November 10, 2023
Uniting for Ocean Science: PIMS Scientists Shine at GCFI! Back row (L-R): Dr. Valeria Pizarro, Duran Mitchell, Kandize McPhee, Taylor Walters, Anwar Godet. Front row (L-R): Teni Burrows, Meghyn Fountain, Max Turnquest. Together, advancing marine research and conservation.
At the nexus of marine science and sustainable fisheries stands the Perry Institute for Marine Science (PIMS), a distinguished participant and sponsor of the 76th Annual Conference of the Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute (GCFI 76). The meeting, unfolding from November 6th to 10th, 2023 at Atlantis Paradise Island, fosters a global dialogue, with the conference theme, “Linking science and society towards a vision for sustainable fisheries,” highlighting its mandate.
Dr. Krista Sherman, a Bahamian and senior fisheries scientist at the Perry Institute, said: “Our fisheries research, advocacy and communication efforts are designed to promote recovery and advance sustainable management for resilient fisheries and marine habitats. This year’s conference provides us with a unique opportunity to not only highlight some of this important work, but to also engage with national and regional partners to scale-up efforts to better protect fishery resources and marine ecosystems throughout The Bahamas and Caribbean.”
The conference, co-sponsored by The Bahamas Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources, seeks to address the multi-faceted challenges impinging on the Gulf and Caribbean marine environment, from the pressing threats of overfishing and habitat degradation to the pervasive implications of climate change.
Meghyn Fountain, a Bahamian research assistant at the PIMS, said: “In an era where the health of our ocean stands at a crossroads, GCFI 76 serves as a beacon of hope, fostering meaningful conversations and solutions that have the power to shape the future of fisheries conservation in The Bahamas and beyond.”
Dedicated to safeguarding the marine treasures of The Bahamas, PIMS has pioneered species management plans for both the beloved Nassau grouper, integral to Bahamian culture, and Antillogorgia elisabethae, a soft coral sought after for its medicinal properties. Alongside these targeted efforts, PIMS executes regular stock assessments for vital fishery species, using a suite of methodologies to assess the condition of marine habitats. PIMS’ commitment extends through collaborative advocacy with the Department of Marine Resources, focusing on the sustainable future of the Nassau grouper within The Bahamas and international engagements with the Western Central Atlantic Fishery Commission to champion other aggregating species.
Will Greene, GIS and photogrammetry specialist at the Perry Institute, said: “GCFI 76 is an incredible opportunity for the brightest minds in Caribbean marine conservation – fishers, scientists and policymakers alike – to come together, share ideas and research, and collaborate to respond to the challenges facing fisheries and marine ecosystems in our region. I am especially excited to showcase the innovative technological solutions to ecosystem monitoring we have been developing at PIMS, and to learn from others, with the hope that our collective community can do a better job of understanding how our ecosystems are changing. Collaboration couldn’t be more important in this pivotal moment for our oceans and our planet.”
Indeed, PIMS is an undeniable force in marine conservation at GCFI 76. At the conference, PIMS will also present research on the status of queen conch populations and suitable habitats, the innovative use of drone technology to monitor mangrove health, as well as socio-economic evaluations of fishing behaviors in the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic and the importance of working with local fishers in fostering a sustainable stone crab fishery.
Dr. Karlisa Callwood, Director of the Community Conservation Education and Action program at PIMS, said: “Throughout the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, our relationship with the sea and its resources has come to the forefront. At GCFI, my research will shed light on the shifts in subsistence fishing behavior and seafood consumption in The Bahamas during these trying times. Understanding these patterns is vital, not only from a fisheries management perspective but also for strengthening the resilience and adaptability of our communities. The sea has long been a cornerstone of Bahamian life, and its role during crises underscores the importance of sustainable practices and community education.”
As a testament to the region’s environmental and economic stakes, the detrimental effects of warming ocean temperatures and the pervasive spread of the Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD) pandemic threaten to cause unparalleled harm to coral reefs, which provide key habitat for many local fisheries. The immense value of coral reefs, both as ecological bastions and economic linchpins — accounting for $3.4 billion in the US and a staggering $2.7 trillion globally — underscores the urgency of their preservation.
Dr. Dahlgren, an internationally renowned expert in tropical marine ecology, said: “At the Perry Institute, we deeply believe in the power of collaboration and knowledge-sharing. As proud sponsors and participants of GCFI 76, we’re committed to driving meaningful change and harnessing our expertise to propel forward the collective mission of preserving our ocean. We’re also really grateful to The Bahamas’ Minister of Environmental and Natural Resources, Vaughn Miller, for making this conference happen here.”
The GCFI conference is a melting pot of global stakeholders, researchers, and marine enthusiasts, collectively striving to etch a brighter, sustainable future for marine environments.
For further insights into the GCFI 76 conference, visit https://www.gcfi.org/gcfi76/.
To explore the pioneering initiatives of The Perry Institute for Marine Science, head to https://www.perryinstitute.org/.
Revolutionizing Reef Research: Will Greene, PIMS GIS and Photogrammetry Specialist, demonstrates the transformative power of photogrammetry in monitoring coral reef health over time, showcasing how cutting-edge technology is reshaping our understanding of marine ecosystems