Students Investigate Sustainable Resource Management at Research Symposium

Cape Eleuthera, The Bahamas — The Island School and Cape Eleuthera Institute celebrated the bi-annual student Research Symposium with the spring 2009 class presenting their semester findings. Student research groups spent their semester collecting data on topics of aquaculture management, flats and bonefish conservation, patch reefs, archaeology, and shark behavior and presented their analyses and recommendations with scientific posters during the symposium. Minister of Tourism, Senator The Honorable Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace opened the symposium with words of encouragement and praise for the students dedicated work and thorough research of issues facing small island nations.

“It is a great privilege for these students to be immersed in this learning experience at The Island School,” commented Vanderpool-Wallace, “The research that goes on here is incredibly impressive, every year the bar of achievement steps up, going above and beyond the previous year.”

This semester one Island School research group focused on the first ever lionfish research project. The invasive species has garnered a lot of attention recently, warranting investigation of its potential impact on the region. Students worked with research advisor, Krista Sherman, to center their research on thermal physiology and ecology of lionfish to look for knowledge necessary in assisting lionfish population management. The Island School students worked with grade 8 Deep Creek Middle School students to pass out basic information about lionfish and recommend handling strategies to local communities. The group also collaborated with local fisherman and restaurants to create a market for the lionfish after finding the fish are edible and quite tasty.

This interactive Research Symposium culminated the collaborative work of scientists, students, educators, and the local community to find sustainable solutions for the invaluable natural resources of The Bahamas.

Additional guests included Dr. Daniel Benetti (Marine Affairs, University of Miami Rosenstiel School), Professor Robert Geigengack (Environmental Studies, University of Pennsylvania), Sen. The Hon. Johnley Ferguson (Vice President of the Senate), Chief Administrator Gloria Bain (South Eleuthera), Mr. Cleveland Knowles (Chief Counselor), Mr. Leviticus Anderson (Deputy Chief Counselor), Dagoberto Sanchez (Alicorp), and the Island School Alumni Advisory Board representatives.

For more information about research projects and The Island School semester, please visit online at www.ceibahamas.org and www.islandschool.org.

The Island School is a three-month semester leadership program for high school students.  Participants have come from over 300 schools to study the tropical marine environment and take place-based courses in math, history, English, and art. The Cape Eleuthera Institute is a marine research facility that works with universities to model sustainable systems and find solutions for resource management.  Both programs are supported by the Cape Eleuthera Foundation.