Saba”s “Sea & Learn” Environmental Awareness Month
Sep 11, 2018
SABA”S 16th ANNUAL “SEA & LEARN” IMMERSES VISITORS IN ITS UNIQUE ECOSYSTEM
October is Environmental Awareness Month Pairing Visitors With Global Research Leaders For Hands-On Exploration & Education
Click To Tweet: Celebrate Saba”s 16th Annual “Sea & Learn” Event
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SABA – September 11, 2018 – Saba, the stunning Dutch Caribbean Island known as “The Unspoiled Queen” for its lush and vibrant biodiversity, announces the return of its annual “Sea & Learn” Environmental Awareness Month in October 2018. Now in its 16th year, visitors and locals alike can take part in the month-long celebration featuring an exciting line-up of educational and hands-on nature programs and events all designed to raise awareness of the island”s precious ecosystem and the global environment.
Throughout the entire month of October, a variety of expert naturalists, scientists and academics visit to hold lectures and field excursions. This year”s jam-packed program is raising the bar with an array of intriguing field and research projects and excursions for travelers to enjoy. Highlights include:
- “TURTLE TREKKING” – Carlos Diez, who currently works for Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, will give a presentation and answer questions like: Why does Saba have so many turtles when it is located far from any nesting sites? And where do turtles go when there”s a hurricane? Guests can also sign up for a field project to conduct snorkel surveys on Saba”s sea turtle populations. Carlos will be presenting on Thursday, October 11, 2018 at 5:30 p.m.
- “TRACKING TREE FROGS”– Craig Berg, former Curator of Reptiles and Aquarium at the Milwaukee County Zoo, has conducted frog surveys on several Caribbean Islands including Saba in 2006. Participants can join Craig in the field to compare the sizes and body condition of Saba”s trees frogs to previous data. Craig will be presenting on Monday, October 15th, 2018.
- “RESTORING LONG-SPINED SEA URCHINS” – Visiting Marine Biologist Stacey Williams will discuss her current work restoring long-spine sea urchins on Caribbean reefs. Guests can join Stacey on a scuba dive to conduct surveys and discuss why these organisms are important to the environment. Stacey is currently working on a conservation project to protect parrotfish in the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic and another to assess the impacts of the invasive seagrass. Her public presentation is scheduled for Wednesday, October 17, 2018 at 5:30 p.m.
- “SILKY SHARKS ON THE SABA BANK” – Marine Biologist and shark specialist, Guido Leurs, has been studying Silky Sharks which were recently discovered to inhabit the Saba Bank. Using acoustic telemetry along with tissue sample analysis, the aim is to determine the movement of these sharks and how the Saba Bank may be a critical food source for local shark populations. Guido”s presentation will be held on Saturday, October 27, 2018 at 5:30 p.m.
During “Sea & Learn,” guests are invited to enjoy fascinating large-screen presentations led by the visiting experts, offered every other night during the month at one of Saba”s quaint local bars and restaurants. The setting is intended to be casual and encourages the audience participation. Helping to shape the next generation of environmental activists, visiting experts also work with The Saba Conservation and Child Focus School Program during the month to teach the local children the value of Saba”s natural beauty and resources and their importance to the region.
All activities and night-time presentations, with the exception of the school program, are free and open to the public. “Sea & Learn” is sponsored by the island government, and local and regional businesses. For more information and specifics on the lectures, programs, and the latest updates on the month-long celebration, visit facebook.com/seaandlearn, or www.seaandlearn.org.
About Saba– Often referred to as “The Unspoiled Queen,” Saba is the smallest of the Dutch Caribbean islands, but its unique offerings belie its size. One of the most distinctive and beautiful places on earth, this five square mile tropical forest soars 5,000 feet from the sea floor of which 3,000 feet are visible. With a population of just over 1,800, Saba is comprised of four main villages – The Bottom (Saba”s capital), Windwardside, St. John”s, and Zion”s Hill (a.k.a. “Hell”s Gate”). From the wide expanse of sea, jewel-like foliage and flowers that climb the mountainsides and the charming Saban cottages and buildings, Saba is a welcoming and friendly paradise for people who desire peace, tranquility and beauty. In addition, Saba is world renowned for scuba diving and hiking trails, as well as deep sea fishing and snorkeling.Saba can be reached by air and sea from the neighboring island of St. Maarten. www.sabatourism.com
