Looking to start a home vegetable garden this winter? We have compiled some resources on gardening and landscaping here: https://environment.bm/home-gardening
Autumn 2020 Envirotalk Newsletter available
Autumn Edition Vol. 84 #3. In this issue you can read about the new species recovery plans published over the summer, Dr. Jonathan Nisbett explains why the entry requirements for animals and plants differ among countries, Dr. Sarah Manuel describes a new project to establish a seagrass sanctuary in the Lagoon at Ireland Island, and Dr. Geoff Smith provides an update on the air quality issues around BELCO.
Get involved in the Bermuda Ocean Prosperity Programme
We are looking for stakeholder representatives from different sectors across the island to meet virtually and share perspectives, hopes, and ideas to shape Bermuda’s future. The role of these groups, called the Ocean Village, is to act as representatives of ocean interests to help the BOPP team better understand and address the needs of Bermuda's communities. These perspectives will help develop the Blue Economy and Marine Spatial plans, which will provide guidance for the development of sustainable marine industries, creation of marine protected areas, and protection of fisheries well into the future.
We also encourage all Bermudians to fill out the Ocean Use Survey to share what parts of the marine environment you use and feel are important. This information will be used to better understand priority areas and ocean activities, which will help develop the Marine Spatial Plan (MSP) for Bermuda.
Please contact Site Coordinator Cheryl Mapp (cmapp@waittinstitute.org) or Communications Coordinator Weldon Wade (wwade@waittinstitute.org) if you’d like to get involved or if you have any questions.
A Bermuda Fitted Dinghy
Look out for Giant Land Crabs
Giant Land Crabs are active right now. Please leave them alone to make their breeding migrations. If you find a crab that is trapped, injured or in danger, you can call 293-2727 for assistance.
Invasive plant alert - Dodder
A potted plant containing parasitic Dodder has been brought to the DENR. If you have purchased plants recently, please check them for lime-green tendrils. If you have concerns, you can email a photo to plants@gov.bm.
Celebrate Mangroves on July 26th
On Sunday, July 26th, take a moment to appreciated mangroves on the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem
Phase 4: COVID-19 Guidance for Commercial and Recreational Fishers
Our Commercial Fishermen and Recreational Fishers pages have been updated with the phase 4 guidance under the PUBLIC HEALTH (COVID-19 EMERGENCY POWERS) REGULATIONS 2020. The licensing office at the Botanical Gardens is open Monday-Friday from 9:00am to 4:45pm. Queries can be emailed to fisheries@gov.bm or by phone on 293-5600.
Dog Licensing
The DENR offices in the Botanical Gardens are open from 8:50am to 4:45pm for licensing dogs. Masks must be worn when entering the building. Payments may be made to the cashier. There is no option for online payment.
Envirotalk Summer 2020 Available to Download
In this issue Patrick Talbot reports on the rehabilitation and post-release tracking of Milly the Peregrine falcon, Dr Geoff Smith explains how the reduction in traffic during April’s COVID-19 shelter in place is reflected in Bermuda’s air pollution data, Dr Joanna Pitt and Dr Robbie Smith share some new information on Bermuda’s six species of baitfishes and Dr Jonathan Nisbett provides a veterinarians perspective on the COVID-19 pandemic.