July 7, 2023
In an age of environmental uncertainty, the Perry Institute is preparing a cadre of young Bahamian conservationists poised to defend the Caribbean seascape
With its famed sapphire seas, The Bahamas is a world-renowned aquatic jewel, housing an estimated 35% of the Caribbean’s coral reefs. According to The Nature Conservancy, the marine environment supports the nation’s $2.6 billion tourism industry each year, with more than $200 million coming from fisheries alone. But beyond economic value, it is a vital life source and cultural treasure for the Bahamian people. Now, thanks to the support from Disney Conservation Fund, an unique annual initiative seeks to foster a new generation of ocean stewards to protect this precious resource.
The Perry Institute for Marine Science’s (PIMS) 2023 Rising Tides field school is immersing six public Bahamian high school students in a comprehensive curriculum centered on marine ecology, aiming to kindle a conservationist spirit in these future leaders. This initiative comes at a crucial time: the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) estimates that 60% of the world’s coral reefs could be lost by 2030, potentially imperiling the livelihoods of millions globally.
Danielle Cartwright, PIMS Education Coordinator and New Providence native, envisions a brighter future. “Through Rising Tides, we aim to move environmental conservation from a niche interest to a national responsibility. Our marine ecosystems, our ‘blue economy,’ are our lifeblood. We need the next generation to become its stewards.”
Dr. Karlisa Callwood, a Virgin Islander, Director of the Perry Institute’s Community Engagement program, and professor at the University of Miami is at the forefront of developing cutting-edge, multidisciplinary curricula in marine science and conservation. About Rising Tides, she echoed Cartwright’s sentiment. “We have the opportunity to provide these students with the hands-on experience necessary to deeply understand the workings of Caribbean marine ecosystems and the role they can play as conservationists personally and in their families and communities,” she said. “We’re not just fostering future marine biologists, but advocates, policymakers, and educators who can make a lasting difference.”
The 2023 PIMS Rising Tides field school commenced in May with a session on mangrove species identification and fieldwork, incorporating hands-on experiences like snorkeling at Bonefish Pond in New Providence. As the program unfolds throughout the summer, its six participants will delve into mangrove nurseries, seagrass communities, coral resource management, and reef ecosystems. They’ll gain skills in species identification, data collection, scuba diving, and have the opportunity to work with PIMS staff and interns on advanced marine conservation strategies and science communications.
Participant Charissa Taylor, 17, shared her transformative experience so far. “It’s been really informative. I thought I knew a lot about mangroves but obviousLy I didn’t! I liked the way everything was broken down into ways that made it more understandable to me… we got to go out and do field work, and describe what we saw… and I realized how crucial and vital this is in the science world.”
Andria Conliffe, 17, shared in Charissa’s enthusiasm. “I like it, we’re learning a lot of new things, things they didn’t teach us inside school.”
Rising Tides’ mission is twofold: encouraging youth to take active roles in conservation efforts and preparing them for careers in this field. Even alumni can participate in research projects, deepening their understanding of marine environments and conservation strategies.
Now in its second year and already showing amazing results, the Rising Tides program continues to gather momentum, sending out ripples of promise: a more informed, invested generation taking the helm of the Bahamas’ greatest asset – its surrounding marine environment. As Cartwright said, “This is not just about the Rising Tides of the sea, but of the tide of change that these young individuals represent. PIMS welcomes new donor and community support as we work to scale this program every year to reach more Bahamian high schoolers.”
In the face of looming environmental challenges, Rising Tides is not just preparing the next generation to navigate the storm—it’s equipping them to turn the tide. PIMS will announce details for 2024’s program early next year on their Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/perryinstituteformarinescience
Rising Tides students immersed in the intricacies of mangrove ecosystems, armed with keen eyes, curious minds, and worksheets – it’s hands-on learning that brings the field school to life, fostering a deeper connection with the natural treasures of the Bahamas.
Equipped with snorkel gear and research quadrats, these Rising Tides students stand at the intersection of learning and exploration. Poised on the shores of the Bahamas, they’re ready to dive into a world beneath the waves, where understanding and conserving marine life begins.
It’s more than just a swim–Rising Tides students are on a journey of discovery, diving into nature’s classrooms to identify key species integral to our mangrove ecosystems.
Charissa Taylor, 17
Andria Conliffe, 17
Danielle Cartwright, a New Providence native, is leveraging her deep-rooted love for the Bahamas’ environment as the Education Coordinator for the Perry Institute’s Rising Tides program. With a mission to ensure environmental conservation is a shared priority for all Bahamians, she is guiding the next generation of youth to become stewards of their nation’s greatest asset—their marine ecosystems.
Dr. Karlisa Callwood is a marine scientist and seasoned educator. At the intersection of science, policy, and public understanding, Dr. Callwood is leading the charge in transforming how we view and interact with our ocean. Now as the Director of Community Conservation for the Perry Institute’s Rising Tides program, she’s utilizing her extensive experience and passion for marine sciences to cultivate a new generation of Bahamian conservation leaders.