Local conservationists will discuss Bermuda’s declining shellfish population next weekend.

Three people representing Waterstart Bermuda will speak at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute on May 7, as part of the Island Sustainable Ocean Strategies series.

Formed in 2001, Waterstart Bermuda teaches children how to snorkel and dive, as well as about marine science and conservations.

Waterstart’s founder, JP Skinner; Phoebe Barboza, its operations and research manager; and Anne Kermode, its education officer; will talk about the organisation’s shellfish restoration project.

The initiative monitors the remaining shellfish population around Burt Island in Warwick.

A BUEI spokeswoman said that Bermuda’s waters had seen a significant loss of shellfish through the years.

She explained: “Proposed reasons for the decline include overfishing, loss of habitat [seagrass beds] and changes in water quality.

“Waterstart’s primary goals are to develop critical thinking skills and build self-confidence in students through practical skill training, to model sustainable practices and environmental awareness and to build an inclusive community of ocean stewards.

“These fundamental objectives align closely with BUEI’s vision and we look forward to welcoming the Waterstart team as presenters in next month’s Island SOS series.”

Tickets for the talk, which will begin at 3pm, are $10 for BUEI members, $15 for non-members and free for students with a valid ID.

Visit buei.bm or call 294 2024 to reserve a space.