Royal Bermuda Regiment divers are to join forces with an environmental watchdog to help protect the Island’s reef system. And the Regiment and the Bermuda Reef Ecosystem Analysis and Monitoring Programme [BREAM] appealed for volunteer divers and snorkelers to join them in a major reef mapping programme at Elbow Beach in Paget on Sunday. The […]

Foreign scientists working in small island states need to create better collaborations with local researchers and marine management entities if coral reefs, fish, and other marine resources are to be saved from irreversible degradation, according to a new opinion paper published by researchers from the Caribbean, Canada, the USA, and UK. The opinion, published last […]

Five years of data collected on reefs and offshore in Bermuda shows that coral reef chemistry – and perhaps the future success of corals – is tied not only to the human carbon emissions causing systematic ocean acidification, but also to seasonal and decadal cycles in the open waters of the Atlantic, and the balance […]

A new three-year NASA field expedition gets underway this year to survey more of the world’s coral reefs, with Dr Eric Hochberg from the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences set to be involved in the study. NASA said, “Coral reefs, sometimes called the rainforests of the sea, are home to a quarter of all ocean […]

“Despite living walking distance to the shoreline, many Bermudian young people have never seen the world just beneath the waves. With no exposure to the wonder and excitement of the ocean, how would Bermuda’s future generations appreciate their own big blue backyard?” – I Am Water Foundation. The Bermuda Zoological Society, and lead sponsor XL […]

[Updated with video] Scientists from Nekton undertaking the XL Catlin Deep Ocean Survey, have discovered a new “biological hotspot” on Argus Seamount, some 30 miles south west of Bermuda. Diving in cutting-edge manned submersibles adapted with the latest scientific and filming equipment, the scientists are the first to biologically document and sample the previously unexplored seamount. […]

A recently published video is showcasing the work that the Living Reefs Foundation is doing with the help of 11th Hour Racing to help protect Bermuda’s coral reefs. The Foundation’s website says, “Living Reefs, a Bermuda Registered Charity, was formed in 2014 to help implement some of the measures needed to keep Bermuda’s reefs and […]

For a fourth consecutive year, the Bermuda Zoological Society [BZS] is heading out on the water with its team of citizen scientists to survey coral reefs around the island as a part of the annual BZS REEF Watch, with the excursion taking place with the support of lead sponsor HISCOX. The event, which is also […]

The Bermuda Zoological Society has announced that due to the possibility of Karl impacting Bermuda over the weekend, the Reef Watch event will be postponed until Saturday, 8th October. “Due to inclement weather, we are extending our Reef Watch teams’ survey opportunities for anytime in the next two weeks to ensure that they have a […]

Historically abundant predatory fishes such as groupers and snappers are rare and at critically low numbers on Bermuda reefs based on international standards, according to a recently released report by Bermudian scientists Thaddeus and Jessie Murdoch through the Bermuda Reef Ecosystem Assessment and Mapping [BREAM] Programme. In good news, however, hard corals are at good […]

The Bermuda’s Living Reefs Foundation will host a ‘Coral Garden Party’ on May 19 at 6.30pm at the Rosewood Tucker’s Point Resort. A spokesperson said, “Have you ever heard of Coral Gardening? This relatively new approach to restoring coral reefs is now launched in Bermuda. Since August 2016, Bermuda’s Living Reefs Foundation has installed two […]

The XL Catlin Kids on the Reef programme, a partnership between the Bermuda Zoological Society [BZS] and the I Am Water Foundation, sponsored by XL Catlin has now completed its fifth successful year. The programme brings together world-class free-diving conservationists and local marine ecology educators to take local public middle school students beyond the classroom […]

For the fifth consecutive year, the Bermuda Zoological Society event REEF Watch trained teams of corporate professionals, teenagers and families to conduct coral reef surveys, fish counts and assessments of our reef ecosystem. Scientists collecting dive slates Nineteen teams set out on Saturday, 23 September to sample reefs across the northern platform. With ID sheets, […]

[Opinion column written by Joleah Lamb] There are more than 11 billion pieces of plastic debris on coral reefs across the Asia-Pacific, according to our new research, which also found that contact with plastic can make corals more than 20 times more susceptible to disease. In our study, published in Science, we examined more than […]

Historically abundant predatory fish such as groupers and snappers remain at critically low numbers on Bermuda’s reefs based on international standards, according to a recently released report that monitored their status and trends by Bermudian scientist Dr Thaddeus Murdoch and his local team of research associates through the Bermuda Reef Ecosystem Assessment and Mapping [BREAM] […]

Percussion band Coral Beats will hold an event dubbed ‘Coral Beats for the Coral Reef‘ on Sunday, March 10 at 7.00pm at Warwick Academy, where they plan to use objects they found during beach cleanups to “create new sounds.” A spokesperson said, “Members of Coral Beats, Bermuda’s own all female Brazilian percussion band, have been busy […]

The Bermuda Reef Life HD has recently been updated, with the app “featuring some 300 high definition images divided into 15 sections showcasing the beauty and diversity of Bermuda beneath the surface.” A spokesperson said, “Building from the success of the previous version of his Reef Life app, Ron Lucas’ latest update for the free […]

The Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute [BUEI] announced that the topic for this month’s ‘Kids Hour Saturdays’ on June 18th is coral reefs. A spokesperson said, “Kids Hours Saturdays’ takes place every third Saturday of the month at 11am and 2pm respectively. Each hour features the screening of short films followed by a book reading for […]

Noting the “tan-brown slicks floating in the waters along South Shore and other parts of the island,” officials said that it is “coral spawn seeking new areas to propagate” and “while it may look unsightly, this act of nature is one to be celebrated as it reflects the excellent health of Bermuda’s coral reef system.” […]

The seventh installment of the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute’s [BUEI] eight-part Island SOS [Sustainable Ocean Strategies] series is slated to take place at BUEI on Saturday, August 27 at 4.00pm. A spokesperson said, “This month’s island nation being highlighted is the Bahamas, with a presentation by Casuarina McKinney-Lambert, Executive Director of the Bahamas Reef Environment […]

[Opinion column written by Paris Stefanoudis] Sunlit coral reefs are perhaps the most famous marine habitat and many people will have snorkelled over or dived down to one at some point. Home to a quarter of all known ocean life, these “rainforests of the ocean” have been at the forefront of marine research for decades […]

CariGenetics — in partnership with The 2 Frontiers Project and BIOS — led and funded a local study that could help save coral reefs around the world which are being affected by climate change. A spokesperson said, “Since its launch last October, CariGenetics continues to conduct ground-breaking research which will have a positive impact, not […]

A recent episode of PBS Changing Seas, titled “Bermuda: Life at Ocean’s Edge,” has earned two Suncoast Regional Emmy Award nominations in the environmental/science long-form content and writer – long-form content categories. The episode focuses on Bermuda’s reefs and shipwrecks and features island-based researchers and scientists from the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences, the Living […]

BioQuest, powered by CariGenetics, officially launched on the 25th of November, marking a “significant step forward in Bermuda’s biodiversity conservation efforts.” A spokesperson said, “BioQuest is a new, innovative philanthropic NGO focused on biodiversity conservation using genomics, starting with Bermuda’s signature species, with an aim to create local genetic research capacity. “The launch event, attended […]

The latest design in Bernews’ weekly Wallpaper Wednesday series dives into virtual art with Bermuda coral calligraphy. The design is available in two sizes; a Facebook profile cover image and also in a vertical format, ideally sized for use as a mobile phone wallpaper, WhatsApp status image or Instagram story. You can download both sizes […]

In celebration of World Oceans Day, BioQuest announced it has “officially completed the draft reference genome of the Grooved Brain Coral, marking the first-time whole genome sequencing of a coral reef has been accomplished in the Caribbean by the Caribbean.” A spokesperson said, “This groundbreaking work was conducted locally in Bermuda in collaboration with the […]

Roche Bermuda announced a $100,000 donation to BioQuest to support local genomics research and the conservation of Bermuda’s coral reefs. A spokesperson said, “Roche Bermuda, today proudly announces its $100,000 donation to BioQuest. This crucial funding will significantly enhance BioQuest’s infrastructure, and support its essential initiatives, including protecting Bermuda’s coral reefs, which are critical natural […]

The latest design in Bernews’ weekly Wallpaper Wednesday series features a mesmerizing underwater scene, depicting ‘Bermuda’. The design is available in two sizes; a Facebook profile cover image and also in a vertical format, ideally sized for use as a mobile phone wallpaper, WhatsApp status image or Instagram story. You can download both sizes below, […]

Kayla Bardgett and her 2023 SCAD Savannah equestrian teammates picked up their third consecutive IHSA regular season win in Lakeland, Florida. Bardgett was making her first appearance of the season for SCAD and  finished 4th in the intermediate flat class. SCAD was named champion with 37 points. Florida Atlantic University and the University of Florida were […]

The Bermuda Equestrian Federation hosted the 2023 CEA Regional Jumping Challenge at the Bermuda National Equestrian Center. Tyler James won the 0.75m Class riding Sunny Days, they had a score of 57.93, but they also had 4 Penalty Fault Points, Simone Sainsbury riding Face Off won the 0.85m Class with two Clear Rounds of 62.11. […]

The Bermuda Dressage Group hosted their Christmas Dressage Show at the National Equestrian Center on Vesey Street. The Adult Champion was Vee McKey with a score of 77.638%, while Annie Duffin was the Junior winner with 77.5%. Training Level 3 Georgia Hughes & Casichacco – 68.6 Nina Wehmeyer & Game Change – 67.8 Laura Williamson […]

Kamali Tucker, Tyler James, Kimoy Cruickshank, and Rai Burch competed in the Grand Caraibe Suriname 2023 – International Horse Jumping Competition. The competition was held at the Ponderosa Equestrian Center in Suriname, and Bermuda, Jamaica, French Guyana, Martinique, and Suriname all participated. The course was designed by Bfyan Lo, with Gail Issa the Judge of […]

The Bermuda Equestrian Federation announced that “its dynamic Welcome Home Show Committee will be hosting an exciting December horse show at the National Equestrian Center on 9th and 10th December.” A spokesperson said, “You may recall that, under the leadership of McKeisha Smith, the Welcome Home Show [WHS] Committee also successfully organized the equestrian ring […]

Under the watchful eye of FEI 4* judge Cesar Torrente, the Bermuda Dressage Group hosted their portion of the Caribbean Equestrian Association’s Dressage Challenge at the National Equestrian Center on Vesey Street. Angela Halloran Smith riding Evert was the adult regional high scorer with 73.75%, while Georgia Harris and Casichacco was the junior regional high […]

The Overall Regional and Mini Caribbean Equestrian Association’s Dressage Challenge results have been tallied and recently announced, with Bermuda making an excellent showing to claim multiple wins. A spokesperson said, “Once again, the annual Regional & Mini Challenges came to very successful conclusions for Bermuda competitors who can now boast of securing overall winnings as […]

The Bermuda Equestrian Federation announced that Bermuda will compete the annual FEI Jumping World Challenge. A spokesperson said, “Bermuda show jumpers are gearing up to compete in the 2024 FEI Jumping World Challenge – the FEI 46th edition of this event. “The Challenge provides local show jumping equestrians an opportunity to compete in an international […]

Show Organizers have advised that due to the weather FEI JWC Competition No. 1 — which was scheduled to take place on tomorrow [Saturday] — has been rescheduled to Sunday, 4th February. The horse inspection will take place at 8.30 a.m. with jumping to commence a 9.30 a.m.” Related Stories Equestrian Patrick Nisbett Competes in France […]

The BHPA Winter Jumper Festival was held at the National Equestrian Center on Vesey Street. Class 1 – 0.65 m 1st Moxie & Paige Lindo 2nd Mr. Wizard & Charlette Pantry 3rd Wild Things Island Adventure & Logan Flood 4th Kool Blu & Tonae Tavares 5th Puff the Magic Dragon & Bella Rodrigues Class 2 […]

Bermuda riders Rai Burch, Tyler James, Kimoy Cruickshank, and Kayla Bardgett competed on the Grand Caraibe Tour in Martinique. Day one saw the competitors compete in 2 phases special classes at 3 height divisions. James was eliminated out of 44 starters in the 0.90 cm class, Cruickshank finished 25th and Bardgett finished 29th out of […]

Round 2 of the 2024 FEI Jumping World Challenge was held at the National Equestrian Center. In the 1.20 – 1.30m Category A Division, JayLynn Hines riding Toto D’ysenbeeck Z finished first with a time of 68.97, but they had a combined 23 Penalty Fault Points. Tyler James and Cruise Control won the 1.10 – […]

The Bermuda Dressage Group hosted a show at the National Equestrian Center on Vesey Street under the watchful eye of Canadian Dressage judge Janet Konyer. Daisy Cooper riding Storm Watch won the intro test A class with a score of 63.75%, the same pair also won the intro test B class, this time with a […]

Jillian Terceira began competing in the Peelbergen Pro Tour XXL International Horse Jumping event in the Netherlands. On day one, Terceira competes in one class. Terceira riding Lucy finished 60th in the 1.10m two phases special class, the pair clocked a time of 40.42, but they had 3 penalty fault points in the first phase, […]

Heidi Mello has been re-elected as the President of the Caribbean Equestrian Association [CEA]. For the second year running Mello received all seven votes for the position. The Caribbean Equestrian Association [CEA] currently has six member nations from the English-speaking Caribbean, consisting of: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, […]

Bermuda’s show jumpers will compete in the final phase of the 2024 FEI Jumping World Challenge. Bermuda has competitors in all three categories. Competition #3 will take place on Saturday, March 23rd at the National Equestrian Center on Vesey Street. The judges for the event include FEI level 2 – John Flisk from the United […]

[Updated] Bermuda’s show jumpers showcased their skill and determination as they competed in the 2024 FEI Jumping World Challenge’s final phase at the National Equestrian Center on Vesey Street this weekend. We will update with the results as able. Update 7.50pm: A spokesperson said, “The final phase of the 2024 FEI Jumping World Challenge [FEI […]

Kayla Bardgett and her SCAD Savannah Equestrian teammates won the National Team Division Champion and Reserve Championship, as well as the Novice Team Division Champion and Reserve Championship at the 2024 American National Riding Commission [ANRC] National Championships. Bardgett finished 5th in the final rider standings with a score of 71.56. Bardgett was 10th in […]

The 2024 Agricultural Exhibition got underway at the Botanical Gardens, with several equestrian competitions taking place on the opening day. Abby Bardgett riding Up, Up & Away, and Courtney Bromby riding Worth The Wait won the riding horse & or pony pairs class, and Sierra Wollfe riding Farsi Forza won the EQAOS adult equitation class. Parade […]

Equestrian events continued as the 2024 Agricultural Exhibition moved into the second day at the Botanical Gardens. Melody Greenslade riding Random Renegade won the Pleasure Driving Horse Single Class, the driving horse in Hand Class was won by Glen Smith and J.S. Magic. Bella Rodrigues riding Puff The Magic Dragon won the Riding Pony in […]

Three equestrians are heading to Guadeloupe to compete in the 2024 Grand Caraibe Jumping Championship beginning May 8th – 12th, with Kimoy Cruickshank, Sierra Wolfe, and Emma Kempe set to represent Bermuda. The Grand Caraibe comprises 4 competitions held during the 2023/2024 season. Although Bermuda did not have representation at the first competition held in French Guyana […]

The Bermuda Dressage Federation hosted their final dressage show of the season at the National Equestrian Center on Vesey Street. The high score winners for the event were Lila Readdy in the Junior Division, and Michael Rodriques in the adult division. Rodrigues scored a score of 69.44% competing in the first test 3 class riding Domino […]