Activities
Reef Fish: The Bahamian reefs are home to a diversity of reef fish species. During this lecture we will take a look at the many species that we will be seeing on our snorkels and dives. Looking first at the general biology of fish, and then more specifically at the families that make up the Bahamian population. Through understanding the different families of fish and their life histories, our time underwater will change from that of passive observers to active researchers.
Invertebrates: Reef fish are the most prevalent fauna upon first entering the water, but invertebrates compose the majority of biomass on the reef. This class will cover the different invertebrate phyla found in the Bahamas, along with their specific life histories and characteristics. As we explore the reefs, discovering new and exciting creatures, we will also be studying the roll of invertebrates within the reef ecosystem.
Coral Reef Ecology: Coral is the building block of the ecosystem in the Bahamas. During this lecture we will look at what coral is, how it grows and what it needs to survive. Along with the life history of coral, we will also discuss the major species in the Bahamas and how the reefs depend upon these corals. Finally, we will dive into the topics of reef bleaching, coral disease and the repercussions that coral destruction has upon the ecosystem. This is the topic we are most interested in, and we'll be observing first hand during our Reef Check dives.
Hiking: With over 700 islands to explore in the 100,000 sq mile Bahamian archipelago, students will find themselves traveling above and below the waves. We will step off the boat and on shore to places that boast rich diversity of geography, culture and heritage. Instructor guided hikes are not only geared towards stretching out sea legs, but also to broadening students’ world views. Each island exploration is contoured to the best of what that island has to offer.
The islands of San Salvador and Cat, sit southeast of Eleuthera in the Exuma Sound. Some of Columbus’s first landfalls in 1492 were on these out Islands, and he described them as follows- “The beauty of these islands surpasses that of any other and as much as the day surpasses the night in splendor.”
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