Having focused for a year on bringing Seahorse Point up to a high standard that goes beyond health and safety regulations, Howard and Diane are getting some time now to turn their attention back to their research interests. There are a number of primary areas for their focus, but they are always interested in good research questions and are keen to offer support to researchers interested in the environment of Bocas del Toro. The following list aims to provide a snapshot of our daily conversations and reading. Please get in touch if you would be interested in conducting a research project at Seahorse Point.
- The GOES project (Global Oceanic Environmental Survey) of microplastic, partially combusted carbon and plankton in the world's oceans and coastal zones continues to haunt them both, as the results told a very different and depressing story in comparison to what was expected and anticipated by collaborating marine biology institutes.
- Rural and island drinking water and sanitation systems remain at the forefront of our research as we explore the best options for our indigenous neighbours.
- With infrastructure works almost complete, the development of an educational and research facility for local children, students and postgraduates is of the utmost importance as one of the Seahorse Point Projects. Of special interest would be the opportunity to welcome researchers focused on working on the relationship between forests, mangroves, seagrass, and coral. The impact of toxic forever chemicals on these ecosystems is also of major interest.
- Howard and Diane value ethnographic insights for informing policy development but also measuring change in behaviour and attitudes. Students or those interested in anthropology who would like to explore ideas on how we best progress with our local community would be warmly welcomed.
- Bioclimatic climate disruption: carbon dioxide is only partially responsible (about 10% to 25%) for climate disruption; we are investigating the other 75% of the reasons that are bioclimatic and related to water vapour pressure. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/364821580_Climate_Disruption_Caused_by_a_Decline_in_Marine_Biodiversity_and_Pollution
