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Bridging Science and Community: The Elkhorn Marine Conservancy’s Mission to Restore Antigua’s Reefs
The Elkhorn Marine Conservancy (EMC), a non-profit in its fourth year of existence, was founded in 2021 with the mission to restore Antigua’s marine ecosystems, starting with the island’s degraded coral reefs.
Named after the iconic elkhorn coral that once defined large swathes of coral reefs in Antigua and the broader Caribbean, the elkhorn coral is now a critically endangered species.
This year, thanks to funding from philanthropist Wendy Schmidt and the Deep Blue sailing team, EMC was able to set up a pop-up research-grade coral display tank at the entrance of Marinaside Restaurant at the Antigua Yacht Club Marina (AYCM).
This tank allows the public to view several species of native stony corals first hand through the viewing window of the tank while placed at the AYCM.
Once moved to a laboratory space, the system’s robust operating, maintenance and filtration systems will allow the science team to conduct experiments needed to identify the most resilient corals and sexually propagate them to restock wild populations.
Aiding with the installation and design of this tank system was Indies Greens, a local aquaponics facility in Seaview Farm who have been dedicated collaborators of EMC’s for several years The launch of the tank system took place on Tuesday 18th February to an engaged crowd made up of both local and visiting sailors who were gearing up for the Nelson’s Cup regatta and the RORC 600 a week later.
A few weeks later, on Saturday 8th March at the same venue, the tank was a backdrop to the EMC annual community event ‘Making Waves’ which welcomed new members for the 2025 season, while also providing an opportunity to engage with the local community.
Highlights of the event were performances from local artists Arlen Seaton and Joshu. Young children enjoyed facepainting and making marine-themed masks that were assembled by students of the Seventh Day Adventist School.
Older children enjoyed the Augmented Reality trivia scavenger hunt and for adults, a silent auction of 11 items donated by local artists and business owners
was well received. The event was also an opportunity to christen the EMC team’s first work boat, named ‘Caicu’ which in the indigenous Taino language means “reef” or “small bridge between islands”.
Supporting the event were the local businesses at the AYCM including the UP Bar, where 2025 members will receive a discount for the remainder of the year.
As EMC continues to grow in its fourth year, the organisation remains committed to its founding mission of restoring Antigua’s vital marine ecosystems.
The combination of scientific research, community engagement, and educational outreach represents a holistic approach to conservation that addresses both environmental needs and human connections to the ocean.
With the support of local businesses, international funders, and an expanding membership base, EMC is positioned to make meaningful progress in coral restoration efforts in the years to come.
The journey from critically endangered elkhorn coral to thriving marine habitats may be challenging, but through collaborative efforts like these, Antigua’s underwater treasures stand a fighting chance at revival and long-term sustainability.
For more information on Elkhorn Marine Conservancy (EMC) please visit www.emcantigua.org.
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I think protecting the reef is protecting our future. Keep pushing!
Antigua blessed with beauty
We cyan let our coral just dead off. Happy to see this kind of action happening here.
If more projects worked like this, we’d see real change.