Blog

Name: Aaron Henderson, Ph.D.
Position: Lecturer in Natural Resource Management
Program: Marine Resource Management Studies

Things have been busy at The SFS Center for Marine Resource Studies over the last few weeks and the students recently made it through their first set of major exams. It hasn’t all been hard work in the classroom though; a lot of time has been spent in the azure waters around South Caicos learning to identify various organisms in the mangrove, seagrass and coral communities, as well as undertaking a number of field exercises.

The recreational dives continue unabated too, including a recent night dive during which the students experienced the reef from a new perspective. As the semester’s focus gradually shifts from lectures to research, the students have selected their Directed Research projects and are looking forward to spending even more time in the field.

This semester will see some students assessing the TCI’s fishery resources, while others will focus on invasive lionfish, turtles, sharks, corals and even permaculture. Students have already accompanied faculty on research outings and have gained first-hand experience in handling and tagging juvenile sharks. However, before the research gets going in earnest, it’s time for spring break!

After the students complete a two-day field-trip to North and Middle Caicos next week, they will spend some well-earned down-time on Providenciales, kicking back and catching up with visiting family.