[dropcap]A[/dropcap]lthough being geographically small in size, the islands of Bimini have played a critical role in shark research and conservation on a global scale. They are part of the 630,000 square kilometer (243,244 square mile) Bahamian shark sanctuary established in 2011 and have the only mangrove habitat on the western Great Bahama Bank, which serves as a critically important nursery habitat for conch, lobster, reef fish, snapper, and sharks. The island of South Bimini is also home to the world’s first Shark Free Marina (Bimini Sands Resort) and the renowned Bimini Biological Field Station (Sharklab).
The Sharklab was established in 1990 by Dr. Samuel Gruber as a research base for his work with lemon sharks. Today the lab continues to be at the forefront of shark research, attracting visiting scientists, university students, and film crews from around the world. They have recently launched their Research Experience program, offering the public a chance to participate in cutting-edge shark science and ecotourism in order to support a cause that is desperate for awareness: marine conservation.
See first-hand what it is like to live and work at the lab, with the gorgeous turquoise waters of Bimini as your backdrop. Activities range from snorkeling with Caribbean reef sharks to handling nurse sharks to learn about shark anatomy, or even feeding juvenile lemon sharks in the mangrove refuge. This all-inclusive package includes four nights of accommodation, three days of jam-packed shark adventures, three meals per full day, roundtrip chartered flights between Miami and Bimini, and the experience of a lifetime. Will you join the shark side?
Available Dates:
• September 3-7, 2014
• October 1-5, 2014
• November 5-9, 2014
• December 2-7, 2014
• January 6-11, 2015
As a Sharklab alum, I cannot express how incredible my time there was and would encourage anyone with even the slightest curiosity about sharks, shark science or ocean conservation to sign up. For more information or to book your trip, please check out: www.biminisharklab.com/opportunities/publicopportunities.
