Bahamas Trip 2023!

In 2022, the University of St Andrews Scottish Oceans Institute were granted funding from the Connery Foundation to promote and undertake research and education in the Bahamas and Scotland.

Why the Bahamas?

The Bahamas is a hotspot for marine biodiversity and is particularly vulnerable to biodiversity loss. Additionally, the Bahamas has been the location of unusual mass stranding events of some cetacean species, including vulnerable beaked whales, potentially due to the exposure to navy sonar. Hence, understanding the impact of human activity on marine mammal populations, and indeed marine biodiversity overall, is particularly interesting in the Bahamian Islands. 

What did we do there?

Together, the teams from the University of St Andrews and the University of The Bahamas convened on Abaco Island in March 2023 to learn the skills necessary to undertake bioacoustic research in Bahamian waters whilst also partaking in cultural activities and conducting scientific outreach within the local Bahamian community. In doing so, we learnt about the bioacoustic behaviour of various marine species to better understand their biology and elucidate necessary conservation actions. Additionally, we learnt about Bahamian culture and engage the local community with the marine environment and conservation. Ultimately, through this field course, we hoped to benefit both the Bahamian community and the marine ecosystem. 

A first glimpse of the Bahamian Islands (specifically North Eleuthera) as we made our descent

Diane (left with binoculars), Vincent, and Grace (front) look for dolphins on one of our many stops

The road from Marsh Harbour to Sandy Point

From left to right: Sari, Jasmine, Charlotte, Vincent, Grace, and India, on the boat called Sima

The group, including Charlotte and Diane, enjoying the delicious dinner at Pete & Gay’s

One of the four dolphins we encountered leaping out of the water.

The group enjoying their second pre-boating breakfast at Pete & Gay’s.

From left to right: Diane, Tristan, Emily, Le’Andra, Rosie, and Julie, on the boat called Steno

Tristan (left) and Le’Andra (right) showing the students examples of marine mammals.

A view of the sunset to the north of Abaco.

An image taken of the elusive tiger shark from the comfort of the boat.

he students participating in an activity

The group snorkelling together at The Wreck.

A curious bottlenose dolphin individual showing it’s face and checking out the boat.

The hydrophone that was deployed at Sandy Cay reef. It’s attached to a concrete block to secure it t

Tristan, Emily, and Rosie doing their swim test and snorkelling at Mermaid Reef.

A parrotfish spotted amongst the coral at Sandy Cay reef.

The tail of one of the sperm whales during it’s fluke.