Craig discussing a project with Bahamian students

A core component of our lab’s efforts is development of educational outreach activities for students and the general public. We believe that educational outreach is a core foundation for environmental change, and we have strived to use our research program to enhance awareness of ecological issues. We are always looking for new ways to engage the public, and better approaches to integrate our research in educational initiatives.  Some examples of our recent efforts are described below. 

And check out the new blog The Abaco Scientist. It is up and running. Let us know what you think. More frequent updates on science and educational activities will be found on that site than will appear below, so check the blog site frequently.

The Bahamas

Caroline & Olivia working with students for Race to the Reef

 

 

Our projects in The Bahamas are conducted in conjunction with many government and non-government organizations: Friends of the Environment, Bahamas Reef Environmental Education Foundation, Bahamas National Trust, The Nature Conservancy, and Bonefish and Tarpon Trust. These efforts are supported by a NSF Career Award to Dr. Layman, as well as many individuals and private foundations. The projects described below would only be possible with such a broad network of collaborators, as well as extensive local community support.

The Invasive Lionfish

Frequent updates on our weblog - check it out!

Working with local partners, we are seeking to educate the public about dangers of the invasive lionfish in both The Bahamas and South Florida. For general information about lionfish see: USGS Factsheet on lionfish(Pterois volitans/miles)

Here is a recent radio interview on the invasion: http://radiogreenearth.org/blog/?page_id=7

FIU press release: http://news.fiu.edu/2011/06/chasing-the-lionfish-fiu-researchers-find-predator/28167

For reporting sightings of lionfish in the Loxahatchee River see: Loxahatchee River District Emergency Contact Information

Other news stories: http://www.palmbeachpost.com/sports/outdoors/lionfish-tasting-cooking-tips-highlight-loxahatchee-river-event-1200772.html?cxtype=ynews_rss

http://miami.cbslocal.com/2011/06/23/lionfish-invasion-reaches-loxahatchee-river/

http://boatworktimes.com/fish-mainmenu-29/report-mm-43/4300-ravenous-lion-fish-discovered-in-loxahatchee-river.html

In our last derby in The Bahamas, local fisherman (just 16 boats), brought in 2950 in a single day. Wow! See Section B Page 26: http://www.abaconian.com/Jun%2015,%202011%2052Pgs%20Linked%20R.pdf

 

Broad Creek Restoration

 

Our most recent creek restoration involved more than 500 Bahamian students!!

Click here to learn more.

Size Matters
Our lab is working with Friends of the Environment on the internationally recognized Size Matters campaign. Much credit to Friends of the Environment employee d'Shan Maycock for spearheading this impressive project.

http://www.rareplanet.org/en/campaign/campaign-sustainable-fisheries-managementabaco-island

Race to the Reef
A project completed in summer 2009 that exemplifies our joint science/education approach. From a scientific standpoint, we were exploring the degree of intraspecific niche variation for an abundant coastal fish species. Field trips with local schools (26 in total) were arranged so that each school caught and tagged their "own" fish. Using acoustic telemetry technology, graduate and undergraduate students tracked fish movement over the course of a month. Fish movement updates were announced on the island’s radio station and were posted on a Race to the Reef blog, allowing teachers to integrate the competition into their science lesson plans. In short, we were able to capitalize on an existing research project to provide unique educational opportunities for hundreds of students.

For more info on Race to the Reef, check out this video!

Friends of the Environment Summer Camps

Students gearing up for a snorkeling trip to Mermaid’s Reef

A key component of our outreach program is working with Friends of the Environment on developing and implementing environmental education summer camps. These camps are designed to engage students, ages 7-13, in activities that teach them about local terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Field trips, e.g., to coral reefs, sinkholes, and pine forests, are paired with classroom instruction on the importance of these critical Bahamian ecosystems. For many students, the Friends of the Environment summer camps provide their first experience with local Bahamian ecosystems. Simultaneously, these camps provide an excellent outreach training opportunity for graduate students. http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2011/08/disney-cruise-line-summer-camps-inspire-children-to-care-about-the-planet/

Friends of the Environment - Summer Camps

Cross Harbour Restoration
In spring 2006, we completed the restoration of Cross Harbour tidal creek. This project, assisted by volunteers of all ages, involved breaking through a causeway and installing culverts to restore tidal flow to dozens of acres of wetland. Additionally, the restoration effort helped re-create the historic tidal channel by selectively removing mangroves that had encroached into that channel.

Learn more about this restoration project at the following sites:

Park Planning
We work closely with local and national organizations in The Bahamas to develop and implement marine protected areas. The Bahamas signed the Convention on Biological Diversity and agreed to protect 20% of marine habitats by 2020, and sound science is a necessary component of park planning.

Friends of the Environment - Sea Parks and Protected Areas

Bahamas Reef Environmental Education Foundation
We have many other local partners that we enjoy working with in The Bahamas. Here are some cool products from our friends at BREEF:

The Mangroove

Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF) teachers' educational skit about mangrove creek conservation

A song about the four species of mangroves!

Local Science Fairs and Conferences
We also sponsor and participate in local Bahamian science fairs and conferences. See for instance: Friends of the Environment - Earth Day Science Fair

South Florida

Jupiter High School intern

High School Internships
The Northwest fork of the Loxahatchee River in Jupiter, FL was the first river in Florida to receive Wild and Scenic River designation and remains as one of the most pristine areas left in South Florida. Communities in South Florida are deeply connected to coastal and freshwater resources, and therefore people that live here have much at stake in the preservation and restoration of the natural environment. In summer 2009, working with the Loxahatchee River District River Center, we sponsored a summer internship program for students from Jupiter High School. Students work with members from our lab and gain experience in all aspects of field research. They are involved in programs that directly affect the health of their local estuary, such as oyster reef restoration projects, providing an invaluable "hands-on" learning activity.

Students sorting oyster samples

Stay tuned for more exciting educational outreach programs coming out of the Layman Lab!