Restoring mangrove creek ecosystems in The Bahamas

The Bahamas harbors more than 600,000 acres of essential mangrove ecosystems, making it home to one of the largest mangrove areas in the Caribbean. 

Restoring the lungs of the reef

Also known as the ‘lungs of the reef,’ mangroves rely on networks of tidal creeks to bring clean ocean water into their waterways, replenishing vital nutrients and removing harmful toxins. EDF and partners are working to restore the natural hydrology of mangrove creek systems, which has been shown as one of the most effective ways to improve mangrove ecosystem health and ensure that they continue to feed and protect communities in the face of increasing climate risk. We’re following guidance from the Mangrove Action Project which highlights that mangrove restoration is more than just planting. 

Mangrove creek restoration projects can vary in size and complexity. Small-scale restoration may involve relatively simple solutions, such as clearing debris from existing drainage systems. Medium-sized projects could install or expand culverts or other drainage infrastructure. Larger, more complex projects may involve building ‘flood resistant’ bridges, removing unused roadways, and/or dredging channels to facilitate tidal flow.

Our plan

After extensive community consultations and research, we developed A Roadmap for Restoring Mangrove Creeks in The Bahamas. The roadmap provides stepwise guidance for holistic restoration of mangrove creeks, including site-specific evaluations of creek restoration benefits and options for unblocking creeks. In early 2026, the project partners plan to put the roadmap into action, launching our first community-led mangrove creek restoration. We encourage others to join in this national effort. 

When it comes to mangroves, conservation is the most important strategy for healthy ecosystems. However, for areas that have already been impacted, restoration provides a pathway for the ecosystems and the community to heal, creating a more resilient future for people and planet.

Why mangroves?

The Bahamas’ mangroves teem with life, providing an array of ecosystem services that benefit both people and nature. Mangroves serve as essential nursery grounds for commercially important species, which are vital for food security and local employment. Mangroves are also essential to The Bahamas’ world-renowned fly-fishing sector and the thousands of local livelihoods it supports.

Mangroves provide life-saving protection to coastal communities by dissipating wave energy and reducing coastal erosion, reducing and slowing storm surge during hurricanes, and reducing flooding—weather patterns that are expected to intensify with climate change. Additionally, mangroves help to mitigate climate change by sequestering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, making them a crucial ally in the fight against global warming. 

The challenge

When the flow of tidal creeks is blocked—often by sediment and roadways or other infrastructure—mangrove systems become fragmented and lose access to the life-sustaining influx of ocean water. These ‘blocked creeks’ prevent fish migration and reduce habitat for breeding, feeding, and shelter. Blocked creeks can also increase the risk of flooding, as surging waters and heavy rains are forced to flow over and around blockages, inundating roadways and flooding communities in low lying areas. Additionally, stagnant water in these areas can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes and harmful algae. 

In The Bahamas, the problem is widely felt. Research shows that there are over 100 mangrove creeks that are partially or fully blocked, impeding the flow of tidal waters and limiting the ecosystem benefits that mangroves ecosystems provide. 

Centering solutions around communities

With over 100 creek blockages and limited resources, it is important to understand the ecological, social, and climate value of different mangrove creeks, and prioritize them for restoration based on science and community guidance. Some communities may prioritize restoring creeks that support local livelihoods such as fly-fishing, birding, and different forms of nature tourism. Other communities may prioritize restoring creeks that often flood because of the blockages. From the inception, this project has been centered around coastal communities, working together to map the location of blocked mangrove creeks, to identify community priorities, and co-design restoration solutions. By listening to those who are most connected to these creeks, we’re not just restoring nature—we’re helping restore hope, resilience, and a strong sense of stewardship. 

Supporting a thriving Bahamas

Project partners:

Throughout 2024 and 2025, EDF has led a partnership in The Bahamas with the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources (MENR), The Bahamas’ Forestry Unit, the Bahamas Sportfishing Conservation Association, the Perry Institute for Marine Science, and local communities to identify and prioritize creeks for restoration on the islands of Andros, Eleuthera, and New Providence.