By Lance Cutrer, Museum of Discovery and Science
The Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) in downtown Fort Lauderdale is more than a museum; it’s a dynamic hub connecting people to the wonders of science and fostering a deep bond with the environment. With a commitment to education and an emphasis on environmental sustainability, MODS is leading the charge in bringing together communities to promote environmental stewardship and resilience through its Hub for Resilience Education.
At the forefront of MODS’ efforts is the collaboration with the Save Our Seas Foundation (SOSF), a non-profit organization based in Geneva, Switzerland, dedicated to protecting and preserving the world’s oceans. SOSF focuses on addressing pressing issues such as overfishing, plastic pollution, habitat destruction and climate change, with an emphasis on shark and ray conservation and research.
Over two decades, SOSF has funded more than 480 projects across 91 countries, established three research centers and played a pivotal role in protecting more than 140 species of sharks and rays under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). In partnership with MODS, SOSF is now extending its impact through innovative education initiatives that reach both in-person and virtual museum guests.
One such initiative is the SOSF Distinguished Speaker Series, a free, enormously popular monthly virtual program hosted live by MODS via Zoom. Presentations are then posted to YouTube, where the series has been viewed more than 1.6 million times and more than 14,200 hours have been watched.
The SOSF Distinguished Speaker Series brings together leading shark and ray researchers, educators and conservationists from around the world, creating an interactive platform for guests to engage in conversations at the forefront of ocean research and education. From tracking whale sharks with satellite tags in the Galapagos Islands to understanding lemon shark populations in the Turks and Caicos using genetics, the topics covered are diverse and captivating.
But the engagement doesn’t stop there. In partnership with the SOSF, MODS introduced the Shark Cart in 2022 — an immersive experience located outside the EcoScapes exhibit on the first floor of the museum. Guests can dive into the science of sharks with hands-on activities, touch shark teeth and examine models of these incredible predators. Educators are on hand to answer any biting questions and share the latest research, including insights into environmental impact and sustainability for sharks, which are now threatened by extinction.
The SOSF Distinguished Speaker Series and Shark Cart emphasize the crucial role each of us plays in the health and protection of our oceans. Stay tuned for the 2024 SOSF Distinguished Speaker Series lineup and register by visiting mods.org/saveourseas.
The virtual series serves as a reminder that the journey toward environmental sustainability is a collective effort, with every action counting towards the greater cause. It provides a holistic view of ocean conservation, exploring everything from the science of interpreting whale songs to the efforts to protect marine species through policy and regulation.
The recently concluded 2023 season, along with previous seasons, is available on the MODS YouTube channel, allowing a wider audience to access and benefit from these enlightening discussions. Viewers are urged to reflect on their contribution to ocean well-being, whether it’s reducing single-use plastics, supporting sustainable seafood practices or spreading awareness about marine conservation.
MODS and SOSF invite everyone to become advocates for the oceans and champions of sustainability. Stay connected through visits to the museum, explore mods.org and saveourseas.com, follow their initiatives on social media and share newfound knowledge with friends and family. The partnership between MODS and SOSF showcases how science, education and action can unite and compel the public to advocate for the well-being of our planet’s most precious resource — the ocean.
As we embark on this journey of exploration and conservation together, let us amplify the message of environmental stewardship and create a world where our collective efforts make a lasting impact on the health and sustainability of our oceans.
Lance Cutrer is the director of environmental sustainability at the Museum of Discovery and Science. He is an education and sustainability professional with expertise in ecology, wildlife and fisheries management and primary/secondary education. See an episode of the SOSF Distinguished Speaker Series posted below.
Sign up for The Invading Sea newsletter by visiting here. If you are interested in submitting an opinion piece to The Invading Sea, email Editor Nathan Crabbe at ncrabbe@fau.edu.
