What does a barracuda have to do with a mangrove tree? Why is turtle grass called turtle grass, and are there turtles involved? What makes a coral reef so unique compared to its surrounding waters, and why do people refer to them as the 'tropical rain forest of the oceans'? How many bites of coral does a Parrotfish take in a day, and how does this actually help the coral? In Ecology, study symbiosis, life cycles, food-chains, animal behavior, and species competitions and dynamic interactions.
What is meant by coral bleaching? Why are there not as many fish on this dive as the last? What can I do to help protect the ocean ecosystems? Conservation and methods to reduce impacts on ocean ecosystems will be stressed throughout the voyage.
On which side of the transect line do I put this quadrat thingy? Field survey and experimental techniques teach us the excitement and challenges of doing marine biology research underwater!
Using the islands' reefs, mangroves, turtle grass beds and tidal pools as your ultimate biology education laboratory; a hands-on marine biology program is presented by our staff biologists. Vessels are outfitted for underwater investigation with computer facilities, dive station, microscopes and reference resources. The program is designed to interconnect our SCUBA training activities with marine science topics. Students have the opportunity to participate in environmental service coral reef conservation projects.
