Bahamian marine scientists to join our team!

In collaboration with the Perry Institute for Marine Science and The Nature Conservancy, this role focuses on coral reef restoration and conservation.

Learn more or apply now: islandschool.org/employment/i...

We celebrate Earth Day every day at The Island School. On Giving Day—April 22, we come together to invest in our people and programs that drive positive change in our communities and around the world.

Help us make an incredible impact this Earth Day. www.givecampus.com/schools/Cape...

Last week, our #BahamasCoralHub team supported School Without Walls at The Island School to deliver the PADI AWARE Coral Conservation specialty.

Students gained hands-on experience identifying the most common corals found in the Caribbean and the diverse invertebrates that call them home.

Juvenile lemon sharks are vulnerable to predators—including other sharks. During a recent field day, researchers at CEI captured a juvenile lemon shark who had escaped the jaws of another shark.

Learn more: islandschool.org/news/the-isl...

Want to know more about what we do at the Cape Eleuthera Institute?

We just released our 2024 Impact Report! Check it out: islandschool.org/news/the-isl...

#science #marinescience #marinebiology #conservation #oceanconservation #sharks #conch #lobsters #aquaculture #sustainablefisheries #deepsea

Why is this important?

Deep water currents (such as these) are important for transferring heat and nutrients around the ocean. If the currents were to change, there could be devastating consequences.

This project aims to build a better understanding of how the currents work.

Our teams have been working with @noaa.gov and the University of Miami to monitor deep sea currents around The Bahamas. Read more about our work: islandschool.org/news/cape-el...

Want to learn more about what we're working on at the #CapeEleutheraInstitute? Sign up for our newsletter to get updates on #marinebiology #sustainability #conservation and #innovation in The Bahamas!

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