We are anchored right in the harbour of the Perry Institute of Marine Science at Lee Stocking Island in the Exumas, Bahamas. The buildings are dilapidated and the airstrip is overgrown. What was the Perry Institute and why was it abandoned?
I did some research and Mr. John Perry wanted to pursue his interest in marine research and renewable energy, so the 600-acre Lee Stocking Island was purchased for $70,000 in 1957. He developed the island as a scientific field station and tried to make it self-supporting by incorporating working models of new technologies.
The Perry Institute says -
Founded in 1970 by John H. Perry, Jr., the Perry Institute for Marine Science was created on the heels of John Perry’s work with the Technology Panel of the newly established Marine Science Commission, 1968 to 1970.
Appointed to chair of the commission in 1968 by President Johnson, John Perry was instrumental in the creation of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and charting a course for the use, development and exploration of the oceans for the United States.
Upon completion of the work of the commission, John Perry founded the Perry Institute for Marine Science, Inc. toward the fulfillment of these new national goals and dedicated his Bahamian island, Lee Stocking Island as a major research base. In 1984, the Perry Institute for Marine Science created the Caribbean Marine Research Center (CMRC), which was designated as one of six National Undersea Research Centers under the auspices of NOAA, and The Perry Institute’s CMRC facility on Lee Stocking Island was one of the most productive marine laboratories in the world until its closing in 2012.
The Perry Institute for Marine Science included laboratories, housing, an airstrip, a dock, boats, and dive support facilities. Up until SCUBA technology became more advanced, the field station featured shallow-depth submersibles.
From the institute’s website:
“The Perry Institute for Marine Science is dedicated to making a difference by protecting our oceans. We do this through ocean research and education that informs the public and encourages action. We operate a tropical marine laboratory on Lee Stocking Island in the Bahamas. Scientists, students and educational groups visit our facility from around the world to conduct ocean research in this remote, pristine stretch of the Caribbean. In the areas on and around our island, we study things like coral reefs, fisheries, ecosystems and the biodiversity of undersea life.”
After the death of Perry in 2006, research funding dried up and the institute was closed. However, the Institute was not cleaned up; there are buildings and equipment remain on the island.
We took Lily Belle and Bumble Bee to bike and hike the entire island. We enjoyed lunch on the highest peak overlooking a spectacular view.
