Category Archives: Outreach

CEI Researcher Dr. Jocelyn Curtis-Quick presents at Tedx Nassau

May 16, 2014 ceiblogger

On Saturday, May 3rd, the first TEDx event in The Bahamas, TEDx Nassau 2014, took place. The event aimed to facilitate nationwide conversations about pressing issues in The Bahamas today, and invited speakers to discuss their solutions to these problems along with other “ideas worth spreading.”

Dr. Curtis-Quick presenting on the lionfish invasion.

Dr. Jocelyn Curtis-Quick of the CEI Lionfish program was invited to present at the event, sharing information about the latest campaign to create a lionfish fishery. She discussed the history of the lionfish invasion, some facts about the success of these invasive predators and their devastating effects on reefs, as well as the concept behind the CEI “You Slay, We Pay” campaign. She informed listeners of the efforts to encourage a lionfish fishery and addressed some of the major barriers that are at present complicating the process. She encouraged the audience to eat lionfish, ask for lionfish in restaurants and stores, and to talk to others about the invasion.

Dr. Curtis-Quick got to meet Erin and Tina from Seasonal Sunshine Bahamas, an organization that currently buys and sells lionfish in Nassau.

Dr. Curtis-Quick was honored by the invitation to participate in this TEDx event and we at CEI would like to compliment the organizers, particularly Uli Voges, Tiera Ndlovu, and Lilian Weikert on a hugely successful weekend. We would like to thank them for the opportunity to spread knowledge as well as to express gratitude to all organizers and participants for the opportunity to participate in this groundbreaking event and to enjoy enlightening, rewarding, and eye-opening conversations with many of the movers and shakers of The Bahamas.

Flats, Outreach, Research Programs

CEI Researcher Zach Zuckerman discusses mangrove conservation in Abaco!

May 6, 2014 ceiblogger

Flats Research Manager Zach Zuckerman was invited to perform an ecological assessment of Sand Banks Creek near Treasure Cay, Abaco. Together with Olivia Patterson of Friends of the Environment, representatives from Abaco Defenders, and with the support of Save the Bays, Zuckerman performed a visual census of habitat types and species present in the creek, providing preliminary data to emphasize the need for sound management of Abaco’s nearshore environment.

Mangrove roots provide structure, for protection and foraging, for baitfish and predatory fish alike.

Two green turtles scoot by a snorkeler. Hawksbill and loggerhead turtles were also observed in the creek.

Land use change is a continuing threat to The Bahamas’ mangrove and tidal creek ecosystems; due to their proximity to the sea, beach and low-lying mangrove forest are particularly appealing for coastal development and construction of marinas. However, historical data on the ecology of already developed areas is often lacking, and communities are becoming increasingly involved in the protection and management of sensitive marine habitats. Such is the case at Sand Banks Creek, where historical, recent, and proposed development has altered a critical habitat, thus providing a need to collect data to describe the current status of the system.

Juvenile bluestripe, white, and french grunts. Grunts are sometimes harvested for local consumption.

Rapid ecological assessments (REAs) are a standardized sampling method to quantify the presence and abundance of species in a habitat, the habitat types present in a location, and to identify anthropogenic stressors on a system. Zuckerman and his team first assessed past and ongoing coastal development near the creek via satellite and aerial imagery, then surveyed the perimeter via car and kayak. The team also performed underwater surveys as part of the REA to identify benthic cover and aquatic species not observable by kayak.

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Lionfish, Outreach, Sustainable Fisheries

Lionfish invade Rock Sound Homecoming!

April 28, 2014 ceiblogger

Part of the team working the CEI booth: Aaron, Tamanji, Liz and Alicia

CEI Lionfish team visited Rock Sound’s homecoming celebration. Amid stands selling fritters, grouper, and curry chicken the crew erected a booth dishing out free samples of lionfish ceviche, passing out brochures, and sporting the new line of t-shirts from CEI’s “You Slay, We Pay” campaign. It is at venues like these, when huge numbers of people from around the Bahamas come together to celebrate, talk, and most importantly eat, that outreach is so critical. It is not yet universal knowledge that lionfish are both edible and delicious, so having a presence at local cultural events such as this allows us to spread awareness and change minds.

This was evidenced first hand on Saturday, when many locals tried lionfish for the first time. Initially hesitant observers came forward after hearing about the process of safely filleting lionfish, discussing the benefits to many native fisheries from eating lionfish, and seeing the satisfied smiles of previous samplers. Many first-timers were visibly surprised at the clean taste of the white meat. The unanimous consensus was that the fish offers a delicious alternative to other Bahamian classics.

Slayer campaign logo

Why is this so exciting and why is outreach like this so important? The invasive and hugely harmful lionfish is a largely untapped marine resource throughout the Caribbean. However, with more and more people trying and loving lionfish at events like Saturday’s homecoming, it is hoped that demand for lionfish as a fishery will rise. Fishermen will then play a greater role in lionfish population control as they work to meet that demand with supply.

How to make your own lionfish ceviche:

1. Start with fresh lionfish fillets, and finely dice. Immerse in lime juice for 20-30 minutes.

2. While lionfish is marinating, dice green peppers, tomatoes, and onions. Place in a bowl to the side. You should have roughly equal amounts of vegetables and fish.

3. Dice a very small amount of habanero or scotch bonnet pepper into extremely small chunks.

4. Drain lime juice out of the lionfish; fish should look opaque and white.

5. In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped fish and all vegetables and peppers. Mix well, season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Serve and enjoy! You are promoting a sustainable fishery.

Lionfish, Outreach, Sustainable Fisheries

You Slay, We Pay!

April 7, 2014 ceiblogger 1 Comment

The ‘You Slay, We Pay’ campaign is underway. Lionfish are invasive and devastating reefs; fortunately for us, they are delicious! However, these fish are still an untapped sustainable marine resource. The Island School with CEI launched a campaign to start a lionfish fishery and are buying lionfish from local fishermen for $11/lb during this lobster closed season (April 1st – July 31st). Locals fishermen are encouraged to bring fish in – they receive an amazing lionfish slayer t-shirt when they drop off their first 15 lbs of lionfish. Additionally, we enter them in a raffle each time they bring in 15 lb of lionfish, and there will be a prize draw at the end of season to win a new pole spear and other goodies.

So how can you support this campaign? Several ways:

Eat lionfish! Please, when you are eating out, ask for lionfish! Even if it is not on the menu it is a great way to create a demand and therefore supply. * Don’t choose to eat species that are in closed fishing season or are unsustainable.

Buy a t-shirt! The purchase of your t-shirt supports the cost of ‘You Slay, We Pay’ sustainable fishery campaign. These limited edits shirts are available online now!

Click here to buy a lionfish t-shirt!

Spread the word! Wherever you are, speak with and educate people about the lionfish issue. Keep up to date on the success of this campaign through our blog and social media accounts.

Flats, Outreach, Research Programs, Visiting Scientists

Update on Acoustic Tagging Project: Grand Bahama Jan 2014

April 4, 2014 ceiblogger

A team of scientists consisting of Aaron Shultz and Malcom Goodman from the Cape Eleuthera Institute, David Philipp and Julie Claussen from the Fisheries Conservation Foundation, Karen Murchie from College of the Bahamas (Freeport), and Greg Vincent and Jason Franklin of H2O

Bonefishing from Grand Bahama gathered in Freeport in January to track bonefish movements. This project began in October 2013, when 30 bonefish from around the island of Grand Bahama were captured and implanted with acoustic tags. Electronic receivers were then placed in strategic locations throughout the island and recorded if a tagged fish swam nearby. Fish were also located periodically using a manual receiver.

The first goal of this trip was to retreive each of the receivers and download the data to determine if any bonefish had been recorded. January, however, is still early in the spawning season for bonefish, so that data recorded over the next few months is expected to be highly valuable in understanding bonefish movements and the habitats they use for spawning. The second goal was to use the manual tracking device to determine if bonefish were travelling to possible spawning locations around the new moon.

This early retrieval of data from the receivers was very encouraging, with several of the tagged fish being detected. Two fish with transmitters, likely travelling to spawning locations, were recorded
traveling from one side of the island around to the other and back again, one covering over 140 miles roundtrip. Greg and Jason from H2O Bonefishing were instrumental in finding schools of bonefish to see if tagged fish could be located using the manual receiver. Many fish were
located very near where they were tagged.

Scientist Karen Murchie will be analyzing the movement data from the project, and many thanks to her for providing housing and logistical support during the trip.

Outreach, Research Programs, Sharks

Exploring the Depths with DCMS & CEI Shark Team

March 25, 2014 ceiblogger

The importance of scientific outreach is empirical to the goals and objectives of the Cape Eleuthera Foundation, aiming to educate and inspire the next generation of young scientists.

Friday 14th February saw the arrival of the Deep Creek Middle School’s seventh grade to the Cape Eleuthera Institute, as part of their current ‘Schools Without Walls Program’. The program allows students to experience education outside the 4 walls of an ordinary classroom, and throws them head first into aiding and studying current scientific research practices. The goal of the project is to offer an alternate learning experience in which students have the opportunity to ‘learn-by-doing’.

Fridays class lead by shark team's Mackellar Violich and Oliver Shipley — Fridays class lead by shark team’s Mackellar Violich and Oliver Shipley

Friday’s class was led by the Shark Research and Conservation Program’s Mackellar Violich and Oliver Shipley who tackled the topic of deep ocean exploration using the MEDUSA BRUV (Baited Remote Underwater Video) Unit. The MEDUSA Unit was kindly donated by CEI collaborator and senior board member Dr Edith Widder, from the Ocean Research and Conservation Association (ORCA – www.teamorca.org) in fall 2013 for her second spell here at CEI. This specific study aims to assess the abundance and diversity of organisms occupying the great depths of the north-east Exuma Sound ocean trench, using a relatively non-invasive video technique.

Retrieving the MEDUSA alongside the Cobia.

The session exposed students to the different oceanic depths zones, and their associated biological characteristics, as well as an informative breakdown of MEDUSA’s components and mechanical operation. Students then travelled out on the Cobia to aid and witness the first Medusa deployment and recovery since October 2013, as well as having the opportunity to snorkel the deep-blue of the Exuma Sound.

The Shark Team plan to continue their seasonal deep-water surveys in the coming weeks, allowing for a comparative analysis with the 9 successful deployments last semester.

Educational Programs, Outreach

A Look at Animals and Habitats with Tarpum Bay Primary

March 20, 2014 ceiblogger

Tarpum Bay Primary Grade 1 Students arrive at The Island School

Fourteen students from Ms. Carey’s first grade class came to CEI to study animals & their different habitats. During their field trip they explored the farm and investigated some of the plants and animals they found. Discussion was had about how plants and animals all need basic things to survive.

The kids explored the farm and got to feed the pigs — The kids explor with Center for Sustainable Design (CSD) permaculturist, Adam Dusen

At the Wege Center for Sustainable Fisheries, they learned about the differences in marine animals by observing lionfish, conch, lobster, and tilapia.

Educational Programs Lead Teacher Tiffany Gray demonstrates how the tilapia aquaculture system works

The children took note that plants and animals live in different places and have different needs, according to their different traits.

For more information about the Cape Eleuthera Institute’s Educational Programs, please visit www.ceibahamas.org

Outreach

Cape Eleuthera Institute Welcomes Eleuthera Principals

March 13, 2014 ceiblogger

_Y1A2655 — Eleuthera principals and educators meet at CEI

In December 2013, the Cape Eleuthera Institute (CEI) and Center for Sustainable Development (CSD) launched The Local Schools Program which has several education programs that reach young Bahamians. Our Local School Programs connect CEI and CSD to schools throughout Eleuthera and share information about current research projects. Through this program, young Bahamians get to understand principles of marine conservation and environmental stewardship participate in research themselves and get hands-on experience with topics covered in the national curriculum. Students gain a deeper appreciation for their natural resources and the need to protect them. Local School Programs support and supplement students’ experiences in school and engage a future generation of scientists, guides, and policy makers.

_Y1A2715 — Taking measurements for a queen conch midden survey

Principals from schools throughout Eleuthera and senior members of the District Education Office spent a day on campus to experience the program first-hand. The morning session was dedicated to understanding the program design and how the curriculum is built around the Bahamas National Science Curriculum which will be delivered to students as an experiential addition to lessons learned in the classroom. In the afternoon, Principals got down and dirty participating in research projects involving farming, aquaculture, aquaponics, conch and lionfish. A brief taste of some of the exciting projects researchers are involved in.

Courses are designed to reach students in Pre-K to Ph.D. and can be customized to various curricular objectives. Teachers and groups can learn more about these programs by contacting the Outreach or Educational Programs Department at CEI at 1-242-334-8552 (Danielle Gibson/Tiffany Gray/Karen Knight). Educational Programs are delivered year round on space available basis. In addition, see our website for information on Summer Camps, Summer Apprenticeships, and BESS Applications at www.ceibahamas.org

_Y1A2778 — Eating edible flowers from the aquaponics garden.

Flats, Outreach, Plastics, Research Programs, Sustainable Fisheries

CEI Researchers present at the 2nd Bahamas National Natural History Conference in Nassau

March 12, 2014 ceiblogger

CEI researchers were busy in Nassau over the past week. On March 4th, Aaron Shultz and Kate Kincaid attended an IUCN Red List Workshop, held at The Bahamas National Trust. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is the world’s oldest and largest global environmental organization (www.iucn.org). As an expert commission member for several IUCN groups, Kate is regularly involved in IUCN work. This workshop was open to scientists to come together and discuss plans for a National Red List for The Bahamas. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (www.iucnredlist.org) promotes conservation and is an assessment of the conservation status of species to highlight taxa that are threatened with extinction. Species are evaluated using set criteria; this catalogue of threatened species is an internationally recognized inventory and important for conservation, decision making and highlighting biodiversity loss.

Many species have not yet been assessed and many countries are conducting national Red Lists. A national Red List for The Bahamas can be used for conservation planning and to assess their progress towards the 2020 Conventional on Biological Diversity Aichi targets. At this workshop, Kate and Aaron expressed CEI’s interest to be involved in the planning process and in species focus groups for sharks, corals and turtles.

Following this workshop, CEI researchers Aaron Shultz, Kate Kincaid and Kristal Ambrose attended the 2^nd Bahamas National Natural History Conference. This was a 3 day conference from 5^th-8^th March led by the Bahamas National Trust (www.bnt.bs) that highlighted the importance of research, conservation, and environmental stewardship in The Bahamas. The conference began with an opening ceremony at Atlantis followed by 3 days of talks. Continue reading →

Educational Programs, Outreach, Sea turtles, Student Research

First Earthwatch team assists in Sea turtle research at CEI

March 10, 2014 ceiblogger

The first of 8 teams for 2014 were at CEI last week assisting with sea turtle research. 9 volunteers, from across America and Canada, spent 9 days collecting data from boats, on foot and by snorkeling in 11 sites across South Eleuthera. They collected vast amounts of data that would otherwise have taken much longer without their support. Using baited remote underwater video surveys for predators, they surveyed 9 sites and ‘captured’ 7 individuals from 3 different species: nurse, lemon and tiger sharks! They also caught and tagged 9 turtles, setting the record for catching 6 using the rodeo method in one day!

DSCN0472 — Earthwatch team members with a captured turtle.

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Education, Research, Outreach