MSC Showcases 2025 Status of Coral Reefs of the World Report

Posted on 2 September, 2026 by Spacejunkie2

MSC Showcases 2025 Status of Coral Reefs of the World Report

MSC Cruises has announced that an MSC Foundation-supported report, drawing on more than 21 million observations, warns that marine heatwaves are reducing the time reefs have to recover.

The report is the largest global assessment of coral reef condition ever produced by the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN).

It reveals the scale of the declining coral reef cover worldwide and highlights the importance of science-based conservation and long-term monitoring to help reefs recover and build resilience.

“We are proud to have contributed to this extraordinary global scientific effort,” said Daniela Picco, executive director of the MSC Foundation.

“Coral reefs are sending us a clear message: these vital ecosystems are under increasing pressure worldwide. Yet the report also shows that where local stressors are managed effectively, reefs can recover,” added Picco.

“This is why we strongly believe in the importance of investing in research and monitoring, which helps inform restoration locally.”

“This report provides the most comprehensive assessment to date of the status of the world’s coral reefs,” said Dr Manuel Gonzalez Rivero, lead author of the report.

“The strongest pathway to safeguard coral reefs is rapid emissions reductions, effective action on local pressures and sustained long-term monitoring so action is targeted where it matters most,” added Rivero.

According to MSC, coral reefs cover only 0.2 percent of the ocean floor, but they are home to more than 25 percent of all marine species. The report shows a relative decline of 9.5 percent compared to the baseline average for 1980-2009, with the steepest losses following mass bleaching events driven by marine heatwaves.

Despite the global decline, several regions show that reefs can recover when local threats are managed effectively. This provides an important message for policymakers and reef managers: well-designed local action can make a measurable difference.

MSC said in a press release that the report shows the Caribbean has shown a strong decline in coral cover, especially following strong marine heatwaves and disease outbreaks.

The 2025 GCRMN assessment draws on 40 years of global data, bringing together 21,1 million observations from 36,886 reef sites, more than 10 times the number included in the 2020 report. More than 600 partners worldwide collated the data across many reef monitoring networks.

The full report is available here.

MSC Confirms Construction of Second Island in Ocean Cay

Posted on 2 February, 2026 by Spacejunkie2

MSC Confirms Construction of Second Island in Ocean Cay

MSC Cruises confirmed it is building a second private island destination adjacent to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.

According to a recent press release, the development is part of a larger expansion and enhancement project planned for its private destination, which is located near Bimini in the Bahamas.

MSC said that the yet-unnamed island will “stay true to the ethos of Ocean Cay, offering an experience that connects guests to nature, pristine beaches and the beauty of the ocean.”

The company added that the destination, which is known internally as Little Cay, will be equipped with “luxury facilities and water features.”

Further details of the new private island destination, including an opening date, are expected to be announced in the future.

In addition to confirming plans for a second island, MSC announced a series of enhancements to Ocean Cay.

After opening in 2019, the private island will introduce an extended pier in late 2027, allowing it to welcome two vessels at the same time.

Ocean Cay will also undergo updates to its guest areas with the creation of a new adults-only area, Paradise Sands, as well as additional dining venues.

In addition to its first specialty restaurant, the destination will welcome more buffet and food market options.

Guests will also be able to book a greater variety of cabanas, which are said to offer “even more choice and luxury relaxation.”

MSC is also upgrading the Seakers Cove Family Beach with a range of new experiences, including a kids’ playground, a splash pad and a ropes course with water elements.

The area will feature ping-pong and football activities, as well as all-age tournaments and interactive games.

The company will also introduce the new MSC Foundation “Shifting Perspective” Experience, which is described as an invitation for guests to explore marine conservation through immersive experiences.

MSC Announces Expansion of Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve

Posted on 24 November, 2023 by Spacejunkie2

MSC Cruises has announced a new infrastructure development program for Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in the Bahamas, according to a press release.

A heads of agreement was signed on Monday in Bimini attended by the country’s Prime Minister The Honourable Philip Davis and Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation Honourable Chester Cooper along with other government officials.

The company said that enhancements will be made to the island with additional amenities for MSC Cruises’ guests who visit the destination, accommodation for staff as well as operational and technical improvements and environmental infrastructure.

Guest facilities will be enhanced with the introduction of excursion center to support watersport activities and island tours, a sea dive and snorkel center, additional food and beverage outlets and other facilities, the company said.

The MSC Foundation’s Marine Conservation Centre will be built as a base for biologists, coral reef experts and students. It will also house interactive pavilions, a lecture hall and coral exhibition tanks and provide MSC Cruises’ passengers visiting the island with educational opportunities about the importance of the marine ecosystem.

The island is home to the MSC Foundation’s Super Coral Program, which is considered a critical contribution in the contemporary understanding of coral reef resilience throughout the region.

MSC Foundation is supporting graduate student program designed to address and mitigate changes in thermal resilience of coral reefs throughout the tropical Western Atlantic. The coral nurseries at Ocean Cay are thriving with young and healthy, yet critically endangered species of endemic, reef building corals, representing hope in restoring these fragile ecosystems.

MSC said the development will also see a third solar farm installed as part MSC Cruises’ aim to achieve zero greenhouse gas emissions for Ocean Cay, an advanced wastewater treatment plant, a landscaping plan to further diversify and develop the sustainable environment on the island with native and adaptive trees, grasses, and shrubs to provide erosion control, improve vegetation and support ecosystem health.

New accommodation buildings will see an increase in staff numbers from 150 to 280.

MSC Cruises today also pledged, as part of its ongoing social responsibility and commitment to invest in future generations of seafarers, that it will support the LJM Maritime Academy and the University of The Bahamas to enhance the training of Bahamians seeking to enter the maritime sector.