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.