Cape Eleuthera, The Bahamas—Saturday, June 2nd marked the 27th Research Symposium held at the Cape Eleuthera Island School. It was the culmination of a semesters worth of research work undertaken by students at tThe Island School in collaboration with scientists at the Cape Eleuthera Institute. The symposium took place on the Island School campus and at CEI’s newly constructed Hallig House. Students presented research on areas included sea turtles, lionfish, conch, mangrove flats, patch reef fish ecology, and sharks. Attendees included visiting scientists, local community members, and government officials.

The Research Symposium is an opportunity for scientists, local government officials and members of the community to experience the work being done by Island School students at CEI. It embodies the core principles of research, education, and outreach.


Members of the turtle research group pose with their advisors and poster at the symposium.

Following the presentations, guests had the opportunity to interact the research at booths set up in Hallig House. Each booth was staffed by students who were on hand to demonstrate techniques, explain posters and answer questions about their work.

The Honorable Damian Gomez, representative of South Eleuthera and Minster of State in Legal Affairs, was on hand for the occasion. In his keynote speech he commended the work of the students, noting how “It is ironic that we know more about space than the oceans. … The vast majority of The Bahamas is under water, yet you are the only school, that I know of, which is dedicated to the study of our marine environment. That speaks volumes about your importance to us. It also speaks volumes about where we need to go and where we need to be if we are to tap into our own potential.”


Members of the flats research group in front of their poster at the symposium.

Keeping with the theme of learning more about marine environments, other scientists presented on work they are doing in the field. Dr. Katy Croff, Chief Scientist of the Nautilus program and, Vice President, Ocean Exploration Trust, spoke about her efforts to explore the depths of the oceans with remote operating submarines. Another visiting scientist, Kristine Stump, a Ph.D candidate from the University of Miami working at the Bimini Biological Field Station also spoke, about the impact of coastal development on lemon shark nursery habitats in Bimini.

The Cape Eleuthera Island School holds research symposia twice a year at the end of their Fall and Spring semesters, and they are open to the general public. For more information about The Island School and The Cape Eleuthera Institute, visit ceibahamas.org and islandschool.org.

A video of Minister Gomez’s remarks can be viewed below and here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSfcX4qwXws.

The posters that were presented can be viewed here: http://www.fishconserve.org/IS.