The Tribune

FRIENDS of the Environment are hosting the 6th biennial Abaco Science Alliance Conference from January 16 to 18 at New Vision Ministries in Marsh Harbour.

The conference provides a unique opportunity to learn about research and programmes taking place in Abaco and the rest of The Bahamas, to meet with scientists and programme leaders and to partake in field trips led by those individuals. Registration is now open through Friends of the Environment’s office and website.

The conference opens on Thursday evening with an informal cocktail party and open house at Friends’ education centre for speakers and those attending. Speakers will be from universities and organisations in the United States, the Caribbean, and across The Bahamas, as well as Abaco-based researchers and programme directors.

Friday is a day full of interesting speakers at New Vision Ministries. Topics to be covered include: The impact of nutrients on the marine environment, historical and modern bird records from fossils and observations, conservation planning and a population study on beaked whales. Friday’s talks are offered to students free of charge thanks to sponsorship of the conference by JS Johnson, Abaco Tourism Office and Royal Bank of Canada. Interested schools should contact Friends of the Environment to sign up.

Saturday’s talks will take place in the morning and will deal with coral reef restoration, invasive species and a proposal for an important bird area in Abaco. 
Saturday afternoon will be devoted to field trips. The first option for a field trip will be joining local expert Nancy Albury on an expedition to visit Gilpin Point with Perry Maillis to introduce one of Abaco’s newest fossil sites. The trip will explore the coastal habitat at Gilpin Point, with opportunities for snorkelling, bird watching and participating in fossil collection for the research project. The second field trip will be led by local birding expert, Woody Bracey, to one of Abaco’s unique bird habitats.

More information about the conference, the speakers, and the field trips is available at www.friendsoftheenvironment.org, or by calling 367-2721.