Dr. Murdoch diving on the coral reefs

There is one thing that’s not disappearing inside the Bermuda Triangle; Bermuda’s coral reefs. Unlike coral formations further to the south in Florida and the Caribbean, the bio-network around Bermuda has avoided the deadly effects of bleaching and banding diseases that are killing off their Caribbean cousins. The fact that Bermuda hosts the northern-most coral reef formation in the world makes it an ideal location to serve as a health indicator for similar marine ecosystems worldwide.

Recent experiments in coral transplanting and coral husbandry could see Bermuda’s waters potentially serving as a safe haven for endangered coral and marine animal species from other areas. These endangered life forms could be transplanted or actually bred and housed in Bermuda waters until their own environments were restored to a healthy state.

One of the organizations spearheading this type of research is the BREAM, (Bermuda Reef Ecosystem Assessment and Mapping) program. The purpose of BREAM is to act as caretaker and examiner of Bermuda’s marine environment. They do this by utilizing rigorous assessment methodology, data management, statistical analysis, and habitat mapping using geographic information systems (GIS).

The program is headed by Bermudian Dr. Thaddeus Murdoch, who started BREAM in 2004.

Dr. Murdoch obtained his undergraduate degrees (in Biology and Psychology) at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia Canada.  He went on to obtain his Masters of Science and Ph.D. in Marine Science at the University of South Alabama and the Dauphin Island Seal Lab. His studies in Marine Science including Physical, Chemical, Geological and Biological Oceanography have made him an expert on Marine Ecosystems and the problems facing the world’s Coral Reef populations.

I asked Dr. Murdoch what drove him to start the BREAM program. “I began the Bermuda Reef Ecosystem Assessment and Mapping Program in 2004”, he said, “to tackle several of the projects being undertaken by the marine components of the Bermuda Biodiversity Project at the Bermuda Aquarium Museum and Zoo. My training was on surveying large coral reef systems accurately and efficiently, and after working in the Florida Keys, Panama, Belize and Bahamas, felt it was time to return to my homeland of Bermuda and apply my skills to developing a comprehensive understanding of the factors that drive the patterns in coral reef ecology that occur here”.

The survey work undertaken by the staff of BREAM and its army, or should I say - navy of supporting volunteers is incredibly detailed and thorough. Their work includes the mapping of marine habitats, counting fish, corals and other marine plants and animals, so that changes to the marine environment and resources can be managed. They also carry out conservation activities to improve the marine environment, while providing educational and research opportunities to both local and international students and scientists. Dr. Murdoch and his BREAM team are dedicated enthusiasts and scientists whose goals are to improve local, regional, and international understanding of coral reef systems through scientific research, data management and information sharing, coordinating conservation efforts and promoting public awareness of the marine environment.

When asked what the average person could do to help Dr. Murdoch replied, “BREAM is a research program under the Bermuda Zoological Society (a non-profit organization), and relies on government and non-government funding to cover all of the costs of doing the valuable research we do. Donations to the BREAM program can be made to the Bermuda Zoological Society and earmarked for our program, and will be used to allow my team of Bermudian research scientists and technicians to continue the good research and conservation activities we do. BREAM also relies heavily on volunteers, and we are always looking for competent boat support or scuba diving support from qualified volunteers.”

People interested in volunteering or in being a student intern can email Dr. Murdoch for more information about internship opportunities at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

For more information on BREAM go to http://www.atlanticconservationpartnership.com/p8/conservation/Bermuda-Reef-Ecosystem-Assessment-BREAM-Program.aspx