WHITE RIVER FISH SANCTUARY BRINGS CORAL BLEACHING TO THE SURFACE
OCHO RIOS, ST Ann; Nov 5, 2024
The White River Fish Sanctuary (WRFS) near Ocho Rios, St Ann, was the scene of much creativity on Saturday, October 26, to help educate Jamaicans about the seriousness of coral bleaching.
(Volunteer Artist Kadeen Williams demonstrating macrame techniques to young patrons)
Textile and fabric artists Danaree Greaves, Ammoy Smith and Kacy-Ann Blake from the ‘Touching the Waters Embracing Our Land’ project led children from a variety of institutions in the Ocho Rios area, and adults in artistic work to bring home the message of coral bleaching. The artists spread awareness through hands-on creativity, which proved to be a unique and engaging method.
The Touching the Waters Embracing Our Land Project is organised by Blaqmango Consultants in Kingston and is funded by the Caribbean Culture Fund (CCF).
(Lead artists Danaree Greaves, Ammoy Smith, and Kacy-Ann Blake)
Children and teachers from Mar-Jam Prep, Newstead Primary School, parents, visitors from Jamaican Inn, artists from Montego Bay, Strawberry Fields, and Kingston and on-lookers were involved. They made, for the sanctuary office, corals, starfish, urchins, sea grasses, turtles and fish made through crochet, knitting, macrame and coiling –bringing the marine life in the sea to life on land.
One of the goals of the Touching The Waters, Embracing Our Land’ initiative was to make the seriousness of coral bleaching a tangible reality for Jamaicans
The engagement was led by fiber artist Danaree Greaves whose work especially explores marine life. Greaves learned to scuba-dive and helped to plant corals in the sanctuary’s nursery and saw firsthand the damage extreme heat has had on its reefs. She then wanted to spread awareness about the issue through this yarn-storming intervention with the community.
(Young patrons learning to finger knit)
The event was especially important because is Jamaica one of the countries most affected by the mass coral bleaching of 2023. “More than 90% of our reefs were impacted,” says Felix Charnley – Marine Biologist and WRFS restore officer. So, enhancing awareness of just how critical coral bleaching is to the country is very much needed, as is increasing awareness of plastic pollution, over-fishing, climate change and other issues that affect our marine life.
The fiber and textile art items are now an “installation” on the Sanctuary Office verandah and will remain for a number of months beautifying the office space and serving as tactile support for the WRFS’ education and outreach program to support its Protect, Restore, Engage (PRE) efforts.
