Young Ocean Advocates: Your Voice Will be heard

I met Sander Elliott and his family on a shark diving trip in 2010. Sander’s pure love of the ocean is why I work with kids as often as possible. They have an amazing energy, which if harnessed, would ultimately change our world. Along with Sanders enthusiasm, the support from his dad and soon to be stepmother was incredible. They are continuing to support his passion and guide him in ways to step up and make a difference. Children often times feel as though they are too small or too young for anyone to take them seriously. Everybody, young or old has a voice; it is just a matter of how you express that voice in order to be heard.

When we are young we do not have all the answers or much life experience, but we know when we feel something. We may not now how to express it or how to make change, but if we have the tools then we can have an impact. Parents, teachers and family members can at this point play and extremely integral role in nurturing that energy and helping to find an appropriate outlet.

I spent my day with Sander chatting about diving and sharks. I love these moments with kids because they always remind me that there is hope. There is hope that people are inherently good and that people will save the oceans. We must all hold onto that spirit of hope in order to push forward for change. Nothing happens quickly, but we must stay faithful in our belief that we are having a positive impact.

I received an email from Sander’s father Jason regarding a cruise they had been on. The Carnival Cruise menu included shark and this really upset Sander. He expressed his concern to his dad and Jason said, “ well let’s do something.” Sander drafter a letter, seen below, to Carnival Cruise Lines and expressed why he felt it was unnecessary to have shark on the menu. The letter is beautifully written and I am proud to share it with you. We are still waiting on responses to his letter and my follow up letter, but that is no reason to be discouraged. They are a massive company, with no doubt a lot of comments and complaints passing through the system. Getting the attention of cooperate giants take a lot of work and this is just the start. We are spreading the word and Sander is setting an example that yes, kids can take a stand.


Hopefully people that read this will take time to write or letter or share their own experience. Letter writing does make a difference and can be a very powerful tool. Not only at the getting the attention of the company or person you are approaching, but educating others around you. Money runs our world and the almighty dollar can play a huge role in making changes. If people are aware that shark is being served because they read Sander or someone else’s letter, maybe they will think twice about booking a cruise. There will be no instant gratification, but it sets the ball rolling. Who knows it might reach the right person and make them think twice, sometimes all you have to do is ask?

Kids, don’t be afraid to use your voice. Parents, if your child is concerned about something, help them find the best avenue to express their ideas and concerns, you never know, you might even learn something.

Thank you Sander for being an ocean advocate and not being afraid to fight for change! You are the future and do not for one moment think that your opinion does not matter.

Thank you also to Incredible-Adventures for giving Sander the opportunity to see sharks up close.


Sander's Letter:

Micky Arison, Chairman and CEO
Carnival Cruise Lines
3655 NW 87th
Miami, FL 33178

Sander Elliott

Dear Mr. Arison:

My name is Sander Elliott and I am twelve years old. I am writing because I want to share some important information about sharks. I believe it is important that cruise lines and restaurants stop serving shark. Since Carnival is a large, important cruise line you could be an influential character in the movement to save the sharks and then help save the ocean, which Carnival and people depend on. Here are a few important statistics about sharks:

• Research shows that scalloped hammerhead and tiger sharks in the Atlantic ocean have likely declined by more than 97 percent; bull, dusky, and smooth hammerhead sharks by more than 99 percent.
(Science Daily, http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/03/070329145922.htm)

• Sharks are in trouble on the Great Barrier Reef, have almost been eliminated from the Atlantic Ocean, and are a regular on the endangered species list (I know that Carnival often sails in the Atlantic and if Carnival stopped serving shark it would help the sharks and the ecosystem come back and set an example for others to do the same).
(Science Daily, http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/03/070329145922.htm)

• The smooth hammerhead, Shortfin Mako, common thresher, big-eye thresher, silky, tiger, bull and dusky are going to be added to the endangered list. There are already 126 species of shark on the endangered list and the number is going to rise. Shark populations worldwide are at historical low levels due to serious over fishing.
(The Guardian, http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/feb/18/conservation.aaas)

• Also it is generally not a healthy choice for your customers to eat shark species (including dogfish) due to elevated levels of mercury.
(http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/cr/SeafoodWatch/web/sfw_factsheet.aspx?fid=103)
I believe that my suggestion to stop serving shark would be a good choice for Carnival Cruise Lines because it would show that you care about the oceans and the health of your customers. I really appreciate you taking the time to read my letter and I hope that you will consider my request.

Thank you,

Sander Elliott

Sander and Jason diving at Tiger Beach, The Bahamas

Bimini Marine Protected Area: Take Action Now

Bimini is a tiny little island gem located just 50 miles from the East coast of Florida. It has a rich and eclectic history wrapped around fishing, the Bermuda Triangle, the Rat Pack, rum running and shark science. While other elements are fairly fascinating, I am going to focus on the shark science. The mangroves of Bimini provide an ideal nursery ground for juvenile lemon sharks and the proximity to the Gulf Stream brings in large pelagics, making Bimini a very sharky location. Lemon sharks, tiger sharks, nurse sharks, Caribbean reef sharks, great hammerheads and bull sharks are just a few of the regulars that can be found in the waters surrounding these islands in the stream.















I have had the great fortune of spending a lot of time in this amazing place and actually got married there just over 2 months ago. My husband was a manager at the Bimini Biological Field Station (Sharklab) for a few years before we worked a season on a dolphin boat. I had worked with the Sharklab on several projects and first visited the island in 2004. Bimini is our second home and one of the most beautiful places on the planet. We travel a lot and there really is no place like Bimini, not even in the Bahamas. With this being said, Bimini is in trouble. Man’s desire for bigger, better, faster has consumed parts of the island and is threatening to push onward. It boggles my mind as to why Bimini needs a casino or golf course when there are at least a dozen of either within 100 miles.

Bimini is not just sharks, but a dynamic mix of amazing animals above and below the surface. Sea turtles, snapper, Atlantic spotted dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, stingrays, lobster, saw fish, the Bimini boa, land crabs and dozens of species of birds are all connected to the mangroves in some way.













The exciting part about exploring Bimini is that you never know what you might find.
Black tip reef sharks might come in to check you out on the East side of the island or a massive manta ray might fly past on the sand flats to the west. A pod of 50 spotted dolphins might want to play or a nurse shark might lay down on the bottom beside you. Schools of snapper dart in and out of the mangrove roots and juvenile lemon sharks maneuver through the channels. Juvenile green turtles take refuge in the mangrove creeks and eagle rays leap in the Alice Town channel. There is no end to the magic that Bimini holds and there are a million reasons why it needs to be protected.



There is a movement to finalize the details and full implementation of the Bimini Marine Protected Area. Below are sample letters for both Bahamian citizens and non-Bahamian citizens. Please take a moment to sign your name and send. Defining the parameters of the MPA and enforcing it our crucial for the survival of Bimini’s natural wonder. The ecosystem will suffer greatly without people fighting to save it.

Also check out a great blog by Kristine Stump, former BBFS primary investigator.

Sample letter for Bahamian citizens:
The Rt. Hon. Perry Gladstone Christie
Prime Minister of the Bahamas
Sir Cecil Wallace Whitfield Centre
P O Box CB 10980
Nassau, N.P., The Bahamas
primeminister@bahamas.gov.bs


The Hon. Obediah H. Wilchcombe
Minister of Tourism
Member of Parliament – West Grand Bahama and Bimini
Ministry of Tourism
British Colonial Hilton Hotel
Bay Street
P.O. Box N3701
Nassau, N.P. Bahamas
westgbbimini@myplp.org


The Hon. Kenred Dorsett
Minister of the Environment
Environment, The Ministry of
3rd Floor Manx Corporate Center
West Bay Street
P. O. Box N-3040
Nassau, N.P., The Bahamas
dianalightbourne@bahamas.gov.bs


Michael Braynen
Director of Fisheries
Department of Marine Resources
Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources,
East Bay 
P O Box N 3028
Nassau, N.P., The Bahamas
fisheries@bahamas.gov.bs


Affirmed as the Highest-Priority site in all of the Bahamas in 2000, and officially declared in December of 2008 by the Bahamas Minister of the Environment, the Honorable Dr. Earl Deveaux, the Bimini Marine Protected Area aims to preserve one of the richest environments in the Bahamas.


Now, in 2012, we are respectfully asking for the finalization and full implementation of Bimini’s Marine Protected Area (MPA).


By establishing the exact boundaries, rules, and regulations for Bimini’s MPA, we will preserve the unique heritage of this precious “Island in the Stream.” Bimini’s MPA will serve as the foundation from which this island’s economic and ecological future will grow, benefitting every individual and every business on the island.


As a proud Bahamian who cherishes our natural environment, I hereby offer my strong support in the full establishment of Bimini’s Marine Protected Area, and respectfully ask that the Government of the Bahamas treat this issue as a top priority for 2012.


For Bimini,
YOUR NAME HERE


Sample letter for non-Bahamian citizens


The Rt. Hon. Perry Gladstone Christie
Prime Minister of the Bahamas
Sir Cecil Wallace Whitfield Centre
P O Box CB 10980
Nassau, N.P., The Bahamas
primeminister@bahamas.gov.bs


The Hon. Obediah H. Wilchcombe
Minister of Tourism
Member of Parliament – West Grand Bahama and Bimini
Ministry of Tourism
British Colonial Hilton Hotel
Bay Street
P.O. Box N3701
Nassau, N.P. Bahamas
westgbbimini@myplp.org


The Hon. Kenred Dorsett
Minister of the Environment
Environment, The Ministry of
3rd Floor Manx Corporate Center
West Bay Street
P. O. Box N-3040
Nassau, N.P., The Bahamas
dianalightbourne@bahamas.gov.bs


Michael Braynen
Director of Fisheries
Department of Marine Resources
Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources,
East Bay 
P O Box N 3028
Nassau, N.P., The Bahamas
fisheries@bahamas.gov.bs


Affirmed as the Highest-Priority site in all of the Bahamas in 2000, and officially declared in December of 2008 by the Bahamas Minister of the Environment, the Honorable Dr. Earl Deveaux, the Bimini Marine Protected Area aims to preserve one of the richest environments in the Bahamas.


Now, in 2012, we are respectfully asking for the finalization and full implementation of Bimini’s Marine Protected Area (MPA).


By establishing the exact boundaries, rules, and regulations for Bimini’s MPA, we will preserve the unique heritage of this precious “Island in the Stream.” Bimini’s MPA will serve as the foundation from which this island’s economic and ecological future will grow, benefitting every individual and every business on the island.
Bimini’s tourism industry requires a healthy environment; it is the pristine beauty and extraordinary ecology of the Bahamas that continues to draw people to these islands. As someone who cares deeply about the Bahamas, I hereby offer my strong support in the full establishment of Bimini’s Marine Protected Area, and respectfully ask that the Government of the Bahamas treat this issue as a top priority for 2012.


For Bimini,
YOUR NAME HERE

Exploring the Everglades: Science Matters

The Everglades is an amazing ecosystem in South Florida’s backyard that offers a dynamic range of adventures. Our most recent exploit had us following a group of teachers from Missouri as they literally got their hands dirty with science. The piece will air as a PBS special in Missouri and South Florida. Science can be boring even for the biggest science geek at heart and is important for kids to break outside the stereotypical, “old guys in lab coats,” mentality. The goal for the week was for teachers to get first hand experience of the work that is being done in the Everglades and take back to their students the message that, “ science matters.” Having personal experiences allows people to be more passionate and informed about the subjects they are teaching. It also allows them to relate stories to their students that are not found in any textbook.




Florida International University has an extensive field research program based in the Everglades and on our first day we set out to see what some of the PhD students were up to. Many people, including the teachers in this group, think of the Everglades as a massive swamp that is mysterious and filled with alligators. It is mysterious and filled with alligators, but it is far from being a swamp. The Everglades is actually a river with moving water and a wide range of landscapes from mangroves to saw grass. One student is working with alligators while others are focused on bull sharks and bottlenose dolphins. Yes, there are dolphins in the Everglades. Fascinating to see them cruising the edge of the mangroves through murky water.





Dolphin spotting was done on the way to Shark River and a mother and calf made an appearance for a bit. Most of the teachers were really excited, as they were not expecting dolphins at all. Let’s be honest, everyone loves dolphins. Most of them agreed that if the day ended on that note they would be happy. The shark lines were set early, so we only had a short wait when we arrived on site. Everyone was anxious to see what was at the end of each line. After quite a few strike outs there was finally a tug on the line and a 6 ft bull sharked appeared just beneath the surface. The animal was hooked on the pectoral fin, which means the scientists must be even more efficient and careful in collecting the data and tagging the animal. Handling the animal is more of a challenge when it is not hooked in the mouth. The teachers watched mesmerized, seeing such an incredible animal up close. Most had never seen a shark and few had only seen small ones in aquariums. Several even got their hands dirty helping to bait the lines as well as pull them. It is a glamorous job, but someone has to do it. I laughed as one of the teachers fought with a fish eyeball that was stuck on the hook.





A second bull shark gave them the chance to see another shark up close and watch firsthand how the data is collected including measuring the length, determining the sex and taking a blood sample. Bull sharks are the only species of shark that can survive in fresh water, osmoregulating to keep their body in balance. Bull sharks have been found over 1000 miles inland up freshwater rivers and the Everglades has a thriving population of both juveniles and adults.

A single alligator was spotted on the ride back to the dock as well as more dolphins. Both alligators and bull sharks have been equipped with transmitters that send signals to monitors that are placed throughout the Shark River and its’ off shoots. The monitors, anchored on the bottom, collect information regarding what animal and how long they are in the area. This allows scientists to better understand the movements of these predators.

Our next adventure was a kayak and snorkel excursion at Deering Estate. The teachers kayaked out to a small island surround by sea grass beds. We filmed from a small boat and then explored the sea grass. Not a lot of life within the sea grass, which was surprising. We were expecting to see more fish and even some bonnethead sharks. The highlight was two land-based friends that we made before loading the kayaks and heading back to shore. Two raccoons had been busy and found a dry bag with blueberries in it. They had dragged the bag from a kayak and successfully opened it. The owner was happy that they had not eaten her license. Our guide said they have to lock the coolers because these little guys are quite precocious and can open anything. They showed no fear towards us and moved around the group and over the kayaks looking for more snacks. They even sniffed the camera to see if it was edible.

The next adventure was an airboat ride! Airboats are a really exhilarating way to explore the Everglades and the drivers are usually real characters that have spent a lot of time out in the wilderness. On the way to the park we stopped to film a canal along Alligator Alley. A gator moved towards the footbridge and had something in its mouth. As we tried to guess what the animal had been, its face rolled up to the surface; it was a dog. This was a little hard to stomach and we diverted the teachers away. Not that it isn’t science, but was a little more graphic than we were hoping to share. Another gator swam up and there was a bit of a struggle. This was made worse when later in the day we saw the same kind of dog walking along the edge of another canal. Not something I really want to film again.

The airboat ride was a blast and we even got to stand out in the saw grass. We needed to get shots of the boat passing so the whole film crew rolled up our pants and hopped in, trying not to sink up to our knees. Aside from the sharks I think this was the highlight for me. You are not really allowed to step out of the boat, so this was a real treat for us. When given the chance the teachers all jumped out as well. I was impressed with their sense of adventure.












Following the airboat we headed to Shark Valley for a tram tour to get a view of the different hammocks and animals within a different area of the Everglades. The two hour tram ride was tedious and our guide was unfortunately, not very interested in actually stopping to see anything. This was magnified when a turtle crossing the road nearly lost its life, but we did not even pause to check it out. We shouted from the back as we spouted turtles and numerous baby alligators, but it was to no avail. If you are planning a trip to Shark Valley, I would recommend renting a bike because you will see a lot more. The view from the tower at the halfway point is pretty impressive, but we were nearly left when we exceeded our 20 minute time limit. We had 2 pregnant teachers and the eight-mile walk home in the heat would have been brutal. Watch your clock because they will leave you! We all had a good laugh at the, “ non tour,” tour. We hoped off and walked the last quarter of a mile and saw several turtles, two baby alligators and some massive garfish.




Our final day was a return trip to Deering Estate. The kayak route was different and we snorkeled in an area with massive tree roots that were covered with mangrove snappers. We did not see any sharks, but it was an eerie and interesting place to explore. The halocline was very defined as fresh water mixed with salt coming out of the inlet. Really cool to see, but not ideal for filming snorkelers at the surface.

There was one surprise waiting for the teachers as they returned to the park; snake man. A local reptile guy was waiting with some invasive species to show the teachers just what critters are causing problems in the Everglades. Snake breeding areas were damaged during hurricanes and people also released pets. This has caused a massive influx of invasive species including Burmese pythons, African rock boas, iguanas and monitor lizards. Invasive species wipe out the indigenous animals and can cause a drastic shift in the ecosystem if left unchecked. Beautiful animals, but very destructive without any natural predators; a 16 foot python was found with an alligator in its stomach when dissected.





Although the heat was intense we survived without a massive thunderstorm and without looking like we got the chicken pox from mosquito bites. Such a magical place and really worth the trip whether you live in Florida or not.

World Oceans Day

In reality everyday should be world oceans day. We desperately need our oceans and they desperately need us to take care of them. Globally we are filling them with trash and pollution, killing off their inhabitants and disregarding them with reckless abandon. Ironic that this is how the human population treats its life force. Despite our best efforts to destroy her, the ocean keeps going. It is surviving when it should be thriving, but it will keep going.











I have always had a special connection to the ocean and don’t actually remember not being in complete awe of its vastness and the wonders that lie beneath the surface. I spent my childhood on the rocky coastline of Maine and had to be dragged out of the water with blue lips on every trip the beach. I spent hours hunched over tide pools discovering new critters and longing to slip into their world. I was also the kid that explained to other kids why they should not take crabs, starfish or still live sand dollars home.

I filled buckets and buckets with seashells and caused the car to smell like low tide on more than one occasion. At the age of 5 I discovered a giant clam shell in my grandparents garage. This mysterious monstrosity was an item from an estate auction they had purchased for their antique shop. I remember telling my mom that someday I was going to see a giant clam alive! I am happy to report that at the age of 25, I saw my first giant clam on the Great Barrier Reef and squealed with delight.
Whenever life has been tough or I have needed a quiet escape, the ocean has been a sanctuary. The ocean brings a sense of calm when life is insane. I can always put my toes in the water and know that everything will be all right. I cannot begin to explain what it is, but I know that it never fails.

The ocean is raw, wild, unpredictable, calm, mysterious and vast. It always reminds how small we really are in this life and how important the greater picture it. The oceans, whether you live in a landlocked area or on the coast, are vital for our survival. World Oceans Day is one single day, but in reality we need to celebrate, protect and preserve our oceans every single day. We cannot continue to treat them as an endless resource of goods or a giant trashcan.






I have turned that awe into a career that is primarily based around the ocean. I have created a life that allows me to spend most of my time on or in the water. Every person I can reach through photos, video or educational programs, is one more ocean advocate that joins the team. We are all in this together. Whatever groups you support or join, at the end of the day we are all fighting for the same goal; healthy oceans across the globe.

Go for a swim in the sea, go snorkeling, share a photo of the ocean, talk to friends or family members about what you love the ocean. Every little bit does make a difference. There is always hope even if sometimes it doesn’t seem like it is making a difference.

I'm a Shark Y'all

Nurse sharks are still sharks!

A lot of people take nurse sharks for granted when it comes to their “sharkiness, “ quickly losing interest in spotting them along the reef. I will admit it; I love nurse sharks. They are big floppy rabbits with very cute faces. Do not let that cute exterior fool you though; they are one very powerful animal. Nurse sharks can suck a conch out of its shell and crush a lobster like it is nothing. They are primarily nocturnal bottom dwellers that can usually be found under ledges and lazing around.

The first shark I ever tagged was a nurse shark. They were also the first sharks I ever encountered on a dive. It was my 4th open water dive and I was off the Dry Tortugas in 80 feet of crystal clear water. A shrimp boat had dumped its by catch and the sharks came in to feed. It also attracted tons of fish and several massive loggerhead turtles that were the mood for love. There were about 10 sharks zooming in and around and I remember being absolutely lost in the moment. I probably had no business being in water that deep or in a feeding situation, but to this day it is one of the most amazing in water moments I have ever had. There was no fear, like a little kid I was absolutely fascinated, not taking any of the dangers into account.

We spend a lot of time in the Bahamas and nurse sharks are regulars in most marinas that you visit. The marina at the Bimini Sands is no exception, with a regular gang of 3 nurse sharks that can be found nestled under a ledge most days. When there weather is bad a few more move in and take shelter. While walking with my 6-year-old friend Mackenzie, we spotted 2 small nurse sharks lying on the bottom. She told me that they were nurse sharks and that she likes them because they are cute. I feel the same way. I love the innocence and openness of a child. She did not scream or think it was a monster; instead she was excited to see the shark and expressed a fondness for it.

Nurse sharks are great ambassadors for sharks. They have a cute, almost goofy appearance that seems to attract affection. When we do tours at the lab we usually start by introducing people to a nurse shark. This immediately breaks the fabricated stereotypes about sharks and preconceived notions start to disappear. Even my aunt, a vocal hater of sharks, really enjoyed the little nurse sharks and proudly announced that she no longer believed that every shark should be killed; pretty powerful for a small fish just over a foot long. There is a something about seeing a shark up close, in its miniature version that amazes people. They stop thinking about them as man-eaters and appreciate what an incredible animal they are.

Each shark has its own character, just like people. They have features that make them look as though they are making a silly face or laughing at a joke. If you look close they really are these beautiful and intricate little creatures.

A lot of “ shark people” are over nurse sharks and don’t even stop to give them a second glance. They are sharks and they are so cool. No, they don’t have the streamline, torpedo shaped body or the big bitey teeth, but they can suck a conch out of its shell! I am sorry, but that is pretty flipping cool! Look at their faces; I mean how cute is that? How can you not give a little giggle and appreciate Mother’s Nature’s sense of humor giving a big bad shark a goofy face like that. They are cute, but they are very powerful, so don’t be silly and grab them or try to ride them. Sharks are not underwater scooters and if you were taking a nap you would be a bit grouchy if some idiot grabbed you and hauled you out of bed.

So next time you see a nurse shark smile and think of that silly face. Sharks are awesome!