BREEF’s programmes connect people to the ocean through education, conservation and advocacy. Our core areas include:
Our Work
Marine Conservation
Led by the BREEF team, volunteers, students and scientists participate in coral propagation, monitoring and restoration to strengthen reef resilience and biodiversity. Coral reefs in The Bahamas and around the world are threatened and are in serious decline. We invite you to be part of the solution and help BREEF’s reef restoration projects by adopting a coral.
Ocean Exploration
BREEF provides hands‑on marine education for students and teachers across the archipelago. Programmes include field studies, summer Sea Camp, virtual presentations, and the Virtual Coral Reef Field Trip. More than 3 000 students participate in BREEF programmes each year. Through the book, Bahamas Underwater, Shane Gross has managed to capture incredible images of marine life in the Bahamas underwater.
School Programmes & Youth Leadership
Bahamas Environmental Steward Scholars (BESS)
Graduates receive a one‑year mentorship/internship focused on marine science, conservation and leadership. Students join the Island School for 3 months and work with the BREEF team for 4 months.
Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE)
Youth aged 11–24 investigate and report on environmental issues through articles, photography and video.
Eco‑Schools Bahamas
Students and teachers implement environmental projects using the internationally recognised 7‑step Eco‑Schools framework. Successful schools earn the Green Flag award.
Students for Environmental Action
Citizen Science & Community Engagement
BREEF engages community members in reef monitoring, beach clean‑ups, fishery regulation workshops and policy advocacy. Training is provided to fishers, divers and Royal Bahamas Defence Force officers.
Sustainable Fisheries & Policy Advocacy
BREEF advocates for science‑based fishery regulations and marine protected areas. Legislative victories include the annual closed season for Nassau grouper and coral reef protection.
BREEF created the Coral Reef Sculpture Garden to draw attention to the threats facing our coral reefs, and to drive action to protect them. BREEF has created coral nurseries at the Coral Reef Sculpture Gardens and on the Andros Great Barrier Reef. Reef Rescue joins BREEF in this effort to grow corals in nurseries and outplants them onto damaged reefs.
