“Troubled Waters: A Turtle’s Tale” to be Shown at FIU BBC

Rashawn Raysor/Staff Writer

Saving the turtles has become a meme, thanks to trends on social media.

However, the meme reflects a reality that is included in conversations and research relating to climate change and pollution.

FIU’s Biscayne Bay Campus is at the forefront of research on these issues and plans to educate students about them with a screening of WLRN’s new documentary, “Troubled Waters: A Turtle’s Tale.”

The documentary will be presented by the BBC Student Government Council, the Society for Women in Marine Science (SWMS) and the Institute of Water & Science (InWE).

It stars actor and environmental activist Ted Danson and is narrated by Peter Coyote.

The film explores the impact of global warming, water pollution and plastic usage on the environment by looking at South Florida’s sea turtle population.

The rising temperatures brought on by climate change are having a severe impact on South Florida’s sea turtles.

Rising water temperature lead to more sea turtle hatchlings being born as female, which leads to a shortage of males and a population decline among sea turtles.

A Sun-Sentinel article published last year said that no male sea turtle hatchling has been spotted on the beaches of Boca Raton for three years.

That same article served as the inspiration for the documentary.

After the screening of the documentary, there will be a panel discussion led by experts in the issues the film discusses.

Three of the InWE’s scientists will be a part of the panel: Elizabeth Whitman of the Department of Biological Science, Courtney Knauer, a PhD candidate doing marine biology research and Melinda Paduani, who researches plastic pollution.

Pamela Ho Fung, the president of SGC-BBC, expressed excitement about the upcoming event.

“This screening is perfect for FIU students because it will promote environmental literacy and allow students to share their thoughts and perspectives on these issues on the environment and plastic usage,” said Ho Fung.

SGC-BBC will be giving reusable tote bags and other items to promote a lesser use of plastic.

“I hope those that attend will feel educated and capable of having a positive role in helping the environment,” said Ho Fung.

The screening will be held on Friday, Nov. 8 at 5:00 p.m. in the Wolfe Theater at BBC.

The event is open to all FIU students and admission is free.