An ocean system is anything but simple. Scientists with the Bahamas Biocomplexity Project are learning how to preserve the sea by studying all of its constituents—humans included.

How do you tell folks they can no longer fish in waters their family has used for generations? Scientists investigate the social realities of marine protected areas in The Bahamas.

Marine reserves may be the key to survival of three organisms vital to the Bahamian economy: Nassau grouper, queen conch, and Caribbean spiny lobster.

Stephen Palumbi is a marine ecologist (and conch wrangler) attempting to keep populations of ocean creatures afloat by studying their genetic makeup.