SOAR Launches First Sea Urchin Nursery in the Bahamas

In July 2025, SOAR traveled to the Bahamas to kick off a new project funded by the Atlantis Blue Project Foundation: the establishment of the first in situ Sea Urchin Nursery in the Bahamas. 

In preparation for this initiative, our team spent multiple days organizing, preparing, and shipping equipment and materials to support our broader research and restoration efforts. After arriving on site, we spent a full day constructing custom grow-outs designed for the next phase of our reef grazer research. Once these were prepared, we headed underwater to begin transporting and assembling rock piles. These rock piles will help provide complex reef-like structure for the urchins. 

Alongside constructing custom grow-out units for the next phase of our reef grazer research, we are also mapping Diadema antillarum genetics in selected areas of New Providence Island. This work provides vital data that supports reef restoration events in partnership with other local initiatives. 

Throughout the visit, we also connected with resort guests to share the critical role these keystone grazers play in maintaining healthy coral reefs.

This milestone marks an exciting step forward in expanding SOAR’s research and restoration efforts beyond the Florida keys.