Our Reefs: Caribbean Connections A traveling exhibit designed to promote awareness, understanding, and stewardship of coral reefs among all peoples of the wider Caribbean.

Introduction As the title of this exhibit explains, those of us who live in the area of the wider Caribbean are connected by a precious and fragile natural resource, coral reefs. Just as we differ as peoples, cultures, societies, and economies, our coral reefs also differ as to types, habitats and health. Yet all are entwined and related by ocean currents, upon which ride the offspring of reef organisms that might enhance the future growth and continuity of our coral reefs - along with the pathogens, pollutants, invasive organisms and trash that we humans add, which imperil their survival. Natural threats to coral reefs, like hurricanes and disease, are further exacerbated by other human actions. As atmospheric CO2 levels increase, the oceans are becoming warmer, more acidic, and less hospitable to reef organisms. Overharvesting of edible reef fishes has decimated many reef communities. Inappropriate activities on land, along coastlines, and in shipping lanes are especially destructive of nearshore corals reefs and their associated ecosystems, seagrass meadows and mangrove forests.

© Larry Benvenuti

© Caroline Rogers

Approach This exhibit offers a scientific perspective of the declining condition of many corals reefs in the wider Caribbean and presents local attempts to conserve, sustainably utilize, or restore reefs and related ecosystems. Its content is readily identifiable to residents and of immediate relevance to viewers. With the aid of trained docents, it can be targeted to reach viewers of diverse ages, societal groups or educational backgrounds.

History This exhibit is a complete revision of a traveling exhibit that was developed by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. It debuted at the 8th International Coral Reef Symposium (ICRS) in Panamá in 1996 and subsequently visited multiple venues in the U.S., Honduras, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Belize and Panamá. An update was needed because many of of the wider Caribbean’s coral reefs have seriously deteriorated over the last decade, even as our scientific understanding of their peril has greatly increased and several new strategies for management or remediation have been initiated. At the same time, many coastal communities have experienced severe socioeconomic difficulties, compounding other troubles. Designed and produced at Florida State University, this new version opened at the 11th ICRS in Ft. Lauderdale in 2008. The original exhibit was bilingual in English and Spanish. During revision, space for more text and photos to introduce topics in more detail was realized by limiting the exhibit to one language at a time. The new text is currently being translated into Spanish, and funding sought to produce a Spanish-language version of the revised exhibit. Funds, or other forms of support, are also needed to help travel both exhibits.

© Caroline Rogers

© Edwin Hernandez

Although at times the task may seem intimidating or overwhelming, the choices we make on a daily basis can and do make a difference. It is up to us as individuals, organizations, governments, and together as a region, to decide whether our actions will help or harm our ecologically- and economically- irreplaceable coral reefs, and eventually our own futures.