21st Annual Sea & Learn on Saba: A Month-Long Celebration of Science and Environmental Awareness

The highly acclaimed Sea & Learn on Saba program gears up for its 21st annual edition, set to take place throughout the month of October. Recognized for its excellence in promoting scientific exploration and environmental stewardship, this award-winning event gathers 14 esteemed scientists from around the world to share their expertise with the community and visitors alike.

Embracing the program's inclusive ethos, Sea & Learn on Saba offers a diverse array of hands-on activities tailored for participants of all ages, from youth to adults and elderly residents to tourists. Through engaging field projects, workshops and interactive sessions, participants are invited to be part of the fascinating world of science while having fun, ultimately fostering a sense of environmental consciousness. As the sun dips below the horizon, Ted-Talk style presentations take place at different bars and restaurants throughout the month. 2024 attendees are in for an additional treat. Prior to each presentation, guests will be provided with a healthy appetizer complete with a recipe card to promote healthy living. All presentations are live-streamed on the Sea & Learn Foundation’s (SLF) Facebook page and uploaded to SLF’s YouTube Channel to be available indefinitely.

Under the guiding tagline, "Enhance Your Environmental Awareness," each year the program strives to empower individuals to become citizen scientists through immersive experiences. Terrestrial and marine field projects are organized so as not to interfere with pre-booked diving schedules. Meaningful field projects and engaging activities cultivate deeper understanding and emphasize the importance of responsible interaction with the natural marine and terrestrial environments of Saba.

"We are thrilled to announce the 21st installment of Sea & Learn on Saba, continuing our mission to ignite curiosity and promote environmental awareness through science," said Lynn Costenaro, Founding Director of the Sea & Learn Foundation. "Our goal is for this event to be our most impactful yet, with an emphasis on enhancing the engagement of our field projects.”

The event commences on Tuesday, October 1st and runs through Sunday, October 27th. The amazing lineup of experts features topics on endangered species, fish aggregating devices (FADs), marine toxins, insects, Sahara dust, tree grafting, sharks, coral restoration, and more. Throughout the month, participants can also purchase $5 raffle tickets with the chance to win incredible prizes ranging from a hand-crafted piece created by a local artist to a week on the Caribbean Explorer II liveaboard dive boat. Proceeds support SLF’s out-of-pocket costs to run the event.

This program is supported by the Nature and Environment Policy Plan (NEPP) as part of the Public Entity Saba’s aim to increase awareness among the community to support more environmentally friendly and sustainable practices. The program is also made possible by the generous support of Prins Bernhard Cultuurfonds Caribisch Gebied and more than 60 sponsors from the island and beyond. Visit the Sea & Learn Foundation’s website www.seaandlearn.org for this year’s invited experts, calendar of activities and supporting sponsors.