The Living Oceans Foundation conducted research missions in the Cook Islands and our scientists worked alongside researchers from the Ministry of Marine Resources, members of the Cook Islands Marine Park Steering Committee, and the Te Ipukarea Society. Together they used satellite imagery and ground observations to identify and characterize the various marine habitats to create high resolution habitat maps. Our researchers also focused on the health of these ecosystems hoping to identify threats affecting the reefs, as well as the extent of degradation and resilience to stressors such as ocean acidification and infestations of destructive crown of thorns starfish.
Ten Years of B.A.M.: Rooted in Partnership, Growing in Purpose
Ten years ago, the Bahamas Awareness of Mangroves (B.A.M.) program began with a simple but meaningful commitment: to connect Bahamian students with the mangrove ecosystems that shape and protect their island home.
Since 2015, B.A.M. has been implemented in partnership with Friends of the Environment, whose dedication to environmental stewardship in Abaco has made this program possible year after year. Together, we have worked alongside Patrick J. Bethel High School and Forest Heights Academy to bring hands-on mangrove science into classrooms and out into the field.
What makes ten years remarkable is not just longevity — it is consistency…
