Silia Woodside: Leading Coral Restoration in The Bahamas

Silia Woodside’s journey from a small Bahamian fishing village to a leader in coral restoration is a story of passion, science, and a deep commitment to saving our oceans.

Growing up in the small fishing village of West End, Grand Bahama, Silia Woodside’s connection to the ocean began with childhood adventures while leaping off docks, swimming in the turquoise waters, and fishing with her family. But as she grew older, her curiosity became a more profound commitment to marine preservation, particularly coral reefs. These vibrant underwater ecosystems, critical to ocean health and coastal protection, needed help. And Silia knew she could make a difference.

Today, Silia is a Research Scientist at the Cape Eleuthera Institute, working with the Bahamas Coral Innovation Hub (BCIH), a collaboration between The Nature Conservancy, the Cape Eleuthera Institute, and the Perry Institute for Marine Science. At The BCIH, she engages in coral restoration, cultivating coral fragments in nurseries to replenish degraded reefs. Her work is not just scientific; it's hands-on and deeply rooted in community engagement as she gets local stakeholders involved in the restoration activities.

At the upcoming Latin America and Caribbean Aquaculture Conference in Medellin, Silia will present her research on “The Effect of Source Colony and Coral Tree Nursery Position on the Growth Rate of Staghorn Coral (Acropora cervicornis) in South Eleuthera.” Her study aims to shed light on the optimal conditions for coral growth, contributing valuable knowledge to global efforts in coral conservation.

“I want others to see the ocean as a living, breathing entity that needs our help” Silia says. 

Her advice? Dive in with passion and purpose. Every small effort to restore our oceans is a step toward a more sustainable future.