Bimini Biological Field Station / Shark Lab

[Jim Jackson]

Just spent a great morning at the Shark Lab here on South Bimini Island. They are studying Lemon Sharks and the effect that habitat destruction is having on the population. Kristine Stump took time from her busy schedule to explain the process and the work that they are doing. It was fascinating and very informative. We went out to the beach and waded out to a shark pen where we got to meet a young nurse shark and a lemon shark up close and personal. Did you know that if you hold a shark in your hands and turn it upside down it goes into a catatonic state? Very cool, but I don't think I will be going out looking for sharks to hold on to any time soon.
If you are interested in learning more, you can visit their web site at the address below
www.miami.edu/sharklab
Sharks are a powerful indicator of the general health of the oceans and the more we learn about them the better chance we have of preserving the most precious element of our environment. After so many years of damage at the hands of humans, our oceans are threatened in a very real way. The sharks can tell us a lot about how bad it is and maybe even provide some clues as to what we need to do to save the waters of the world.
Knowledge is power and the students and volunteers at the Shark Lab are doing important work. We need to support their efforts in any way we can.
Well, that's all for now, thanks for reading and Fair winds to all.
Jim

[Suky]

Thanks for this - fascinating. Most of us don't realize how close to the edge we are in total ocean destruction we are. Another indicator is the coral reefs. Best to you. Suky