BAHAMAS | Atlantis Paradise Island has celebrated World Ocean Month with new milestones and initiatives to protect its neighbouring waters.
In honour of World Ocean Month this June, Atlantis Paradise Island has highlighted new milestones from Atlantis Blue Project Foundation (ABPF), the resort's nonprofit 501(c)3 organisation dedicated to protecting marine species and their habitats. Recent achievements include the ongoing curation of The Bahamas' first Coral Gene Bank, the arrival of a critically endangered sea turtle following a 2,700-mile rescue, and new guest programming designed to deepen understanding of marine conservation in The Bahamas and beyond.
Over the past 20 years, ABPF has supported scientific research, habitat restoration, and community outreach focused on coral reefs, mangroves and marine life. Together, Atlantis and ABPF have helped rescue, rehabilitate, and release more than 7,500 sea turtles, invested over USD 5 million in coral reef research and restoration, and contributed to the protection of more than 1.4 million acres of marine habitat.
"Marine conservation is in our DNA and World Ocean Month is the perfect time to celebrate with our team members and guests," said Audrey Oswell, President and Managing Director of Atlantis Paradise Island.
"For decades, we've been actively involved in ocean research, rescue and education through the Atlantis Blue Project Foundation. Our efforts not only protect marine species and their habitats, but our work helps us inspire guests to be as passionate as we are."
One year after opening, The Bahamas Coral Gene Bank at Atlantis Paradise Island remains a cornerstone of the country's reef conservation efforts. The bio-secure facility is the first of its kind in The Bahamas and preserves coral species, supports propagation, and strengthens reef restoration in response to rising ocean temperatures and disease.
The Gene Bank can house up to 600 mature coral colonies, along with smaller fragments and juvenile corals, safeguarding the genetic diversity essential for long-term restoration. It currently protects 15 species, including Elliptical Star Coral, Pillar Coral, Maze Coral, Boulder Brain Coral, and Grooved Brain Coral.
Atlantis Paradise Island has also established The Bahamas' first Sea Urchin Nursery, a pioneering project funded by ABPF to explore how algae-eating long-spined sea urchins (Diadema antillarum) can support coral reef recovery. Led by Jim Brittsan of Sustainable Ocean and Reefs (SOAR), the program raises juvenile urchins in a natural ocean environment designed to prepare them for successful release onto coral reefs.
Atlantis continues to expand how guests engage with marine life through Flippers, Fins and Feathers, a new experience at Dolphin Cay, the resort's 14-acre marine habitat and rescue and rehabilitation facility. The guided program introduces guests to dolphins, sea lions, and macaws while offering behind-the-scenes access to Atlantis' veterinary and animal care operations.
The resort is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and has earned Global Humane Certified status, reflecting its adherence to rigorous standards for animal welfare and care. These distinctions support Atlantis' responsibility in caring for more than 250 species while contributing to conservation efforts on-site and in the field.
Atlantis Paradise Island continues to invest in conservation initiatives that combine research, education, and guest engagement, helping foster deeper connections to the marine ecosystems of The Bahamas.
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