Splashing, Snorkeling, and Diving Into Marine Science

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EXUMA CAYS – Youngsters from Staniel Cay, Exuma, got a unique opportunity over the holiday weekend, with the Save Exuma Alliance treating them to a full day of marine education field trips through the Exuma Cays.

Naturalist Elijah Sands says it is never too early to introduce young people to the importance of marine conservation.

Elijah Sands – Naturalist, Save Exuma Alliance

“And what we do, we bring educators who can teach the kids about marine ecology, teach them about ecosystems that are found in these areas, teaching them about the importance of protecting these areas, exposing them to this sort of activity.”

So, what does a typical field trip look like?

Elijah Sands – Naturalist, Save Exuma Alliance

“We pick the kids up in the morning. We take them into places like the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. We take them to other areas in the Exuma Cays, and we expose them to different kinds of habitats so they can snorkel. They get to see some healthy coral reefs, they get to see some wildlife and learn about these things.”

And the joy on their faces was evident.

They splashed in the water, with some holding up conch, others snorkeling, and a few brave campers diving beneath the waves.

Often, it is kids in New Providence and Grand Bahama who receive these types of opportunities, but Sands says those on the traditional Family or Out Islands are just as important.

Elijah Sands – Naturalist, Save Exuma Alliance

“Understanding something is appreciating something. These kids live in one of the most beautiful places in the world, in the Exuma Cays, and so these areas are literally their backyard. They should be proud of it. Some of the areas we go to, the view is just gorgeous. And so these kids get to get in the boat, hang with their peers and hang with their role models, spend time with the wonderful local businesses here in the Exuma Cays, Little Staniel Cay, and just getting to be outside during summertime.”