The MSC Foundation is incredibly proud of this achievement, which recognises the immeasurable value of the MSC Group’s colossal conservation efforts in converting the disused industrial sand excavation site into an ecological paradise island for MSC Cruises guests. Central to this recognition is that Ocean Cay is much more than a unique tourist destination, also having been created as a location to study and promote the protection and restoration of the marine environment, advance scientific understanding and educate visitors.

The MSC Foundation’s coral restoration programme, pioneering the use of Super Coral in the surrounding ocean, and the associated Rapid Ecological Assessment were cited among the salient commitments that earned this important designation. Also noted with appreciation were the related #SuperCoralPlay public awareness initiatives and activities culminating in the Super Bowl LIV sports event on 2nd February.

The Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve Coral Restoration Programme sees the MSC Foundation partnering with a panel of conservation experts to restore and nurture the coral beds in 64 square miles of marine waters around Ocean Cay. The ecosystems here are populated by one of the most vulnerable sets of coral species on the planet, which face growing environmental pressures.

The speed of the Government of The Bahamas official designation of Ocean Cay as a marine reserve recognises both the value of the MSC Foundation’s programmes and the urgency of the situations they address, with only 16% of the Caribbean’s original coral reefs still surviving and predatory reef fish populations down 90% due to overfishing.

The strong partnerships formed between The Bahamas’ authorities, the MSC Foundation and its panel of international scientific experts inspire hope that, together, we can build a brighter future.

You can read the press release here.