The Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) says it has enjoyed record enrollment with student numbers up 15 percent compared to last year for the start of the fall 2025 semester.

The Institute, in a statement, said the growing interest in its courses alongside an expanding online platform is helping to reshapeNorth Andros as the student influx both fuels economic while strengthening BAMSI’s role as a national development hub.

“BAMSI continues to grow as a pillar of national development, with recruitment for 2025 - for both on-campus and online students - reflecting strong interest from Bahamians,” said Valentino Munroe, BAMSI chairman.

“The Institute’s steady increase in enrollment speaks to the confidence families are placing in BAMSI to prepare the next generation of agricultural and marine science professionals.”

Dr Raveenia Roberts-Hanna, BAMSI president, said the momentum is also shown by the Institute’s growing reputation.

“This new academic year marks not only a significant increase in student enrollment, but also a growing confidence in BAMSI’s mission and achievements,” she said.

“More Bahamians are recognising the strength of our academic offerings and the value of hands-on, practical training that connects directly to national development and capacity building.”

Dr Roberts-Hanna added that BAMSI’s network of international partners is creating new opportunities for students, with pathways for credit transfers that allow graduates to continue their studies abroad while maintaining strong ties to The Bahamas. She said that even as BAMSI builds global links, its presence in North Andros continues to deliver tangible benefits at home.

BAMSI said its impact on the surrounding community can be seen in the jobs generated through campus operations and the increased spending power brought by students relocating from other Family Islands. The growing residential campus is helping to develop an academic community while providing steady economic gains to local businesses.

Mr Munroe added that BAMSI's Board is preparing to launch “major fundraising initiatives, new partnerships to conduct research in agricultural production, and new programs that provide training to farmers and opportunities for our students. These initiatives will ensure that BAMSI remains aligned with national goals for food security and sustainability. In today’s economic climate, the Institute’s work is more relevant than ever to the future of our country. With ongoing campus development, BAMSI is steadily building toward an even stronger future".

Enrollment growth has been particularly strong in agriculture, marine science and environmental science, according to Dr Amanda Bethell, director of admissions and recruitment. She said targeted outreach from January to May emphasized these areas, which are “critically important to the nation’s sustainable future".

Other programs, including aquaculture, agronomy, animal science and business management, are also attracting new interest as students explore career paths that combine science and entrepreneurship. Creative fields such as art and environment are expanding BAMSI’s reach further, giving students options that reflect both national needs and personal passions.

BAMSI’s outreach to future scholars is occurring through its expanding dual enrollment and college prep programs. The dual enrollment program allows high school students in grades 10–12 to earn college credits before graduation, while the college prep program helps students build the academic foundation, study skills and confidence needed to succeed in tertiary-level courses. Together, these

initiatives are widening access to higher education and preparing a new generation to excel in fields critical to national development.

BAMSI said it is offering national certifications that connect local expertise to international standards. The flats fishing course enrolled 28 students, underscoring the Institute’s role in one of The Bahamas’ signature industries, while the nature tour guide programme, with a new class beginning in mid-October, opens new pathways to the growing eco-tourism sector.

BAMSI said it continues to record a high rate of student completion, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to step into careers across agriculture, science, business and the creative industries.