Friends of the Environment - Latest News

Race to the Reef Results!

2009-05-29T12:24:00.002-04:00

Race to the Reef winners:

1st: Master Blaster of Hopetown Primary
2nd: Diamond of J.A. Pinder Primary
3rd: Fishie of Cherokee Primary

and for best fish name
Miles of Man-O-War Primary

Congratulations to all of our winners and thanks to everyone for participating!!!

Only 1 day left!

2009-05-19T18:34:00.002-04:00

With only one day left, the fish are moving! Its anyone's game still and remember, winners will be announced on Friday after the winning schools have been awarded their prizes! Best of luck to everyone and keep cheering on those fish!!!

...A new Leader!

2009-05-18T19:37:00.003-04:00

Only two days of tracking left in the Race to the Reef competition! It seems to be getting quite competitive! With that in mind, everyone working on this project loves getting your comments and seeing you support your fish, but lets keep those comments "G" rated. Thanks for your help with that. One more change of plans... Winners of the race to the reef were going to be announced on Wednesday with prizes awarded Thursday and Friday. The competition still ends Wednesday and prizes will still be handed out Thursday and Friday, however, winners will not be announced on the blog until Friday. Teachers: if your school wins we will be contacting you on Wednesday.

With only days left in the competition, Marlin from Abaco Central High has ended Master Blaster's first place streak which lasted almost 2 weeks! Also moving up, Sumtin Spicy and Quick!!! Congratulations everyone!

Standings:
1. Red star: Marlin - Abaco Central High
2. Pink Triangle: Master Blaster - HopeTown Primary
3. White Triangle: Miles - Man-O-War School
4. Light Blue: Fishie - Cherokee Primary
5. Purple: Sly - Moore's Island All Age School
6. Pink: Diamond - JA Pinder Primary
7. Brown: Lucaya - CV Bethel
8. Bright Green: Quick - Crossing Rocks Primary
9. Black Triangle - Spot - NGM Major
10. White - Floppy - Agape Christian School
11-12. Yellow Triangle -
(a) Jerry - Every Child Counts
(b) Biggie - Amy Roberts Primary
13. Blue - Jim Richard"s" - Forest Heights Academy
14. Black circle- Foxxy - Fox Town Primary
15. Black Diamond - Sumtin' Spicy - CR Walker
16. Dark green - Bajamar - St Andrew's School
17-18. Yellow circle-
(a)Laura-Lee - SC Bootle
(b)Stormy - CC Sweeting Senior High
19. Orange - Berry 9 - RN Gomez
20. Blue Triangle - Stanley Grayson - College of the Bahamas
20-22. Red Circle -
(a)Star - Central Abaco Primary
(b)Quick - Crossing Rocks Primary
(c)Bubbles - Mary E Albury High School
23-24. Green triangle -
(a)Trixie - Cooper's Town Primary
(b)Sandy - Freeport Primary
25. Red Triangle - Max - Wesley College
26. Purple Triangle - Lightning - Lyford Cay International School

Home Site A:
All fish have moved out at least once

Home Site B:
Tiny
Cherece

Last time this didn't go so well but lets try again. In comments to the blog, post your answers to the question. Snapper deal with the risk of predation on a daily basis. What do you think are some top predators in tidal creek systems such as Camp Abaco??

Good luck everyone!!!

Miles Takes Second!!!

2009-05-15T16:38:00.003-04:00

Just a quick announcement... The Race to the Reef competition will actually end on Wednesday May 20, 2009 with prizes awarded Thursday and Friday.

Only one fish moved ahead... Miles of Man-O-War primary has taken over second place!!! Watch out Master Blaster, he is right behind you!

So the current standings are:
1. Red Star - Master Blaster - HopeTown Primary
2. White Triangle - Miles - Man-O-War School
3. Light Blue - Fishie - Cherokee Primary
4. Purple - Sly - Moore's Island All Age School
5. Bright green - Marlin - Abaco Central High
6. Pink - Diamond - JA Pinder Primary
7. Brown - Lucaya - CV Bethel
8. Black Triangle - Spot - NGM Major
9. White - Floppy - Agape Christian School
10-11. Yellow Triangle -
(a) Jerry - Every Child Counts
(b) Biggie - Amy Roberts Primary
12. Blue - Jim Richard"s" - Forest Heights Academy
13. Black - Foxxy - Fox Town Primary
14. Dark green - Bajamar - St Andrew's School
15-16. Yellow circle-
(a)Laura-Lee - SC Bootle
(b)Stormy - CC Sweeting Senior High
17. Orange - Berry 9 - RN Gomez
18. Blue Triangle - Stanley Grayson - College of the Bahamas
19-21. Red Circle -
(a)Star - Central Abaco Primary
(b)Quick - Crossing Rocks Primary
(c)Bubbles - Mary E Albury High School
22-23. Green triangle -
(a)Trixie - Cooper's Town Primary
(b)Sandy - Freeport Primary
24. Red Triangle - Max - Wesley College
25. Purple Triangle - Lightning - Lyford Cay International School

Home Site A:
Sumtin Spicy

Home Site B:
Tiny
Cherece

Did you know?!?! Red mangroves have long, cigar shaped propagules, which float around the water for at least 40 days before settling into an area to grow another tree. This is how they spread into new areas.

Not much time left to catch up!

2009-05-13T11:11:00.004-04:00

Master Blaster of Hopetown primary, has been in the lead for a week now! Many fish are being found farther out, but none past Master Blaster! Diamond of JA Pinder has moved into fifth place since Sunday and Spot of NGM Major, has finally left homesite A!

Current standings are:
1. Red Star - Master Blaster - Hopetown Primary
2. Light blue - Fishie - Cherokee Primary
3. Purple - Sly - Moore's Island All Age School
4. Bright green - Marlin - Abaco Central High
5. Pink - Diamond - JA Pinder Primary
6. Brown - Lucaya - CV Bethel
7. Black Triangle - Spot - NGM Major
8. White - Floppy - Agape Christian School
9-10. Yellow Triangle -
(a) Jerry - Every Child Counts
(b) Biggie - Amy Roberts Primary
11. Blue - Jim Richard"s" - Forest Heights Academy
12-13. Black -
(a)Miles - Man-O-War Primary
(b)Foxxy - Fox Town Primary
14. Dark green - Bajamar - St Andrew's School
15-16. Yellow circle-
(a)Laura-Lee - SC Bootle
(b)Stormy - CC Sweeting Senior High
17. Orange - Berry 9 - RN Gomez
18. Blue Triangle - Stanley Grayson - College of the Bahamas
19-21. Red Circle -
(a)Star - Central Abaco Primary
(b)Quick - Crossing Rocks Primary
(c)Bubbles - Mary E Albury High School
22-23. Green triangle -
(a)Trixie - Cooper's Town Primary
(b)Sandy - Freeport Primary
24. Red Triangle - Max - Wesley College
25. Purple Triangle - Lightning - Lyford Cay International School

Home Site A:
Sumtin Spicy

Home Site B:
Tiny
Cherece

Did you know? It is estimated that approxiamtely 90% of fish with commercial value and 75% of sport fish make use of mangroves as a habitat at some point in their lives!!!

Will anyone be able to catch up with Master Blaster???

2009-05-10T15:05:00.004-04:00

On Monday I will not be able to write a post so you get the update a day early :-) Also, the post for Friday was done pretty late that night but you can see it below this one.

This was a busy weekend for some of the fish!!! As of today, Sly, of Moore's Island All Age School, has moved way up and into third place. Floppy, from Agape Christian School has also moved up as well as Berry 9, from RN Gomez.

As of now, the standings are:

1. Red Star - Master Blaster - Hope Town Primary
2. Light Blue - Fishie - Cherokee Primary
3. Purple - Sly - Moore's Island All Age Scool
4. Green - Marlin - Abaco Central High
5. Brown - Lucaya - CV Bethel
6. White - Floppy - Agape Christian School
7-8. Yellow Triangle -
(a) Jerry - Every Child Counts
(b) Biggie - Amy Roberts Primary
9. Blue - Jim Richard"s" - Forest Heights Academy
10-11. Black -
(a)Miles - Man-O-War Primary
(b)Foxxy - Fox Town Primary
12. Dark green - Bajamar - St Andrew's School
13-14. Yellow circle-
(a)Laura-Lee - SC Bootle
(b)Stormy - CC Sweeting Senior High
15. Orange - Berry 9 - RN Gomez
16. Blue Triangle - Stanley Grayson - College of the Bahamas
17-19. Red Circle -
(a)Star - Central Abaco Primary
(b)Quick - Crossing Rocks Primary
(c)Bubbles - Mary E Albury High School
20-21. Green triangle -
(a)Trixie - Cooper's Town Primary
(b)Sandy - Freeport Primary
22-23. Pink -
(a)Diamond - JA Pinder Primary
(b)Max - Wesley College
24. Purple Triangle - Lightning - Lyford Cay International School

Home site A:
Spot
Sumtin Spicy

Home site B:
Tiny
Cherece

Here is something for you to think about... Then share your thoughts in a comment to this blog. Home sites are the areas where fish were caught and then released once they were tagged. Many fish have left their home sites but a few have not. What are some reasons that you think these fish have not left their home sites?

Congratulations Master Blaster!

Fishie is on Master Blaster's tail (ok, caudal fin)

2009-05-08T22:30:00.005-04:00

First off, I would like to say sorry for the late post,
unfortunately the internet was down this morning and your favorite blogger spent all day in the field up to her neck in mud. :-)

Just a few announcements... Tracking for the Race to the Reef competition will officially end on Sunday May 17, 2009 and the winners will be announced on Monday May 18, 2009. Remember, first place is a concert by a surprise artist, second place is a laptop computer, and third place is a DVD player!!!

Also, be sure to listen to Radio Abaco, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays around 3:30PM to hear updates for Race to the Reef!

Some schools should be really excited when they see this...
1. Red star - Master Blaster - Hope Town
2. Blue - Fishie - Cherokee Primary
3. Bright green - Marlin - Abaco Central High
4. Brown - Lucaya - CV Bethel
5-6. Yellow Triangle -
(a) Jerry - Every Child Counts
(b) Biggie - Amy Roberts Primary
7. Blue - Jim Richard"s" - Forest Heights Academy
8-9. Black -
(a)Miles - Man-O-War Primary
(b)Foxxy - Fox Town Primary
10. Dark green - Bajamar - St Andrew's School
11-12. Yellow circle-
(a)Laura-Lee - SC Bootle
(b)Stormy - CC Sweeting Senior High
13. Purple - Sly - Moore's Island All Age School
14. Blue Triangle - Stanley Grayson - College of the Bahamas
15-17. Red Circle -
(a)Star - Central Abaco Primary
(b)Quick - Crossing Rocks Primary
(c)Bubbles - Mary E Albury High School
18-19. Green triangle -
(a)Trixie - Cooper's Town Primary
(b)Sandy - Freeport Primary
20-21. Pink -
(a)Diamond - JA Pinder Primary
(b)Max - Wesley College
22-23. White
(a)Floppy - Agape Christian School
(b)Berry 9 - RN Gomez
24. Purple Triangle - Lightning - Lyford Cay International School

Fish who haven't left home site A:
Spot
Sumtin Spicy

Fish who haven't left home site B:
Tiny
Cherece

Did you know? Black mangroves have pneumatophores. The sediment in which mangroves grow has very little oxygen, pneumatophores, which slightly resemble fingers sticking up from the ground, help with gas exchange.

Have a great weekend everyone!

A Huge Upset....

2009-05-06T09:20:00.004-04:00

Master Blaster must have ate his wheaties the past few days!!! Representing Hopetown Primary, Master Blaster is now far out in the lead, leaving Marlin, of Central Abaco High, bitter and in second place. Bringing up third, Fishie from Cherokee.

In another huge upset, while tracking yesterday, a small wave managed to catch us off guard and one of the members of the Race to the Reef team was knocked into the water... That was not half as funny as watching him try to get back into the boat :-)

So, currently the standings are:
1. Red star - Master Blaster - Hopetown Primary
2. Bright green - Marlin - Central Abaco High
3. Blue - Fishie - Cherokee
4. Brown - Lucaya - CV Bethel
5-7. Black -
(a)Miles - Man-O-War Primary
(b)Foxy - Fox Town Primary
(c)Biggie - Amy Roberts Primary
8. Dark green - Bajamar - St. Andrew's School
9-10. Yellow-
(a)Laura-Lee - SC Bootle
(b)Stormy - CC Sweeting Senior High
11. Purple - Sly - Moore's Island All Age School
12-14. Red -
(a)Star - Central Abaco Primary
(b)Quick - Crossing Rocks Primary
(c)Bubbles - Mary E Albury High School
15-18. Pink
(a)Sandy - Freeport Primary
(b)Diamond - JA Pinder Primary
(c)Max - Wesley College
(d)Jerry - Every Child Counts
19-20. White
(a)Floppy - Agape Christian School
(b)Berry 9 - RN Gomez
21. Blue - Jim Richards

Some of the fish who had not yet their home sites, did over the past two days, so make sure to check the list.

Fish in home site A:
Stanley Grayson
Spot
Sumtin Spicy

Fish in home site B:
Trixie
Tiny

Did you know? In order to keep salt from accumulating in other tissues of the plant, the red mangrove deposits salt into certain leaves called "sacrificial leaves." As the salt gets deposited, the leaf turns yellow and eventually falls off!

Way to go Master Blaster!!! Hopefully we will see even more movement by Friday. This competition is really starting to heat up!

Its Monday and Marlin is still in the lead!!!

2009-05-04T12:00:00.003-04:00

Its Monday and some fish appear to be getting a slow start to the week! From now on, the map will show the furthest spot that particular fish have traveled to. After the weekend, Marlin is still in the lead, but Fishie and Lucaya are right behind him!! Overall standings to date are:

1. Red star - Marlin from Central Abaco High
2. Blue - Fishie - Cherokee
3. Brown - Lucaya - CV Bethel
4-6. Black -
(a)Miles - Man-O-War Primary
(b)Foxy - Fox Town Primary
(c)Biggie - Amy Roberts Primary
7-9. Yellow -
(a)Laura-Lee - SC Bootle
(b)Stormy - CC Sweeting Senior High
(c)Master Blaster - Hope Town Primary
10. Purple - Sly - Moore's Island All Age School
11-12. Red -
(a)Star - Central Abaco Primary
(b)Quick - Crossing Rocks Primary
13-15. Pink
(a)Sandy - Freeport Primary
(b)Diamond - JA Pinder Primary
(c)Max - Wesley College
16. White - Floppy - Agape Christian School
17. Blue - Jim Richards

Fish who have not moved out of Home site A yet:
Berry 9
Stanley Grayson
Bubbles

Fish who have not moved out of Home site B yet:
Trixie
Jerry
Tiny

Did you know? Tidal creeks can be considered a specific type of an estuary. Estuaries are semi-enclosed water bodies where fresh and salt water mix; however, due to limited surface freshwater input, Bahamian estuaries are marine-dominated.

Any school who has not submitted the name for their fish, please do so by email to racetothereef@gmail.com in order to see your fish on the map! Also remember, clicking on the map opens it in a larger view.

Marlin Takes the Lead!!!

2009-05-01T15:13:00.005-04:00

After two days of tracking, we have seen a huge increase in the amount of fish out of their home sites. For this reason, the map is now color coded. Some fish were in the same areas so some circles represent more than one fish. You can click on the map for a larger view, this will make locating your fish much easier. The current locations of the fish are as follows:

1. Red Star - Marlin (currently in the lead) from Central Abaco High
2. Blue - Fishie from Cherokee
3. Brown - Lucaya from CV Bethel
4-5. Black -
(a) Foxy from Fox Town Primary
(b) Biggie from Amy Roberts Primary
6-7. Yellow -
(a) Laura Lee from SC Bootle
(b) Stormy from CC Sweeting Senior High
8. Purple - Sly from Moore's Island All Age School
9-11. Red -
(a) Star from Central Abaco Primary
(b) Quick from Crossing Rocks Primary
(c) Miles from Man-O-War Primary
12-15. Pink -
(a) Sandy from Freeport Primary
(b) Diamond from JA Pinder Primary
(c) Max from Wesley College
(d) Jim Richard"s" from Forest Heights

Some fish seem to be enjoying the comforts of home and are still in their home sites, while others have moved back into their home sites. Home sites are the marked by the yellow circles on the map and are the areas where the fish were released after the tagging. Home site A is the lower one that is slightly to the right and home site B is higher and to the left. The fish still in home site A are:
Berry 9
Stanley Grayson
Bubbles

And the fish in home site B are:
Master Blaster (He went back)
Floppy (Also went back)
Trixie
Jerry
Tiny

Remember, many commercially and ecologically important species depend on mangroves as nursery areas for protection. Mangroves also help to stabilize shorelines and protect shorelines.

Congratulations Marlin and everyone keep cheering on your fish!

First Tracking Update!!!

2009-04-29T21:58:00.002-04:00

After the first two days of tracking, Fishie, from Cherokee, is far out in the lead! Coming up in second is Miles from Man-O-War Primary, followed by Master Blaster from Hopetown Primary! In fourth place, Floppy from Agape Christian School, and Jim Richard"s" of Forrest Heights Academy is in fifth place.

The other fish seem to have slept in, not getting the fastest start, but are still in the running; so be sure to cheer on your fish!

Race to the Reef is launched!

2009-04-24T15:55:00.004-04:00

Race to the Reef was officially launched today at the FRIENDS Earth Day Science Fair. Over 20 schools are already participating in what will be an exiting competition.

All tagged fish will be tracked starting this weekend and updates will be posted on Monday, Wednesday and Friday for the next several weeks. Check back on the blog for more information!

Must See! Documentary Premiere

2009-04-17T14:22:00.006-04:00

"Wetlands of Abaco"
A Loggerhead Productions (production) for Friends of the Environment, and supported by the Lyford Cay Foundation will premiere on The Bahamas cable channel ZNS this coming Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at 8:30pm. Check it out!

There will be a special showing of "Wetlands of Abaco" at FRIENDS' Earth Day Science Fair on April 24th at New Visions Ministries. The science fair will start at 10am and will feature projects and displays by local schools on the theme "Marine Resources". Prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in upper and lower primary and secondary school categories.
Hope to see you there!

Earth Hour

2009-03-10T14:21:00.002-04:00

Turn off your lights on March 28, 2009 at 8:30pm for one hour. By flipping the switch you will be helping to raise awareness about Global Warming (and doing your part to conserve energy!).

For more information, visit: www.earthhour.org

Proposing National Park, Upcoming Community Meeting

2009-01-27T11:24:00.003-05:00

Protecting the creeks of East Abaco: A National Park Proposal

Community Meeting - January 28th, 2009, 7pm at FRIENDS' Education Center in Marsh Harbour. Please attend and invite others as well! This is your chance to ask questions and make suggestions towards the proposal.

Friends of the Environment and The Bahamas National Trust are partnering with the community to put forth a proposal to the government to make Snake Cay Creeks (Angel Cays), Bight of Old Robinson and Cherokee Sound a National Park. The proposal has been written and developed through many stages of community consultation. Details of the proposal are outlined below:

What the document proposes:
That the government designate crown and treasury lands in the Snake Cay Creeks, Bight of Old Robinson and Cherokee Sound as a national park to protect the habitat there from large scale commercial development. It also proposes that the area be left open for cultural fishing, recreation and ecotourism.

Why make this area a national park?
- Bahamians and visitors have been using these areas for generations and want their descendents to be able to enjoy the same experiences.
- We realize that if we want to keep the area “as it is” that we can no longer stand idly by. The community has to be proactive in taking steps towards conservation for Abaco’s future.
- 80% of our seafood grows up in mangrove nurseries like the ones found in these creeks. By protecting them we are protecting our livelihood.
- Our environment is the greatest source of attraction to visitors of The Bahamas.
- Making this area a National Park it is the best way to ensure its long term protection and makes the granting of the land more likely. The Bahamas National Trust was established by the Government for this purpose.

What benefits will the community receive if the park is approved?
- The piece of mind that the land will not be reclaimed for other purposes in the future and will be conserved for future Bahamians.
- The consistency of management by a legislated organization, The Bahamas National Trust, which is dedicated to management and enforcement of national park rules and regulations.

What are the next steps?
- The proposal is submitted to government for discussion.
- If approved, The Bahamas National Trust and Friends of the Environment will return to the community to begin discussions on developing a management plan. That is the document that will detail park use, regulations and enforcement. The community will be involved in many discussion groups that will form the management plan – as was done for the Abaco National Park.

What will be different if a national park is approved for this area?
- Private land owners within the park will still be able to put structures on their property, but will have to make applications through the Bahamas National Trust to ensure that there will be no severe impacts on the creek habitat.
- Plans will be made for increased enforcement in the form of a Bahamas National Trust Park Warden. In addition, enforcement measures will be made more accountable.
- The community will have the option to suggest management guidelines for the park area.
- The community will still be allowed to fish, boat and conch in the area.

The proposal will be finalized in February and will be made available to the public.

For more information, contact: Olivia Patterson, olivia@friendsoftheenvironment.org

Support Wild Dolphin Conservation in Abaco - Adopt A Dolphin!

2008-12-16T10:29:00.002-05:00

Bahamas Marine Mammal Research Organisation has partnered with FRIENDS to once again offer an Adopt-A-Dolphin Programme. The goals of the programme are to increase awareness about marine mammals in The Bahamas and to support existing research efforts in Abaco. Your adoption will directly contribute to these efforts. Follow this link for more info: http://www.friendsoftheenvironment.org/adoptadolphin.html

The perfect gift for Christmas or Birthdays!

For more information about Marine Mammal Research in The Bahamas: www.bahamaswhales.org

Discovery Club wraps up Second Session

2008-12-05T12:16:00.004-05:00

This Wednesday an Open House was held at FRIENDS' Education Center to celebrate the completion of this term's Marine Environment badge program. The Explorers and Guardians of Abaco's Discovery Club came together to give testimonials about their experiences. Parents and community members were invited to a short program which also included original marine environment songs penned by Enzil Cooper, FRIENDS' new education officer, and sung by the Discovery Club. Clubbers were presented with a marine badge to represent their efforts in learning about the marine environment this term. They were also presented with certificates for attendance. The program was very well attended.

Next term's badge program will be all about Bugs! Contact FRIENDS for more info about Discovery Club.

Creek Proposal Survey

2008-11-04T08:57:00.002-05:00

FRIENDS is working with the BNT on a proposal to protect some creeks in East Abaco (Snake Cay, Bight of Old Robinson and Cherokee Sound). The focus of the proposal is habitat protection, and still allows for recreational activites. The link below will take you to a survey which will help us gather information about how these creek areas are used. It's a short survey...please take a couple minutes and help us out! Additional comments are always welcome. Please email them to olivia@friendsoftheenvironment.org .

For the survey:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=h3_2bfRGDxmmnmWAy_2blFoo_2fQ_3d_3d

THANKS!

FRIENDS and BNT hold Treasures in the Sea Workshop

2008-10-24T11:01:00.008-04:00

On Wednesday October 22nd a workshop was held at the FRIENDS Education Center in Marsh Harbour. The purpose of the workshop was to familiarize Abaco teachers with "Treasures in The Sea", a marine resources guide for educators produced by The Bahamas National Trust and The American Museum of Natural History's Center for Biodiversity and Conservation, and endorsed by The Bahamas Ministry of Education.

Teachers learned more about the marine environment from BNT educator, Portia Sweeting. FRIENDS Education Officers d'Shan Maycock and Enzil Cooper helped lead activities, as well as Candace Key, Principal of Hope Town School. Teachers got into the action by doing role play activities and craft projects that they will bring into their classrooms. Thanks to everyone that participated!

FRIENDS Nature Trail NOW OPEN!!

2008-10-24T10:45:00.004-04:00

Come on over and visit the new trail adjacent to our office. The trail was designed by FRIENDS and created with the help of Every Child Counts and Cyber Learning Center Schools. The trail meanders through coppice habitat with a few Caribbean Pines. We have posted trail signs to identify various plant species.

Tours for school groups are available - please call ahead for large groups! The trail is open to the public during daylight hours. Those of you interested in birding, FRIENDS organizes monthly bird walks, and they start at the nature trail.

Sandy Point Camp Explores the Mangroves!

2008-07-21T18:07:00.003-04:00

We took an in-depth field trip in the Sandy Point creek to find out exactly what animals and plants live in the mangrove ecosystem. We found fiddler crabs, pufferfish, damsel fish, houndfish, barracudas, a Blue Heron, a Yellow Crested Night Heron, sea anemones, upside-down jellyfish, and many other interesting things! The junior camp had a chance to try kayaking for the first time!

Blue Hole Presentation and a Visit to Sawmill Sink

2008-07-21T17:27:00.008-04:00

On July 18th, the Marsh Harbour campers were lucky to have a presentation on blue holes from Mrs. Nancy Albury of the Bahamas' Antiquities Monuments and Museums Corporation. After the presentation, the group visited Sawmill Sink to study the vegetation surrounding it, then to take a swim inside!

Mrs. Albury explains what it's like to dive into a blue hole.

Later in the afternoon, Mrs. Albury visited the Sandy Point Junior and Senior campers to give a presentation on blue holes and caves. Thanks Mrs. Albury!!

FRIENDS Camp - more photos

2008-07-01T09:24:00.007-04:00

Here's the Marsh Harbour group in the FRIENDS Classroom doing some activities from the Treasures in the Sea handbook. A creative bunch of kids!

A full class!

Friends Environmental Camp Visits Mermaid Reef

2008-06-30T14:13:00.004-04:00

The Marsh Harbour chapter of FRIENDS Environmental Camp made a recent visit to Mermaid Reef. Mermaid Reef is easily accessible by boat or land, being just off of Pelican Shores, Marsh Harbour.

Mermaid Reef is the site of FRIENDS Reef Ball Project. Currently there are 19 reef balls on site.

Summer Camps Underway!

2008-06-30T13:18:00.003-04:00

Last year, Environmental Summer Camp proved to be a popular activity with approximately 166 participants! Campers enjoy interactive classroom lessons with environmental topics, then venture into the great outdoors for a field trip that re-emphasizes the classroom topic. FRIENDS Environmental Camp focuses on Bahamian Biodiversity; important local habitats such as mangrove creeks, coral reefs and pine forests; Conservation and Recycling. The camp teaches skills and provides opportunities for Bahamian youth that may not already be available to them: snorkeling, birdwatching, kayaking and camping to name a few.

Dates for this summer:

Marsh Harbour
Senior Camp (ages 10-13): June 23rd - July 4th
Junior Camp (ages 7-9): July 14th - August 1st

Cooper's Town
Senior Camp (ages 10-15): June 23rd - July 11th
Junior Camp (ages 7-9): July 14th - August 1st

Sandy Point
Senior Camp (ages 10-13): July 3rd - July 11th
Junior Camp (ages 7-9): July 14th - August 1st

Stay tuned for camp updates and photos!

Check out the BMMRO Blog

2008-05-25T09:34:00.002-04:00

The Bahamas Marine Mammal Research Organisation is currently undertaking a month long survey in the Great Bahama Canyon to study beaked whales. For updates from the boat, visit: www.bahamaswhales.blogspot.com .

Recycle Bins for Community Events

2008-04-29T10:32:00.002-04:00

FRIENDS now has a number of portable recycle bins available for community events and parties. These bins are designed for recycling aluminum cans and come with clear bags, so you can see what is going into them. If you are in Abaco and are interested in borrowing the bins for your event, please call our office. We also have further information if you are interested in purchasing a bin.

The bins have already been used successfully at Heritage Day and the Abaco Rage fundraiser in Hope Town, and are soon to make an appearance at the Island Roots Heritage Festival in Green Turtle Cay (May 2-4, 2008). Please support community groups who are doing their part to keep our islands clean.

For more information on recycling in Abaco, please visit www.friendsoftheenvironment.org

Orcas in Abaco!

2008-04-29T10:19:00.004-04:00

Yes, they're here! Orcas have been sighted in Abaco and throughout The Bahamas. The most recent sighting was on April 11th, by a group of fishermen in East Abaco. These Orcas are transient, not resident, as they travel around The Bahamas and possibly The Caribbean. We would like to learn more about their travel patterns and how they are using our Bahamian marine habitat. Please report sightings of Orcas, or any whale or dolphin to The Bahamas Marine Mammal Research Organisation (http://www.bahamaswhales.org/) and always remember to take photos or video!

Earth Day

2008-04-15T11:10:00.003-04:00

April 25th is Earth Day! Come join FRIENDS and Abaco schools at New Visions Ministries for our Earth Day Science Fair. This year's theme is "Climate Change in Small Island Developing States".

We have alot of groups signed up, so competition should be fierce! Displays will be open starting 10am and will close between 1 and 2pm. See what Abaco students have been working on!

Welcome to our Blog!

2008-04-01T13:09:00.000-04:00

So FRIENDS has decided to give blogging a try! We want to keep you updated with our programs, activities and our latest news. We hope you'll use FRIENDS as an environmental resource in Abaco. Feel free to comment and share ideas!

For more information about Friends of the Enviroment, visit our website: www.friendsoftheenvironment.org