MSC Foundation opens marine conservation centre in The Bahamas

The MSC Foundation has opened a marine conservation on MSC Cruises’ private island in The Bahamas.

The Marine Conservation Center on Ocean Cay will be a base for biologists, scientists, students and visitors to the island.

It features a bio lab and land-based coral nursery housing 22 coral tanks to support restoration efforts, as well as a 50-seat lecture hall which will host educational programmes.

A spokesperson for the MSC Foundation – the non-profit arm of MSC Group – said the opening of the research centre “represents a significant investment in the future of The Bahamas, reinforcing the nation’s leadership in marine conservation and sustainable tourism”.

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The Marine Conservation Center was officially opened by the chair of the MSC Foundation executive committee and executive chairman of the cruise division of MSC Group, Pierfrancesco Vago, along with The Bahamas prime minister Philip Davis, American marine biologist Sylvia Earle and other dignitaries.

Vago said: “The opening of our Marine Conservation Center marks a defining moment in our multigenerational commitment to ocean conservation.

“It brings to life the MSC Foundation’s concrete plans for restoring coral reefs, advancing science, and creating training opportunities for Bahamian and international students.

“With the continued support of the government of The Bahamas and local authorities, our work here is contributing to the circular economy through ecosystem preservation, regeneration, and knowledge sharing.”

The centre was officially opened during the inaugural sailing of MSC Cruises’ new flagship, MSC World America, which will sail alternating seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from PortMiami in its inaugural season.