NSU Research Spotlight: NSU Joins with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. to Help Restore Coral Reefs

For more than five decades, scientists at Nova Southeastern University’s (NSU) Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography have dedicated themselves to researching and better understanding coral reefs around the world. Similarly, Norwegian Cruise NCLH Corporate Vertical2Line Holdings, a leading global cruise company which operates the Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises brands, is committed to protecting and conserving the world’s oceans. It was only a matter of time until these two organizations joined forces.

The result: a program where NSU research scientists will create coral reef nurseries and help with restoration efforts in the Bahamas at Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian’s private island.

“This is a great opportunity on many levels,” said Richard Dodge, Ph.D., the dean of NSU’s Halmos College and a leader in coral reef research. “This broadens the area in which our scientists can conduct their research, and it benefits Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings as we will be able to help restore the ecological richness of coral reefs around Great Stirrup Cay.”

Dodge said that coral reefs are the most diverse and productive ecosystems on Earth – a good analogy is that they are the rainforests of the sea. Healthy corals build the intricate and beautiful reef structures we’ve all seen and that support a wide diversity of life and provide huge economic services. Unfortunately, coral reefs worldwide are under siege and are struggling.

You can read the full press release Here.