In southern Florida, the ocean has a constant presence. Many folks are less aware, however, that the Miami area is a bustling hub of diverse marine research and that much of this ocean science is relevant to their lives. Eat, Think, and Be Merry! (ETBM) Science Café provides a casual environment in which people can learn about ongoing marine research and discuss ocean issues, particularly as they relate to Florida. No science background necessary!

ETBM discussions are held on the 3rd Monday of every month starting at 7pm at The Bookstore in the Grove 3399 Virginia Street, Coconut Grove, FL 33133, a local and cozy bookstore/cafe that serves wine, beer, and delicious snacks near the heart of Coconut Grove. The ambience is intimate and inviting, and the events are FREE, as are snacks!

Things start off with an introduction of the featured guest scientist, who will speak briefly about his topic. Then there is a break for five minutes to allow folks to fill up their beverages or talk to their neighbors. This gives people time to think about the talk and formulate their questions. Next the floor is opened up for questions and a discussion. The speaker and interested attendees are welcome to enjoy a beer or glass of wine as long as they like, after the formal discussion is over.

To get updates on ETBM events, please join our Eat, Think, and Be Merry! Science Cafe facebook group or email adymscorrea@gmail.com

UPCOMING EVENTS:

April 19th, 2010 @ 7 pm - "Accelerating Sea Level Rise - Increasing Risk for Coastal Communities" with Dr. Hal Wanless (U. of Miami). As ice melt from the Ice Sheets of Greenland and Antarctica has accelerated over the past decade, the reality that we will have a significant rise in sea level this century becomes more apparent. At least 4 to 6 feet of sea level rise must be expected by 2100. This will dramatically diminish low-lying coastal communities like south Florida, Mumbai and Shanghai, result in inundation and abandonment of the sandy barrier islands and many of the deltas of the world, and stretch the civil of civilization to near the breaking point

May 17th, 2010 @ 7pm - "Endangered Species or Seafood?" with Dr. Beth Babcock (RSMAS - U. of Miami). When the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) banned the ivory trade, elephants were saved from extinction. Can CITES do the same for bluefin tuna, porbeagle sharks, sturgeons and other species that have been overfished or would CITES listing just make matters worse? Dr. Babcock will discuss the controversy over CITES listings of fished species, and what can be done to manage fisheries sustainably.

Bioblitz

The 2010 National Geographic-National Park Service BioBlitz takes place April 30 and May 1, 2010, in Florida’s Biscayne National Park.

About the Project

A BioBlitz is a 24-hour event in which teams of volunteer scientists, families, students, teachers, and other community members work together to find and identify as many species of plants, animals, microbes, fungi, and other organisms as possible. 

A BioBlitz gives adults, kids, and teens the opportunity to join biologists in the field and participate in bona fide research expeditions. It's a fun and exciting way to learn about the biological diversity of local parks and to better understand how to protect them.

National Geographic is helping conduct a BioBlitz in a different national park each year during the decade leading up to the U.S. National Park Service Centennial in 2016. Next up: Biscayne National Park near Miami, Florida.

Registration must be done by the 1st so hop to it.

www.nationalgeographic.com/bioblitz