COURSE DESCRIPTION
The ocean covers more than 70% of Earth’s surface and contains nearly 99% of the planet’s available living space. Within this realm, many unique and diverse species collectively help to create a complex world of interacting communities. Perhaps the most diverse and beautiful of these marine communities are found in tropical environments. This course will examine the biology and ecology of tropical marine communities and illustrate research techniques and equipment that marine biologists commonly use.
“It's learning on a true teen level, not out of a text book, but getting in and getting wet... ” — Linda Wilson, St. Louis, MO
COURSE OBJECTIVES
- Understand the process of communication in order to effectively communicate marine conservation theories.
- Describe the biochemical nature of the marine environment, and explain the inter-linkages between coastal and marine ecosystems.
- Understand how the Caribbean Sea functions as a single ecosystem.
- Understand the potential benefits provided by the coastal and marine environment, as well as the threats to those environments.
- Understand some of the reasons why the threats to the coastal and marine resources are difficult to control.
- Explain a historical perspective of marine protected area programs in the Caribbean, and to identify existing issues.
- Understand the rationale for and benefits of stakeholder involvement in marine protected area planning and management, as well as the requirements for implementing and facilitating effective participatory processes.
- Convey the message that research and monitoring is essential for good management and stewardship.
- Perform and understand standard monitoring methods through diving under marine park supervision.
LECTURE TOPICS
- Introduction to the Leeward Islands.
- Ocean Properties I.
- Ocean Properties II.
- Marine Life Origins.
- Primary Production.
- Coral Biology.
- Coral Reefs.
- Invertebrate Biology.
- Artificial Reefs.
- Fish Biology.
- Fish diversity.
- Reptiles and Birds.
- Marine Mammals.
- Threats & Conservation.
- Marine Reserves.
FIELD STUDIES & EXERCISES
- 21 day live aboard Sailing voyage.
- Take daily water testing samples.
- Fish dissections.
- Learn REEF survey techniques.
- Survey coral cover on surrounding reefs.
- Fish Identification techniques.
- Study reef fish behavior.
- Island and Rainforest exploration.
- Community service.
- 25+ Scuba dives.
- PADI Certifications: Open Water, Advanced Open Water, U/W Naturalist, Fish ID
What are my next steps?
Broadreach in action. Want a glimpse of the freedom of life on a yacht? Or the thrill of diving with sharks in Fiji, surfing in Baja or cresting the ridge above Machu Picchu? Watch our videos to see and hear our adventures firsthand, and start wishing you were there.