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Saturday, January 30, 2010

A belated intro to the Bimini Sharklab (BBFS)


**Disclaimer** -- After waiting nearly two 
weeks for my computer charger to arrive
(don't pack after drinking, you will forget 
things), I now have internet access. Most of you probably expected it to take a while forme to get this together and, quite frankly, idon't blame you. Having said that, I have 
successfully begun my attempt at blogging 
and hope those of you who read this will 
continue to check it out, even if it is just so you can make fun of me (Bret, Walsh, Andy)
or call me emo (Kasey).

I guess i'll start with a little background info about Bimini and the shark lab. Bimini is a
small island chain in the Bahamas located just 53 miles east of Miami. The two main 
Islands of Bimini are called North Bimini and (shocker) South Bimini. Bimini is the 
westernmost tip of the Bahamas and is the closest point to the United States. Bimini lies 
in the Gulf Stream and, as a result, is (was) considered one of the best big game fishing 
destinations in the world. Ernest Hemmingway loved Bimini and spent two years living at the iconic Complete Angler hotel and spending his days fishing, with Bimini providing the inspiration behind The Old Man and the Sea and Island in the Stream. Interestingly, 
Bimini is also where Ponce de Leon believed the Fountain of Youth to be hidden and has
several spots where upwelling minerals in the water are said to have healing qualities.

The Bimini Shark lab, officially known as the Bimini Biological Field Station (BBFS) is a
field lab dedicated to shark research. It was created in 1990 on South Bimini by shark 
biologist Samuel H. Gruber as a place for elasmobranch research to be conducted 
full-time. The lab is very well respected and has appeared on many TV programs including Myth Busters, Dirty Jobs, and of course Sharkweek.

Long story short, I'm living in a converted double wide with 13 other people on an 
Island with an airstrip, liquor store, tiny convenience store, and two bars...maybe i didn't survive college and somehow wound up in scientific post-grad paradise. As far as the
"work" i'm doing here, i'll explain that later tonight because it's our day off and right now were going to the bar for pizza and pints.



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