Taking action based on what we have learned in Bimini

Over the past week, we have learned a lot about the environment especially in Bimini. Hopefully the data we have collected will give us an idea of how development affects its surrounding ecosystems, and eventually we hope to better understand the long-term effect humans make on the environment. What we have all gained an appreciation for Bimini's varied coral reefs, mangroves, sand flats, and grass beds. We understand the importance of conservation and have seen what some people are doing to conserve the environment. For example, if anyone on this research vessel were to take a shower, it would be no more than 5 minutes. Also at the Shark Lab, scientists told us about frustration with animal protection laws, and how animals that migrate can be protected in one country but often are not protected in another. So we got a sense of how important social work can be for scientific progress. We have seen how difficult it is to make change. What would you do? Looking at other obstacles that can get in the way of making a difference, is it worth the trouble to do anything about the cause? Would you take an experience like this, and just be more aware of your surroundings but not make any changes to your lifestyle? Would you be compelled to make a change as an individual and rethink daily tasks that could be performed more eco-friendly? Would you have a need to make a difference in the world by educating others and/or creating change as a group? Amanda Hodo and Maria Murray