By guest columnist Jillian Morris Brake
[dropcap]M[/dropcap]angroves are saline tolerant trees that are found in coastal areas of the tropics and subtropics. In Bimini, the mangroves are home to numerous endangered or threatened species including the Bimini Boa, green turtles and sawfish. Above the surface snakes, anoles and birds rely on the mangroves for food and habitat. Below the surface the mangroves act as a nursery for juvenile fish, lobster, conch and lemon sharks. The mangroves are not only vital for animals, but also for the geography of the island. The roots act as a natural barrier against the power of the ocean, preventing storm surges from washing away the ground away and acting as a buffer against hurricane winds. The mangroves provide food for the people of the island as well as economic value in the form of fisheries and ecotourism. It is surprising how something that seems to just sit there, can do so much and play such a crucial role in the survival of an island.
My husband and I love these little Islands in The Stream and were really excited when we were contacted to shoot a mangrove video here. The Canadian charity Trees for Life is launching a series of educational videos featuring the World’s Coolest Forests and the producer Dony Zaidi, having fallen in love with the island, wanted the mangroves of Bimini to be featured in the debut video. 100,000 5th and 6th grade students in Ontario, Canada, will see the video, but we are hoping, with the help of the Bahamas National Trust and Eric Carey, we can get it into schools throughout the Bahamas as well. It is important for students everywhere to know about their environment and the issues that are negatively impacting it. This particular forest is extremely important for Bahamian kids to learn about; it is their backyard and this is their future.
The community of Bimini came together to help us make this vision a reality. The Bimini Sands Resort and Marinadonated rental boats for our island exploration and their activities directors Katie Grudecki and Grant Johnson were integral in making the shoot a success. Grant showed co-host
Michelle Garlough about the importance of the mangroves both above and below surface. They took a scenic boat tour through some of the tiny mangrove channels as well as a snorkel to get a closer look at what is living around the roots. Grant found a beautiful seahorse for all of us to check out, a rare and beautiful site; something most people would never imagine living in the mangroves. When you stick your face in the water it is truly amazing just how much is living amongst the roots; juvenile lobster, conch, snapper and lemon sharks, bright orange sponges and sea stars, jellyfish and snails. Within seconds it is clear to see why these forests are so vital.
Grant also introduced Michelle to the Bimini boa, beautiful, but endangered snake found only in Bimini. Education and awareness about the plight of this animal is crucial to ensure the survival of the species. Katie took co-host and producer Dony on a stand up paddleboard adventure around the mangroves and explained the importance of eco-tourism in educating people and protecting the environment. Katie also showed Dony the invasive Australian pine trees that are out competing other plants on the island. Unlike the mangroves, these trees do not hold strong against a storm and offer no benefit to the island.
We ventured out with legendary bonefishing guide Ebbie David and learned about why the mangroves are so important to him. It all connects and as a community the people of Bimini know the mangroves play an important role in the culture, economy and health of the island. Tropic Ocean Air took the crew up in their seaplane to get some aerial shots of the island. It is easier to get an understanding of value when you can see the vastness of the forest.
The highlight of the shoot was definitely our final day when six local kids ranging in age from 3-17 joined the Trees for Life Team, along with Katie and Grant, to plant mangrove propagules (seeds). Katie and Grant explained the proper technique as everyone jumped in to help. It is extremely important for the next generation to understand how vital the mangroves are, but also to know they can make a difference. They are the hope for the future and each one of them plays an important role in preserving the environment. Louise McDonald High School senior Ranelle Ominski said, “it cool to be apart of making a difference.” It is cool and the kids should feel proud to be apart of projects like this.
Thanks to the Bimini Sands Resort and Marina, Trees for Life, Katie Grudecki, Grant Johnson, The Bahamas National Trust, Eric Carey, The Bahamas Film Commission, Sharklab, Bonefish Ebbie and Tropic Air for making this amazing project a reality. For more information, please check out www.trees4life.ca.