The Tribune

INTERNATIONALLY, April is recognised as Earth Month with environmental celebrations and education culminating on April 22, Earth Day. Here in The Bahamas, we recognise that caring for the ocean is critical to our existence and to national progress.

Lyford Cay Foundations scholar Michael Bowleg, who was awarded the Fiona Albek Graduate Scholarship for the Environment, knows that the ocean is a key gateway to a sustainable economy for thousands of hardworking Bahamians. This knowledge has motivated him to seek a PhD in Biological Sciences at University of Exeter in England. Through his studies, he is discovering new ways to support The Bahamas through sustainable aquaculture.

Michael Bowleg believes that the oceans are key to a plentiful Bahamas – a food-secure Bahamas with the capacity to feed everyone from food grown in the country. He has learned that the ability to farm from the water is powerful.

He notes, “Aquaculture has the potential to help the country diversify food sources, create employment opportunities, stimulate economic growth and make The Bahamas more climate resilient.” Research is a part of making these solutions possible.

Michael started his post-secondary education by obtaining a Bachelor of Science from University of The Bahamas in small island sustainability before going on to obtain a Master of Science in sustainable aquaculture systems at the University of Plymouth. Throughout his undergraduate and post-graduate years, Michael has been a stellar student, being recognised on the Dean’s List at each institution. His strong academic background and notable field of study helped him qualify for Lyford Cay Foundations’ Fiona Albek Graduate Scholarship for the Environment.

At University of Exeter, Michael focuses on PhD level research. As a part of his research, Michael has worked with the Cape Eleuthera Institute in South Eleuthera to assess spiny lobster settlements and conduct laboratory-based experiments to optimise water chemistry for the welfare and health of the animals. The research has important impacts for the future.

Michael has been commended for his outstanding ability to design and undertake impactful research. In fact, these skills have helped cement long-term collaborations with the university, the National Lobster Hatchery in the United Kingdom and Cape Eleuthera Institute.

Michael is grateful for the doors that a Lyford Cay Foundations Scholarship has opened and credits the scholarship donors for that the ability to farm from the water is powerful.

He notes, “Aquaculture has the potential to help the country diversify food sources, create employment opportunities, stimulate economic growth and make The Bahamas more climate resilient.” Research is a part of making these solutions possible.

Michael started his post- secondary education by obtaining a Bachelor of Science from University of The Bahamas in small island sustainability before going on to obtain a Master of Science in sustainable aquaculture systems at the University of Plymouth. Throughout his under-graduate and post-graduate years, Michael has been a stellar student, being recognised on the Dean’s List at each institution. His strong academic background and notable field of study helped bringing his dream for The Bahamas a step closer.

He shared: “Donors like you create life altering impact through providing unique opportunities for students like myself, for which I cannot express my gratitude enough.”

• Gain An Edge is a collaboration of Lyford Cay Foundations, the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute and the University of The Bahamas aimed at promoting a national dialogue on issues surrounding education. To share your thoughts, email gainanedge@tribunemedia.net.