Earth Today | Glistening Waters gets spotlight with Bioluminescence Symposium

THE Natural History Museum of Jamaica, a division of the Institute of Jamaica, will this Friday host a landmark symposium and officially open its new exhibition, ‘A Glowing Legacy: Examining Jamaica’s Oyster Bay Bioluminescence for Peaceful Coexistence’.

Emphasising the critical role education plays in preserving Jamaica’s natural treasures, the focus will be on Glistening Waters, the luminous phenomenon of Oyster Bay in Trelawny, one of the brightest bioluminescent lagoons worldwide.

“This symposium and exhibition are key steps in raising awareness about the ecological and cultural importance of ecosystems like Oyster Bay,” noted Eartha Cole, education officer at the Natural History Museum of Jamaica.

“Our aim is to inspire collective efforts to protect this natural wonder,” she added.

The symposium will feature local and international experts discussing topics such as ‘The science and biodiversity of bioluminescence’, ‘Sustainable practices for ecosystem preservation’, and policy frameworks to protect Jamaica’s coastal treasures.

Attendees will also experience an interactive exhibition featuring 3D models, scientific displays, and artistic interpretations of bioluminescence.

“This is more than an exhibition, it’s a call to action,” said Tracy Commock, director of the Natural History Museum of Jamaica.

“Education is central to fostering a peaceful coexistence between humanity and fragile ecosystems like Oyster Bay,” Cammock added.

This initiative is supported by key partners, including UNESCO, the Tourism Product Development Company, the Forestry Department, and the Alligator Head Foundation. International organisations such as Thyssen-Bornemisza Art Contemporary (TBA21), TBA21-Academy, and the Office for Contemporary Art Norway have also contributed, highlighting the global significance of Jamaica’s bioluminescent ecosystems.

“By uniting voices across science, policy, and community, we can champion sustainable solutions to protect our environment. This is a legacy we must cherish and protect,” noted Cole.