Behind the scenes, Abaco is a busy place. Look deeper into your local mangrove creek, or pine forest and you are sure to see a somewhat disheveled, tired and most likely muddy researcher. Bahamians, as well as people from all over the world, have taken a greater interest in the inner workings of our environment and return here year after year to continue their projects. Did you know that research completed in Abaco has made significant contributions to the global understanding of science and conservation? It is now much easier for you to keep abreast of research going on in The Bahamas.
Dr. Craig Layman (Florida International University), in collaboration with Friends of the Environment, recently launched a new scientific website, The Abaco Scientist (http://absci.fiu.edu/). The website will have an Abaco focus, but is intended to be a âone-stopâ source for all things science in The Bahamas. About 15 scientists and other environmental stakeholders contribute the main postings, but everyone is encouraged to participate through the âcommentsâ section on each posting. Already up on the site is information ranging from sea cucumbers to bonefish to current restoration projects. The intention of the site is to increase environmental awareness and education at multiple levels, ranging from a tool for science in the classroom to providing information on the most pressing environmental challenges facing Abaco and the country. Any questions or suggestions can be posted right on the site.
In addition to getting the information out there on the internet, FRIENDS is hosting the 5th biennial Abaco Science Alliance Conference in Marsh Harbour on January 5-7, 2012. The purpose of the conference is to provide a forum for networking of researchers and the community, plus the sharing of scientific information in and around The Abaco’s.
We hope to encourage more research in the area for educational purposes, and to stimulate the use of these findings in local environmental management decisions. The 2012 conference will include informative talks on topics such as the importance of seagrass, how fossils found in blue holes give us clues about pre-human Bahamian ecosystems, and a look at tackling the threat of invasive species on islands. Fun field trips are planned and the conference will also include an environmental film festival. You wonât want to miss it!
Please contact Olivia Patterson at olivia@friendsoftheenvironment.org for more information.
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