As part of the Rye 400 Anniversary, Joe Marttila from SeaBee Honey presented the history of honeybees and pollinators in the Seacoast of New Hampshire to a full audience at the Rye Public Library.  

Joe presented on how honeybees were instrumental to the early European settlers in the seacoast of New Hampshire and how the town of Hampton was founded because of honeybees.  The presentation also focused on how Rye is still rural in character and home to a number of SeaBee Honey apiaries.  Joe discussed the development of the Tucker Pollinator Sanctuary and other pollinator habitats in town.  

Finally, Joe discussed how the community could help native pollinators and honeybees by planting flowering trees, pollinator gardens, and pesticide/herbacide alternatives.

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In recent years, a growing trend has emerged among scientists and enthusiasts alike – the practice of assigning human names to wild animals, particularly sharks. While the intention behind this practice may be to foster a sense of connection and relatability with these animals, it inadvertently introduces a significant barrier to objective scientific research. 
The humanization of wild animals, whether through naming or anthropomorphizing their behavior, blurs the lines between humans, insects, and  animals, diminishing their intrinsic value as distinct species. When we assign human names to wild animals or queen bees, we inadvertently elevate them to a status akin to pets, companions, or even family members. This emotional attachment can cloud our judgment and hinder our ability to perceive them as the wild, unpredictable creatures they truly are.  
This humanization can have negative consequences for scientific research. When we perceive an animal as an individual with a name, we tend to view its behavior through a subjective lens, attributing its actions to human-like motivations or emotions. This subjective interpretation can lead to biased observations and flawed conclusions, ultimately distorting our understanding of their natural behavior and ecology.
Moreover, assigning human names to wild animals can inadvertently foster a sense of familiarity and comfort that can lull us into a false sense of security. This perceived familiarity can lead to underestimating the potential dangers posed by these animals, particularly those known for their predatory behavior.  
The practice of naming wild animals is particularly problematic in the context of species like sharks. Sharks, often portrayed as menacing predators, have long suffered from negative public perception. Assigning human names to these animals can reinforce these negative stereotypes and potentially increase the risk of human-wildlife conflict.  A woman on Instagram swims with Tiger Sharks she has named off the coast of Hawaii.  She shows how to redirect a Tiger Shark she has named them. How many people have seen these videos and may decide to try this ill-advised stunt themselves?
Instead of humanizing wild animals, scientists and enthusiasts should focus on fostering a deeper understanding of their biology, behavior, and ecological roles. By appreciating their unique adaptations and the delicate balance they maintain within ecosystems, we can develop a more respectful and sustainable relationship with these remarkable creatures.  Names help keep us keep track of the animals and insects we study but they should be sterile and use numbers or subject identifiers.

Revolutionizing Beekeeping with Autonomous Technology​

SeaBee Honey, a leading honey producer in New Hampshire, is at the forefront of beekeeping innovation with the introduction of FarmBots. These autonomous robots will revolutionize the way SeaBee Honey manages its apiaries, making beekeeping more efficient and sustainable.
What are FarmBots?
FarmBots are autonomous robots designed to perform a variety of tasks in agricultural settings. In the case of SeaBee Honey, FarmBots will be used to lift and move hives, inspect hives for pests and diseases, and pull honey frames. The bots are still in the prototype stage, but they have the potential to transform the beekeeping industry.
How will FarmBots be used at SeaBee Honey?
SeaBee Honey will initially use FarmBots to manage a small number of apiaries. The bots will be controlled remotely and will provide real-time data back to a centralized hub. This data will be used to monitor the health of the hives and to identify potential problems.
SeaBee Honey believes that FarmBots can help to address the challenges facing the beekeeping industry, such as colony collapse disorder and varroa mite infestation. The bots can also help to reduce the labor required to manage apiaries, making beekeeping more sustainable.
What are the benefits of using FarmBots?
There are many potential benefits of using FarmBots to manage apiaries. These benefits include:

• Increased efficiency: FarmBots can perform tasks much faster than humans can. This will allow SeaBee Honey to manage more apiaries with fewer workers.
• Improved hive health: FarmBots can monitor the health of hives 24/7. This will allow SeaBee Honey to identify and address problems quickly.
• Reduced labor costs: FarmBots can reduce the labor required to manage apiaries. This will save SeaBee Honey money.
• Improved sustainability: FarmBots can help to reduce the environmental impact of beekeeping.

The future of beekeeping with FarmBots
SeaBee Honey believes that FarmBots have the potential to revolutionize the beekeeping industry. The company is committed to developing and using this technology to improve the health and productivity of its bees.  Stay tuned to learn more.