April 2025 Survey - Abaco Island

Coral Reef Survey Report

Location: Bookie’s Bay Reef, Abaco Island, The Bahamas
Date of Survey: April 16, 2025
Survey Method: Underwater photographic visual assessment

1. Coral Species Present

Soft Corals (Octocorals):

• Gorgonians (Sea Fans and Sea Plumes): Clearly visible across all reef sectors surveyed. These include:

  • Sea rods (likely genus Plexaura or Pseudoplexaura), seen extensively across the reef.

  • Sea fans (Gorgonia ventalina).

  • Many prominent purple sea fans.

Hard Corals (Scleractinians):

• Elkhorn Coral (Acropora palmata): Present in 4 out of 5 reef sections surveyed, forming a large branching structure, indicative of mid-shallow reef zones.

• Possible Boulder/Encrusting Coral species visible on the rocky substrate, though not clearly identifiable without close inspection or species-level analysis.

2. Reef Structure and Health

Structural Complexity:

• The reef exhibits moderate to high structural complexity, featuring a mix of vertical coral growth (notably the elkhorn coral) and sprawling gorgonian cover.

• Coral cover appears decent, with minimal visible bleaching or overgrowth by algae in the areas assessed.

Coral Health Indicators:

• Some visible coral bleaching.

• No significant overgrowth by macroalgae, indicating good herbivorous fish presence and likely balanced nutrient levels.

• No signs of white band disease or black band disease visible in areas assessed.

3. Fish and Marine Life Observed

Fish Diversity:

• A very large school of Blue Tang (Acanthurus coeruleus), were observed, with numbers in the hundreds if not thousands. This key herbivorous species is essential for grazing and maintaining algae levels on the reef.

• A few filefish or triggerfish (possibly Cantherhines species) are also visible in the periphery.

Ecological Role:

• The presence of herbivores like Blue Tang suggests a healthy grazing dynamic, which prevents algal overgrowth and supports coral resilience.

4. Human Impact and Threats (Based on Image Evidence)

No direct signs of extreme anthropogenic impact (e.g., litter, boat anchors, divers touching corals) are present. However, some aged fishing nets in various states of decomposition were visible on this survey.

• Continued monitoring would be necessary to evaluate:

  • Sediment levels and water clarity (both of which appeared good on the survey date).

  • Long-term coral growth and disease patterns.

  • Potential overfishing pressures (not evident from trips to the current survey site).