THE Discovery Bay Marine Laboratory (DBML) — a research and outreach facility of the University of the West Indies — recently celebrated their achievements by providing an opportunity for community members, stakeholders and partners to learn about their work at an “Open Day” event.

The mission of DBML is to conduct teaching and research into all aspects of the biology, hydrology, geography, chemistry and ecology of marine environments, with application of that knowledge to the management of the coastal resources. Recent priorities in research have focused on environmental issues impacting the coral reefs of Jamaica and elsewhere.

DBML is also involved with the USAID-funded Coastal Water Quality Improvement Programme (CWIP) through the work of their Chemical Analytical Laboratory which analyses the water samples taken bi-monthly along the Ocho Rios coast.

Recognising the potential impact of human activity on the health stability of coral reefs and other marine ecosystems, the marine lab has done a great deal of work with local community-based organisations and non-governmental organisations to build sensitivity and awareness and strengthen their ability to implement environmental initiatives.

The Open Day focused its attention on local schools, hence, the Environmental Awareness team of Peace Corps volunteer, Michael J Sikora and National Youth Service (NYS) volunteers, Colleen Brown, Nicholas Jack and Kemesha Purser set up a wide range of educational displays. These included three seawater aquaria and numerous touch-tanks, that were designed to bring students into close contact with our marine environments.

Visiting schools included St Hilda’s High (Spanish Town), Ocho Rios High and Primary, Brown’s Town High and Discovery Bay All-Age. The event drew representatives from as far away as Negril, one institution being the Negril Coral Reef Preservation Society.

Also celebrating with DBML were representatives of their many partners, including United States ambassador to Jamaica, Sue Cobb; representatives of the US Peace Corps; and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

USAID, through CWIP, has provided funding for a number of projects that the DBML has been involved with, most notably training in Community Environmental Animation, aimed at increasing the awareness of sustainable development issues in Ocho Rios’ citizens.

A group of local fishermen, mostly from Old Folly in Discovery Bay and the Salem Fishermen’s Association, were also part of the event. DBML has been working extensively with the local fishing community towards the development of sustainable fishing practices in reef fishery that is over-exploited.