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[post_content] => A whole new group of excited and curious undergraduate students have arrived at the SFS Center for Marine Resources Studies (CMRS) on South Caicos, in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The first week is full of orientation, designed to prepare students for the academic activities, field exercises, and faculty-led research to come this semester. Each morning the students and staff gather together to review the schedule for the day, discussion announcements, reflect on our reasons for participating in this program, and engage in “get to know you” activities.
Schedule of activities for the first week. BUSY! Photo: Alex Kahn-JohnstonPhoto: Alex Kahn-Johnston
Academics consists of four upper-level courses, including Marine Ecology, Principles of Marine Resource Management, Environmental Policy and Socioeconomic Values, and Directed Research. The academic program is designed so that students participate in lectures, discussions, identification exercise, field exercise, and much more. Prior to actively conducting research and learning research techniques, the students must familiarize themselves with the Center and the physical demands of the program. As with each program that is conducted at the CMRS, this includes swim tests, dive checkouts, open water lectures (for new divers), and much more. The students have taken the initiative to obtain more skills so that they can enjoy the program activities more fully.
Student preparing for SCUBA dive check-outs. Photos: Kathy Lockhart & Alex Kahn-JohnstonSpring 2016 Students working on Excel practical for data analysis. Photo: Alex Kahn-Johnston
These courses are not just theoretical but provide a “hands-on” approach to research. In the next few weeks the students will be participating in field identification of mangroves, sea grasses, invertebrates, and vertebrates for a more physical perspective that will be lead by Dr. Eliza Garfield. Students will be set out in the natural environment and given the opportunity to physically identify key species in the marine environment, as it is essential to be able to identify these species for future Directed Research projects that will take place later in the semester.
Students have already been inquisitive about the potential projects and faculty-driven research projects. These projects include marine turtle tagging/measuring, BRUV (Baited Remote Underwater Visual) surveys, water quality, whale song monitoring, beach profiling, lionfish captures, and spiny lobster juvenile recruitment monitoring.
Other activities that will occur throughout the term include underwater visual surveys, dock catch monitoring, Coral Watch activities, mangrove and seagrass ground truthing, and coral reef biodiversity monitoring. There will and already have been many opportunities for the students to be as involved as possible in the marine environment. Additionally, CMRS will have guest lectures from community members to better describe, and answer questions about, local views of the surrounding community, island, and activities that can take place here.
Juvenile spiny lobster measurements from “condos”. Photo: Kathy LockhartSpring 2016 beach profiling. Photo: Lily Zhao
In other news, prior to student arrival, previous faculty member and Research Fellow Dr. Aaron Henderson visited the Center to continue his BRUV research. He was able to collect quite a bit of footage that will assist with the continued understanding of the sharks near South Caicos.
To sum up, the beginning of the semester is off to a great start and each student group that enters the program is excited and enthusiastic. Each time a new student group comes, previous semester students send messages that remark of how they miss the Center, activities, fellow classmates and the overall experience. This truly does provide one of the most amazing opportunities for future students, researchers, and affiliates to build their capacity, expand thinking, and create an amazing life-changing experience.
→ Marine Resource Studies Semester Program in the Turks & Caicos Islands
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[post_content] => A whole new group of excited and curious undergraduate students have arrived at the SFS Center for Marine Resources Studies (CMRS) on South Caicos, in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The first week is full of orientation, designed to prepare students for the academic activities, field exercises, and faculty-led research to come this semester. Each morning the students and staff gather together to review the schedule for the day, discussion announcements, reflect on our reasons for participating in this program, and engage in “get to know you” activities.
Schedule of activities for the first week. BUSY! Photo: Alex Kahn-JohnstonPhoto: Alex Kahn-Johnston
Academics consists of four upper-level courses, including Marine Ecology, Principles of Marine Resource Management, Environmental Policy and Socioeconomic Values, and Directed Research. The academic program is designed so that students participate in lectures, discussions, identification exercise, field exercise, and much more. Prior to actively conducting research and learning research techniques, the students must familiarize themselves with the Center and the physical demands of the program. As with each program that is conducted at the CMRS, this includes swim tests, dive checkouts, open water lectures (for new divers), and much more. The students have taken the initiative to obtain more skills so that they can enjoy the program activities more fully.
Student preparing for SCUBA dive check-outs. Photos: Kathy Lockhart & Alex Kahn-JohnstonSpring 2016 Students working on Excel practical for data analysis. Photo: Alex Kahn-Johnston
These courses are not just theoretical but provide a “hands-on” approach to research. In the next few weeks the students will be participating in field identification of mangroves, sea grasses, invertebrates, and vertebrates for a more physical perspective that will be lead by Dr. Eliza Garfield. Students will be set out in the natural environment and given the opportunity to physically identify key species in the marine environment, as it is essential to be able to identify these species for future Directed Research projects that will take place later in the semester.
Students have already been inquisitive about the potential projects and faculty-driven research projects. These projects include marine turtle tagging/measuring, BRUV (Baited Remote Underwater Visual) surveys, water quality, whale song monitoring, beach profiling, lionfish captures, and spiny lobster juvenile recruitment monitoring.
Other activities that will occur throughout the term include underwater visual surveys, dock catch monitoring, Coral Watch activities, mangrove and seagrass ground truthing, and coral reef biodiversity monitoring. There will and already have been many opportunities for the students to be as involved as possible in the marine environment. Additionally, CMRS will have guest lectures from community members to better describe, and answer questions about, local views of the surrounding community, island, and activities that can take place here.
Juvenile spiny lobster measurements from “condos”. Photo: Kathy LockhartSpring 2016 beach profiling. Photo: Lily Zhao
In other news, prior to student arrival, previous faculty member and Research Fellow Dr. Aaron Henderson visited the Center to continue his BRUV research. He was able to collect quite a bit of footage that will assist with the continued understanding of the sharks near South Caicos.
To sum up, the beginning of the semester is off to a great start and each student group that enters the program is excited and enthusiastic. Each time a new student group comes, previous semester students send messages that remark of how they miss the Center, activities, fellow classmates and the overall experience. This truly does provide one of the most amazing opportunities for future students, researchers, and affiliates to build their capacity, expand thinking, and create an amazing life-changing experience.
→ Marine Resource Studies Semester Program in the Turks & Caicos Islands
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[post_content] => In early February 2017, students arrived to South Caicos with a sense of wonder and excitement. In a short period of time, they have been introduced to the array of marine science and environmental conditions that the Center and the marine environment have to offer. During the first few weeks, students have been attending classes in Marine Ecology, Resource Management and Environmental Policy. The classroom lectures are intermingled throughout the days with field exercises and identification exercises to provide a holistic approach to research that is undertaken with the school. After a solid base of the classroom briefings and instructions, the students were ready to initiate their field work by learning and participating in a Conch Visual Survey. The Conch FEX is a hands-on activity that allows the students to grasp the concepts of research by putting these skills to use in the marine environment.
Students heading out to the Conch Assessment field exercise (all photos courtesy of Kathy Lockhart)Students laying out a 50 meter transect for the Conch Assessment exercise
For two and a half days the students conducted three belt transects at 24 different sites located both inside and outside the East Harbour Lobster and Conch Reserve (EHLCR), South Caicos, TCI. Thirty-three students with masks, fins and snorkels conducted underwater visual surveys (UVS) that were 50 meters in length and 3 meters in width. Each transect consisted of determining the habitat type, number of dead conch and number alive. The number of conch observed at each of these sites ranged from zero to more than 240 conch. Once the conch were found alive, they were brought back to the boat for further measurement on each individual including siphonal length and lip thickness. It is through exercises like these that the students practiced their free-diving skills and identified habitat types, counted individuals and investigated other species that were found in the area. It is these types of exercises that prepare the students for their Directed Research activities that are starting soon.
Students laying the transectStudents checking the transect for live Queen Conch
The Directed Research projects are all unique and exciting; covering areas of marine ecology, resource management and environmental policy. Within a week’s time, the students will have selected their projects and started to investigate the background of the project. Enthusiasm and excitement is building in each of the students as they are anticipating the future research projects. The projects range from habitats of the various shark species, management of the fin-fishery, opportunities of the sea cucumber as a fishery, benthic development of the coral reefs, history of the queen conch middens, bird and iguana habitat and tourism expectations of the TCI. The personnel at CMRS have been working with all the students to assist them in the design and development of their projects for the preparation of scientific research. Each project will have a unique focus, but all will involve hands-on field techniques, analyzing data and producing a compulsory report at the end of the project.
Students measuring Queen Conch for siphonal length (mm)Students checking out the live Queen Conch protection within the shell→ Marine Resource Studies in the Turks & Caicos Islands
[post_title] => Building Up to Directed Research on TCI
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[post_content] => The School for Field Studies has always provided a “hands on” experience for students, as well as faculty members. The experience has now become full circle for this faculty member. The Center has always been one that is close to home for me, as I have been able to be a part of the Center as a student, Student Affairs Manager (SAM), Turks and Caicos Island community member, TCI Government collaborative official, and now as the natural resource management faculty.
This semester, students have had the opportunity to be included in current resource management issues in the Turks and Caicos Islands through a variety of activities. Faculty introduced local marine flora and fauna through field based identification, elaborated on the current conservation issues for the commercial and artisanal fisheries, and introduced the collaborative efforts between stakeholders for the socio-economic interest of the local community.
In order for the students to collectively understand the program and its courses, we conducted a underwater visual survey in the East Harbor Lobster and Conch Reserve (EHCLR) off of South Caicos. Students set out to conduct the surveys on the Queen Conch, which is a commercially important species to the TCI. Thirty two sites were snorkeled both inside and outside of EHCLR, where all of the conch were collected and landed on the boat and then measured before being returned to the open water. Based on data collected, the students were then to determine if the currently established MPA was functioning properly through current data analysis and comparisons to previous studies. Ultimately, students were able to document their findings and indicate if there were any challenges facing the Marine Protected Area and/or the Queen conch species.
This activity along with others have now set the stage for the up and coming Directed Research (DR) Projects that range from commercial marine fisheries, biological mega fauna, and socio-economic challenges for local community. The students were excited to get into the rigors of data collection. The first day of DR involved initial discussions with local community members, snorkeling juvenile lobster condos, fishing for bonefish, measuring dock landings, and observing mega fauna (sharks and stingrays). It appears to be an eventful beginning to the second case study and Directed Research.
[post_title] => Hands-On Experience Comes Full Circle
[post_excerpt] => I have been part of this Center as a student, Student Affairs Manager (SAM), community member, government collaborative official, and faculty.
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[post_content] => No rest for the weary at the SFS Center for Marine Resources Studies (CMRS) in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI). Anyone who ever said that island life is laid back and relaxing has never been to one of The School for Field Studies's programs. I remember the students first arriving at the CMRS in South Caicos, and stating what they most wanted out of the program. It was often said: sharks; dolphins; diving in beautiful waters; and understanding how important this place is to the local people.
Little did they realize that it is so much more. The students have now taken their strong background in ecology, marine resources management, and environmental policy to Directed Research (DR) projects that range from elasmobranchs to local commercial fisheries to stakeholder interpretations.
One of the most challenging Directed Research projects has been that of the fin-fishery. Data has been collected since 2006, but until recently local commercial fishers have had little discussion with regards to the regulation of the stocks and there has been some resistance with the discussion. The students of the fin-fish DR have been conducting visual surveys of the fin-fish populations both inside and outside of Marine Protected Areas, as well as working with local commercial fishermen to monitor and document catch sizes, biodiversity, and methodology of capture at the local docks. These students have really interacted with the local persons in South Caicos to better understand the source of the islanders' livelihoods and discuss how to manage this resource for future use.
In another project, students have gotten involved with spiny lobster monitoring by assisting local fishers and TCI government to deploy lobster casitas (artificial habitats) in fishermen-designated locations. Physical labor has become part of the normal routine in the islands. These same students have been able to monitor established juvenile lobster condos by snorkeling in the shallow waters of the Caicos Bank. This information can potentially provide insight predicting commercial catches. These students have also had the wonderful opportunity to work directly with the local people on one of the Islands' most valuable resources.
Although these are just two of the DR projects, there are many other projects that focus on topics besides local fisheries (elasmobranchs, eagle rays, coral reefs, to name a few), all of which work toward the Center’s 5-Year Research Plan. At the end of the this term, if the students are asked if they received what was expected at the beginning of the term, I think you would get an answer that is more than seeing megafauna. They have been able to receive information regarding ecology, resource management, and policy in class; but then applied all that they learned in the field and invested those skills in their projects.
Whether it was daytime, nighttime, on boats, in the Salinas, at the commercial fishing docks, or interviewing community members; you can be assured that these students and staff have taken pride in the important and meaningful work done at CMRS. When or where else in the world can an undergraduate student play a vital role in a local community and get a worldly view, while watching the sunset over turquoise waters?
[post_title] => Directed Research on South Caicos
[post_excerpt] => Anyone who ever said that island life is laid back and relaxing has never been to one of The School for Field Studies's programs.
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[post_content] => The 2015 spring semester is almost half completed; and as others have mentioned in their blog updates, the students are preparing to select their Directed Research Projects (DR) for the term. The faculty and staff at the SFS Center for Marine Resources Studies have been actively preparing students for the rigors of the research experience. Student research projects will address issues and concerns surrounding high priority questions and will provide valuable insight to proper authorities for management decisions and future policy measures.
For better preparation to conduct these important research objectives, the students have been involved in a variety of activities ranging from in-house debates, discussions, literature reviews, field data collection, data analysis, and report writing. The students have found that as exciting as the fieldwork is, there are necessary steps to prepare for collecting appropriate data in the field.
In the last week, the students conducted a two day queen conch visual survey field exercise (pictured below) both inside and outside of a Marine Protected Area (MPA). The materials and methods were provided to students that required them to snorkel the nearby open turquoise waters of South Caicos. A total of 48 site surveys were conducted, with each student swimming three belt transects and collecting information on habitat, conch density, morphometric measurements, and depths. The field experience was exciting, as many individuals “free dive” for conch to collect and measure for data analysis. After two long days in the field, students entered their finding on the computer for future analysis.
As often observed in the everyday life a researcher, students found that teamwork was the key to completing the task at hand, as they have worked together to analyze the data and write their reports. It is these types of field exercises that allow the students to become directly involved in the management practices and decision making of the stakeholders of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
These field exercises prepare the students for the Directed Research Projects. It is here that they will put their newly acquired skills to the test. Even though each project has a different aspect, these projects allow the students to partake in viable research practices that are priority for many of the stakeholders. For instance, the conch visual field exercise is being taken a step higher. Students will be conducting visual surveys across the Caicos Bank for the TCI government. The government will use these results in analysis to determine abundance for the Caicos Bank, which has not been done for the country since 2001. This opportunity allows for the SFS program to have direct input into country-wide statistical information on the commercial queen conch, which will assist in determining the current status of the fishery for the Turks and Caicos Islands. It is these experiences that make way for future professional researchers.
[post_title] => From Classroom to Stakeholder to Government Research
[post_excerpt] => Faculty and staff at the Center for Marine Resources Studies have been actively preparing students for the rigors of the research experience.
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[post_content] => Adventure and education go hand in hand at the SFS Center for Marine Resource Studies (CMRS) on South Caicos, Turks & Caicos Islands. This summer, students are engaged in field research that addresses local stakeholder questions. As part of the Summer II program, student concentrate on data collection, marine research techniques, and data interpretation for a final report and presentation.
I was a student at the CMRS more than 20 years ago. The program was interesting and exhilarating for someone from a land-locked school that wanted to experience the marine environment. Over the years, the program has continued to evolve and this summer has been no exception. In the past, students participating in the summer programs seemed to enjoy the activities, but often expressed interest in more “hands-on” research experiences. Now, summer programming incorporates applied scientific methods as a core course rather than a component of the course.
Last week, students from around the world arrived on South Caicos. Some participated in the previous Summer I session and opted to continue for the Summer II session to really get their hands dirty. Summer II research focuses on shallow reef health and condition, mangrove/seagrass economic value, and commercial fin-fish assessment. Everyone will be involved in the data collection for all three projects, and then each student will analyze and write about one of the research projects. Unlike many other study aboard programs, this will be an opportunity for students to be involved in a variety of projects and scientific methods of data collection, which benefits a student from any academic discipline.
At the start of the program, students were introduced to scientific methodology, research ethics, survey techniques, construction of a scientific paper, and data entry and analysis. It has been interesting to observe the students at different levels of their academic careers deciding what are his/her areas of interest for research and how to address a specific focus. Each project has different field research activities such as: diving and snorkeling on the reefs to lay transects and determine the species richness and health of the coral reefs; snorkeling and hiking through seagrass and mangroves while inspecting quadrats for coverage and taking ambient parameters to determine health and the economic value of those resources; and speaking with the local commercial fisherman about daily catch and measuring individual fish sizes and weights for further analysis.
In order for the students to be able to work on the projects effectively, CMRS faculty have developed potential questions for projects and the students can determine which focus they wish to pursue for their papers. It has indeed been gratifying to observe the students take the initiative to dig in and start reviewing literature for their research papers.
Academics have not been exclusive to the three projects. Faculty research projects have also been introduced to the students for participation in data collection. A project that has been ongoing since 2012 and prior to that for the Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA) is spiny lobster juvenile recruitment monitoring. Students capture juvenile lobster, take measurements of the individuals, and release them. The data from this project will potentially assist DEMA in predictions of the spiny lobster fishery commercial catches. It has been exhilarating to see students involved and excited about the research activities at the Center.
Through all my years of experience with CMRS, I appreciate the program's continued growth and development while working with the local and scientific community. It has been my pleasure to work with staff and students that are intrigued and excited to be active participants in the program.
[post_title] => Summer Research Adventure: Getting Your Hands Dirty!
[post_excerpt] => Adventure and education go hand in hand at the SFS Center for Marine Resource Studies on South Caicos.
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[post_content] => Excitement and enthusiasm has erupted at the SFS Center for Marine Resources Studies (CMRS) in South Caicos, Turks and Caicos Islands. Each student group that arrives enter the Center with high expectations and dreams for a life-changing experience, and that is indeed what they obtain here. With the students settling in, the group is excited to get started, but enjoys getting to know each other at the start of the program. At the start of each day, the students and staff gather together for morning meeting where we play “get to know you” games and review the schedule.
The program itself is designed for each student to participate in lectures, discussions, identification exercise, field exercises, and much more. However, the start of each session is where the students have to familiarize themselves with the Center and the physical demands of the program. This includes swim tests, dive checkouts, and much more. Once students have adapted and found their “groove”, they are able to fully participate in the program activities.
The program consists of four courses, including Marine Ecology, Principles of Resource Management, Socioeconomic Values & Environmental Policy, and Directed Research. Each of first three courses builds upon each other to fully encompass what the CMRS program is all about in the theoretical perspective. In the next few weeks, the students will be participating in field identification of mangrove, sea grass, invertebrates and vertebrates for a more physical perspective that will be lead by Dr. Eliza Garfield. Through snorkeling, students will be given the opportunity to physically identify key species in the marine environment, as it is essential for the students to be able to identify these species for future Directed Research projects that will take place later in the semester.
Students have already been inquisitive about the local seafood dishes as the spiny lobster season is open and queen conch is open for local consumption. In order to encourage students to fully understand the local fishery and cuisine, students will be trained on how to conduct viable scientific research through visual surveys, how to record the data, analyze and report the finding through various field exercises including the "Conch Assessment." It is here that the students will conduct visual transects both inside and outside a Marine Protected Area (MPA) and write a report of the findings. This project will allow students to better understand a species that is listed under Appendix II of the Convention of International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES). These types of exercises will provide hands-on training for undergraduate students with perhaps their very first scientific research project.
This semester continues with more excitement, as Dr. Andrea Murray, faculty for Environmental Policy, will be addressing how anthropology and environmental policy plays a role in the marine resources that are currently managed in the TCI.
In other news, prior to student arrival, former faculty Dr. Aaron Henderson conducted a “Shark Week” in South Caicos with SFS alumni at CMRS. They were able to tag and release several sharks. Also, Research Fellow Dr. Charlotte de Fontaubert returned to study climate change impacts on turtle nesting beaches as part of a project funded in part by the Curtis and Edith Munson Foundation. During this time, we were able to find a nest that hatched some time ago and discovered three poor souls that were not quite able to make it out of the nest. However, this is a great sign that many more did survive and that the turtles continue to nest in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Photo: Dr. Charlotte de Fontaubert. Hawksbill turtle hatchlings from Bush Cay.
To sum up, the semester is off to a great start and each student group that enters the program is able to obtain different stories and set goals. SFS CMRS provides this amazing opportunity for future students, researchers, and affiliates to get their hands dirty, expand thinking, and create unlimited opportunities.
[post_title] => Get Up and Get Going!
[post_excerpt] => Excitement and enthusiasm has erupted at the SFS Center for Marine Resources Studies (CMRS) in South Caicos.
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[post_content] => Arriving in early September, students have already participated in a variety of enriching lectures, organism identification, anthropogenic surveys, and field exercises. Often students have been found working to the “wee” hours to obtain those last few bits of information that can assist them with the mid-term examinations and Directed Research ideas.
Faculty at the SFS Center for Marine Resource Studies have been actively working with students to prepare them for conducting scientific research. Already, students have selected the Directed Research project they will be working on for the remainder of the Fall 2015 semester. Projects include: StoryCorps and photovoice documentation of changes on South Caicos; feasabilty of composting Sargassum macroalgae (currently a major issue around the Caribbean); assessment of the biodiversity of reef habitat as part of climate change research; species-specific reef studies; and finfish, spiny lobster, and queen conch stock and landing assessment. While each student focuses on a different aspect, everyone will conduct a literature review, practice hands-on field techniques, analyze data, and produce a written report and group presentation at the end of the project.
As part of the preparation for Directed Research, the students participated in a Conch Field Exercise, a two-day field based activity to quantify the number of queen conch inside and outside of the East Harbor Lobster and Conch Reserve (EHLCR). 36 students set out with masks, fins, snorkels, and dive slates to conduct underwater visual surveys (UVS) that were 50 meters in length and 3 meters in width. At each of 24 sites, the students conducted three separate belt transects and collected all live conch within the belt, while reporting the habitat type. Once on board the vessel, students then measured the conch for siphonal length and lip thickness. The first day was exciting for everyone, but very few conch were recorded. However, the second day was a long day of multiple conch collections. One student group was amazed to have found more than 130 conch at the one site, with a total of 575 conch collected in 2 days’ time.
Students collecting queen conch from the transect. Photo: Tessa FosterQueen conch on the UVS for Conch Field Exercise. Photo: Tessa Foster
After data collection, students analyzed what they found. It is here that the students discovered that for all the hard work in the field, there is the same amount of hard work at a computer screen. Various analyses were conducted including comparisons of siphonal length and lip thickness both inside and outside the MPA; comparison of habitat to live conch abundance, and estimated overall abundance for both inside the reserve and on the Caicos Bank. Final reports were prepared, providing students the next step in the ladder towards the Directed Research Projects.
Measuring queen conch lip thickness. Photo: Tessa FosterCollection of queen conch from one site in EHLCR. Photo: Tessa FosterSFS students measuring and releasing queen conch.
Students also have the opportunity to be involved in other research aspects of the faculty including “turtling” and “lobster condo” visits. The data collected from these various outings are cataloged and retained for future analysis.
Measuring curved carapace length of a green sea turtle
Often students are discussing the days events and how filled the schedule appears, but never once have there been any complaints; rather, increased enthusiasm. This again is a major step that our future scientists and researchers must learn near the beginning of their education and careers. There is no rest for the weary; data collection, education, and research must go on.
[post_title] => Conch, I See Conch!
[post_excerpt] => Students set out with masks, fins, snorkels, and dive slates to conduct underwater visual surveys of queen conch abundance.
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[post_content] => A whole new group of excited and curious undergraduate students have arrived at the SFS Center for Marine Resources Studies (CMRS) on South Caicos, in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The first week is full of orientation, designed to prepare students for the academic activities, field exercises, and faculty-led research to come this semester. Each morning the students and staff gather together to review the schedule for the day, discussion announcements, reflect on our reasons for participating in this program, and engage in “get to know you” activities.
Schedule of activities for the first week. BUSY! Photo: Alex Kahn-JohnstonPhoto: Alex Kahn-Johnston
Academics consists of four upper-level courses, including Marine Ecology, Principles of Marine Resource Management, Environmental Policy and Socioeconomic Values, and Directed Research. The academic program is designed so that students participate in lectures, discussions, identification exercise, field exercise, and much more. Prior to actively conducting research and learning research techniques, the students must familiarize themselves with the Center and the physical demands of the program. As with each program that is conducted at the CMRS, this includes swim tests, dive checkouts, open water lectures (for new divers), and much more. The students have taken the initiative to obtain more skills so that they can enjoy the program activities more fully.
Student preparing for SCUBA dive check-outs. Photos: Kathy Lockhart & Alex Kahn-JohnstonSpring 2016 Students working on Excel practical for data analysis. Photo: Alex Kahn-Johnston
These courses are not just theoretical but provide a “hands-on” approach to research. In the next few weeks the students will be participating in field identification of mangroves, sea grasses, invertebrates, and vertebrates for a more physical perspective that will be lead by Dr. Eliza Garfield. Students will be set out in the natural environment and given the opportunity to physically identify key species in the marine environment, as it is essential to be able to identify these species for future Directed Research projects that will take place later in the semester.
Students have already been inquisitive about the potential projects and faculty-driven research projects. These projects include marine turtle tagging/measuring, BRUV (Baited Remote Underwater Visual) surveys, water quality, whale song monitoring, beach profiling, lionfish captures, and spiny lobster juvenile recruitment monitoring.
Other activities that will occur throughout the term include underwater visual surveys, dock catch monitoring, Coral Watch activities, mangrove and seagrass ground truthing, and coral reef biodiversity monitoring. There will and already have been many opportunities for the students to be as involved as possible in the marine environment. Additionally, CMRS will have guest lectures from community members to better describe, and answer questions about, local views of the surrounding community, island, and activities that can take place here.
Juvenile spiny lobster measurements from “condos”. Photo: Kathy LockhartSpring 2016 beach profiling. Photo: Lily Zhao
In other news, prior to student arrival, previous faculty member and Research Fellow Dr. Aaron Henderson visited the Center to continue his BRUV research. He was able to collect quite a bit of footage that will assist with the continued understanding of the sharks near South Caicos.
To sum up, the beginning of the semester is off to a great start and each student group that enters the program is excited and enthusiastic. Each time a new student group comes, previous semester students send messages that remark of how they miss the Center, activities, fellow classmates and the overall experience. This truly does provide one of the most amazing opportunities for future students, researchers, and affiliates to build their capacity, expand thinking, and create an amazing life-changing experience.
→ Marine Resource Studies Semester Program in the Turks & Caicos Islands
[post_title] => Exciting New Beginnings for Marine Science Enthusiasts
[post_excerpt] => The first week is orientation, designed to prepare students for the academic activities, field exercises, and faculty-led research to come this semester.
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[post_content] => The Center for Marine Resources Studies (CMRS) at The School for Field Studies in South Caicos is off to a roaring start. Twenty-eight college students from all over the world including Asia, United States, and the Turks and Caicos Islands have finally settled into the rigors of the routine for the Summer I course of Tropical Marine Ecosystems: Monitoring and Management. The adventure began when all the students arrived and completed a site tour, logistical meetings, swim check out, and waterfront safety meeting.
Students are now in the trenches of the academics of the course. After only a single day of course work, students have already realized that this program is stringent and demanding. Within two days, the students had their first identification (ID) quiz on organisms within the mangroves and sea grass; and one week into the program they are preparing for their ID exam for the mangroves and seagrass as well as both invertebrates and vertebrates.
However, identification is not the only part of the course. Lectures are conducted for the students to understand the background as to why research is done and how the research they do can directly affect stakeholders. Other activities that are expected throughout this session include an exercise on the Tragedy of the Commons, Field Exercises on mangroves, sea grass and corals; as well as an enforcement exercise, coral bleaching exercise, and reef check.
This summer program is allowing the students to partake in field research techniques and understand how they work. Often students from summer programs return to the home institution and attempt to be more involved in their local projects at school or in the community. In order for the students to be able to observe how the research affects the local stakeholders, this summer term will conduct research on the key Queen Conch species of the TCI. The information gathered will include size (siphonal length and lip thickness), location and abundance both inside and outside of the East Harbour Lobster and Conch Reserve (EHLCR). Upon completion of the data collection, the students will analyze the data and prepare group reports on the status of the Queen Conch project.
Additionally, the students have been involved with the local community through the outreach program. Everyone has appeared very enthusiastic to be involved with the young people of the TCI and assist in the understanding of the marine environment. Students have already partaken in the Marine Research Snorkel Club, swim lessons, arts / crafts, and soccer with the young people.
To sum up the course, the program has appeared to come full circle. This program has continued to evolve and this summer has been able to strengthen the goal of field research for college academia. Students that have participated in the summer programs have seemed to enjoy the activities, but often express interest in more “hands-on” research experiences. The summer 2016 incorporates applied scientific methods as a core course.
Invertebrate identification (Cushion sea star)Seagrass field exerciseSeagrass field exercise Community Soccer Game
As I have stated many times adventure and education are working cohesively in the Turks and Caicos Islands at the Center for Marine Resource Studies (CMRS), South Caicos.
However, academics have not been exclusive to the three projects. In an effort to maintain student interest and participation, personal staff research projects have also been introduced to the students for participation in data collection. A project that has been on-going is that the Marine Turtle Monitoring. At the Center, students are provided the opportunity to capture turtles, take measurements of the individuals, tag and release. The data from this project is used in conjunction with the Marine Conservancy and the Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA). It has been exhilarating to see students involved and excited about the research activities at the CMRS.
Finally, faculty are able to analysis their research and collaborate with other persons involved in research. In an effort to continue collaboration, faculty are involved in research beyond the scope of the student work. An article, Effects of Understanding Catch and Effort on Surplus Production Models, by Kristen Omari, J. Hoenig, M. Luehrin and K. Lockhart has been published in Fisheries Research 2016. It is exciting that the SFS program has been able to reach beyond the classroom and provide data of interest to a large group of stakeholders.
Queen Conch (Lobatus gigas)→ Marine Resource Studies in the Turks and Caicos Islands
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[post_content] => In early February 2017, students arrived to South Caicos with a sense of wonder and excitement. In a short period of time, they have been introduced to the array of marine science and environmental conditions that the Center and the marine environment have to offer. During the first few weeks, students have been attending classes in Marine Ecology, Resource Management and Environmental Policy. The classroom lectures are intermingled throughout the days with field exercises and identification exercises to provide a holistic approach to research that is undertaken with the school. After a solid base of the classroom briefings and instructions, the students were ready to initiate their field work by learning and participating in a Conch Visual Survey. The Conch FEX is a hands-on activity that allows the students to grasp the concepts of research by putting these skills to use in the marine environment.
Students heading out to the Conch Assessment field exercise (all photos courtesy of Kathy Lockhart)Students laying out a 50 meter transect for the Conch Assessment exercise
For two and a half days the students conducted three belt transects at 24 different sites located both inside and outside the East Harbour Lobster and Conch Reserve (EHLCR), South Caicos, TCI. Thirty-three students with masks, fins and snorkels conducted underwater visual surveys (UVS) that were 50 meters in length and 3 meters in width. Each transect consisted of determining the habitat type, number of dead conch and number alive. The number of conch observed at each of these sites ranged from zero to more than 240 conch. Once the conch were found alive, they were brought back to the boat for further measurement on each individual including siphonal length and lip thickness. It is through exercises like these that the students practiced their free-diving skills and identified habitat types, counted individuals and investigated other species that were found in the area. It is these types of exercises that prepare the students for their Directed Research activities that are starting soon.
Students laying the transectStudents checking the transect for live Queen Conch
The Directed Research projects are all unique and exciting; covering areas of marine ecology, resource management and environmental policy. Within a week’s time, the students will have selected their projects and started to investigate the background of the project. Enthusiasm and excitement is building in each of the students as they are anticipating the future research projects. The projects range from habitats of the various shark species, management of the fin-fishery, opportunities of the sea cucumber as a fishery, benthic development of the coral reefs, history of the queen conch middens, bird and iguana habitat and tourism expectations of the TCI. The personnel at CMRS have been working with all the students to assist them in the design and development of their projects for the preparation of scientific research. Each project will have a unique focus, but all will involve hands-on field techniques, analyzing data and producing a compulsory report at the end of the project.
Students measuring Queen Conch for siphonal length (mm)Students checking out the live Queen Conch protection within the shell→ Marine Resource Studies in the Turks & Caicos Islands
[post_title] => Building Up to Directed Research on TCI
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[post_content] => The School for Field Studies has always provided a “hands on” experience for students, as well as faculty members. The experience has now become full circle for this faculty member. The Center has always been one that is close to home for me, as I have been able to be a part of the Center as a student, Student Affairs Manager (SAM), Turks and Caicos Island community member, TCI Government collaborative official, and now as the natural resource management faculty.
This semester, students have had the opportunity to be included in current resource management issues in the Turks and Caicos Islands through a variety of activities. Faculty introduced local marine flora and fauna through field based identification, elaborated on the current conservation issues for the commercial and artisanal fisheries, and introduced the collaborative efforts between stakeholders for the socio-economic interest of the local community.
In order for the students to collectively understand the program and its courses, we conducted a underwater visual survey in the East Harbor Lobster and Conch Reserve (EHCLR) off of South Caicos. Students set out to conduct the surveys on the Queen Conch, which is a commercially important species to the TCI. Thirty two sites were snorkeled both inside and outside of EHCLR, where all of the conch were collected and landed on the boat and then measured before being returned to the open water. Based on data collected, the students were then to determine if the currently established MPA was functioning properly through current data analysis and comparisons to previous studies. Ultimately, students were able to document their findings and indicate if there were any challenges facing the Marine Protected Area and/or the Queen conch species.
This activity along with others have now set the stage for the up and coming Directed Research (DR) Projects that range from commercial marine fisheries, biological mega fauna, and socio-economic challenges for local community. The students were excited to get into the rigors of data collection. The first day of DR involved initial discussions with local community members, snorkeling juvenile lobster condos, fishing for bonefish, measuring dock landings, and observing mega fauna (sharks and stingrays). It appears to be an eventful beginning to the second case study and Directed Research.
[post_title] => Hands-On Experience Comes Full Circle
[post_excerpt] => I have been part of this Center as a student, Student Affairs Manager (SAM), community member, government collaborative official, and faculty.
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[post_content] => No rest for the weary at the SFS Center for Marine Resources Studies (CMRS) in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI). Anyone who ever said that island life is laid back and relaxing has never been to one of The School for Field Studies's programs. I remember the students first arriving at the CMRS in South Caicos, and stating what they most wanted out of the program. It was often said: sharks; dolphins; diving in beautiful waters; and understanding how important this place is to the local people.
Little did they realize that it is so much more. The students have now taken their strong background in ecology, marine resources management, and environmental policy to Directed Research (DR) projects that range from elasmobranchs to local commercial fisheries to stakeholder interpretations.
One of the most challenging Directed Research projects has been that of the fin-fishery. Data has been collected since 2006, but until recently local commercial fishers have had little discussion with regards to the regulation of the stocks and there has been some resistance with the discussion. The students of the fin-fish DR have been conducting visual surveys of the fin-fish populations both inside and outside of Marine Protected Areas, as well as working with local commercial fishermen to monitor and document catch sizes, biodiversity, and methodology of capture at the local docks. These students have really interacted with the local persons in South Caicos to better understand the source of the islanders' livelihoods and discuss how to manage this resource for future use.
In another project, students have gotten involved with spiny lobster monitoring by assisting local fishers and TCI government to deploy lobster casitas (artificial habitats) in fishermen-designated locations. Physical labor has become part of the normal routine in the islands. These same students have been able to monitor established juvenile lobster condos by snorkeling in the shallow waters of the Caicos Bank. This information can potentially provide insight predicting commercial catches. These students have also had the wonderful opportunity to work directly with the local people on one of the Islands' most valuable resources.
Although these are just two of the DR projects, there are many other projects that focus on topics besides local fisheries (elasmobranchs, eagle rays, coral reefs, to name a few), all of which work toward the Center’s 5-Year Research Plan. At the end of the this term, if the students are asked if they received what was expected at the beginning of the term, I think you would get an answer that is more than seeing megafauna. They have been able to receive information regarding ecology, resource management, and policy in class; but then applied all that they learned in the field and invested those skills in their projects.
Whether it was daytime, nighttime, on boats, in the Salinas, at the commercial fishing docks, or interviewing community members; you can be assured that these students and staff have taken pride in the important and meaningful work done at CMRS. When or where else in the world can an undergraduate student play a vital role in a local community and get a worldly view, while watching the sunset over turquoise waters?
[post_title] => Directed Research on South Caicos
[post_excerpt] => Anyone who ever said that island life is laid back and relaxing has never been to one of The School for Field Studies's programs.
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[post_content] => The 2015 spring semester is almost half completed; and as others have mentioned in their blog updates, the students are preparing to select their Directed Research Projects (DR) for the term. The faculty and staff at the SFS Center for Marine Resources Studies have been actively preparing students for the rigors of the research experience. Student research projects will address issues and concerns surrounding high priority questions and will provide valuable insight to proper authorities for management decisions and future policy measures.
For better preparation to conduct these important research objectives, the students have been involved in a variety of activities ranging from in-house debates, discussions, literature reviews, field data collection, data analysis, and report writing. The students have found that as exciting as the fieldwork is, there are necessary steps to prepare for collecting appropriate data in the field.
In the last week, the students conducted a two day queen conch visual survey field exercise (pictured below) both inside and outside of a Marine Protected Area (MPA). The materials and methods were provided to students that required them to snorkel the nearby open turquoise waters of South Caicos. A total of 48 site surveys were conducted, with each student swimming three belt transects and collecting information on habitat, conch density, morphometric measurements, and depths. The field experience was exciting, as many individuals “free dive” for conch to collect and measure for data analysis. After two long days in the field, students entered their finding on the computer for future analysis.
As often observed in the everyday life a researcher, students found that teamwork was the key to completing the task at hand, as they have worked together to analyze the data and write their reports. It is these types of field exercises that allow the students to become directly involved in the management practices and decision making of the stakeholders of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
These field exercises prepare the students for the Directed Research Projects. It is here that they will put their newly acquired skills to the test. Even though each project has a different aspect, these projects allow the students to partake in viable research practices that are priority for many of the stakeholders. For instance, the conch visual field exercise is being taken a step higher. Students will be conducting visual surveys across the Caicos Bank for the TCI government. The government will use these results in analysis to determine abundance for the Caicos Bank, which has not been done for the country since 2001. This opportunity allows for the SFS program to have direct input into country-wide statistical information on the commercial queen conch, which will assist in determining the current status of the fishery for the Turks and Caicos Islands. It is these experiences that make way for future professional researchers.
[post_title] => From Classroom to Stakeholder to Government Research
[post_excerpt] => Faculty and staff at the Center for Marine Resources Studies have been actively preparing students for the rigors of the research experience.
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[post_content] => Adventure and education go hand in hand at the SFS Center for Marine Resource Studies (CMRS) on South Caicos, Turks & Caicos Islands. This summer, students are engaged in field research that addresses local stakeholder questions. As part of the Summer II program, student concentrate on data collection, marine research techniques, and data interpretation for a final report and presentation.
I was a student at the CMRS more than 20 years ago. The program was interesting and exhilarating for someone from a land-locked school that wanted to experience the marine environment. Over the years, the program has continued to evolve and this summer has been no exception. In the past, students participating in the summer programs seemed to enjoy the activities, but often expressed interest in more “hands-on” research experiences. Now, summer programming incorporates applied scientific methods as a core course rather than a component of the course.
Last week, students from around the world arrived on South Caicos. Some participated in the previous Summer I session and opted to continue for the Summer II session to really get their hands dirty. Summer II research focuses on shallow reef health and condition, mangrove/seagrass economic value, and commercial fin-fish assessment. Everyone will be involved in the data collection for all three projects, and then each student will analyze and write about one of the research projects. Unlike many other study aboard programs, this will be an opportunity for students to be involved in a variety of projects and scientific methods of data collection, which benefits a student from any academic discipline.
At the start of the program, students were introduced to scientific methodology, research ethics, survey techniques, construction of a scientific paper, and data entry and analysis. It has been interesting to observe the students at different levels of their academic careers deciding what are his/her areas of interest for research and how to address a specific focus. Each project has different field research activities such as: diving and snorkeling on the reefs to lay transects and determine the species richness and health of the coral reefs; snorkeling and hiking through seagrass and mangroves while inspecting quadrats for coverage and taking ambient parameters to determine health and the economic value of those resources; and speaking with the local commercial fisherman about daily catch and measuring individual fish sizes and weights for further analysis.
In order for the students to be able to work on the projects effectively, CMRS faculty have developed potential questions for projects and the students can determine which focus they wish to pursue for their papers. It has indeed been gratifying to observe the students take the initiative to dig in and start reviewing literature for their research papers.
Academics have not been exclusive to the three projects. Faculty research projects have also been introduced to the students for participation in data collection. A project that has been ongoing since 2012 and prior to that for the Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA) is spiny lobster juvenile recruitment monitoring. Students capture juvenile lobster, take measurements of the individuals, and release them. The data from this project will potentially assist DEMA in predictions of the spiny lobster fishery commercial catches. It has been exhilarating to see students involved and excited about the research activities at the Center.
Through all my years of experience with CMRS, I appreciate the program's continued growth and development while working with the local and scientific community. It has been my pleasure to work with staff and students that are intrigued and excited to be active participants in the program.
[post_title] => Summer Research Adventure: Getting Your Hands Dirty!
[post_excerpt] => Adventure and education go hand in hand at the SFS Center for Marine Resource Studies on South Caicos.
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[post_content] => Excitement and enthusiasm has erupted at the SFS Center for Marine Resources Studies (CMRS) in South Caicos, Turks and Caicos Islands. Each student group that arrives enter the Center with high expectations and dreams for a life-changing experience, and that is indeed what they obtain here. With the students settling in, the group is excited to get started, but enjoys getting to know each other at the start of the program. At the start of each day, the students and staff gather together for morning meeting where we play “get to know you” games and review the schedule.
The program itself is designed for each student to participate in lectures, discussions, identification exercise, field exercises, and much more. However, the start of each session is where the students have to familiarize themselves with the Center and the physical demands of the program. This includes swim tests, dive checkouts, and much more. Once students have adapted and found their “groove”, they are able to fully participate in the program activities.
The program consists of four courses, including Marine Ecology, Principles of Resource Management, Socioeconomic Values & Environmental Policy, and Directed Research. Each of first three courses builds upon each other to fully encompass what the CMRS program is all about in the theoretical perspective. In the next few weeks, the students will be participating in field identification of mangrove, sea grass, invertebrates and vertebrates for a more physical perspective that will be lead by Dr. Eliza Garfield. Through snorkeling, students will be given the opportunity to physically identify key species in the marine environment, as it is essential for the students to be able to identify these species for future Directed Research projects that will take place later in the semester.
Students have already been inquisitive about the local seafood dishes as the spiny lobster season is open and queen conch is open for local consumption. In order to encourage students to fully understand the local fishery and cuisine, students will be trained on how to conduct viable scientific research through visual surveys, how to record the data, analyze and report the finding through various field exercises including the "Conch Assessment." It is here that the students will conduct visual transects both inside and outside a Marine Protected Area (MPA) and write a report of the findings. This project will allow students to better understand a species that is listed under Appendix II of the Convention of International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES). These types of exercises will provide hands-on training for undergraduate students with perhaps their very first scientific research project.
This semester continues with more excitement, as Dr. Andrea Murray, faculty for Environmental Policy, will be addressing how anthropology and environmental policy plays a role in the marine resources that are currently managed in the TCI.
In other news, prior to student arrival, former faculty Dr. Aaron Henderson conducted a “Shark Week” in South Caicos with SFS alumni at CMRS. They were able to tag and release several sharks. Also, Research Fellow Dr. Charlotte de Fontaubert returned to study climate change impacts on turtle nesting beaches as part of a project funded in part by the Curtis and Edith Munson Foundation. During this time, we were able to find a nest that hatched some time ago and discovered three poor souls that were not quite able to make it out of the nest. However, this is a great sign that many more did survive and that the turtles continue to nest in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Photo: Dr. Charlotte de Fontaubert. Hawksbill turtle hatchlings from Bush Cay.
To sum up, the semester is off to a great start and each student group that enters the program is able to obtain different stories and set goals. SFS CMRS provides this amazing opportunity for future students, researchers, and affiliates to get their hands dirty, expand thinking, and create unlimited opportunities.
[post_title] => Get Up and Get Going!
[post_excerpt] => Excitement and enthusiasm has erupted at the SFS Center for Marine Resources Studies (CMRS) in South Caicos.
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[post_content] => Arriving in early September, students have already participated in a variety of enriching lectures, organism identification, anthropogenic surveys, and field exercises. Often students have been found working to the “wee” hours to obtain those last few bits of information that can assist them with the mid-term examinations and Directed Research ideas.
Faculty at the SFS Center for Marine Resource Studies have been actively working with students to prepare them for conducting scientific research. Already, students have selected the Directed Research project they will be working on for the remainder of the Fall 2015 semester. Projects include: StoryCorps and photovoice documentation of changes on South Caicos; feasabilty of composting Sargassum macroalgae (currently a major issue around the Caribbean); assessment of the biodiversity of reef habitat as part of climate change research; species-specific reef studies; and finfish, spiny lobster, and queen conch stock and landing assessment. While each student focuses on a different aspect, everyone will conduct a literature review, practice hands-on field techniques, analyze data, and produce a written report and group presentation at the end of the project.
As part of the preparation for Directed Research, the students participated in a Conch Field Exercise, a two-day field based activity to quantify the number of queen conch inside and outside of the East Harbor Lobster and Conch Reserve (EHLCR). 36 students set out with masks, fins, snorkels, and dive slates to conduct underwater visual surveys (UVS) that were 50 meters in length and 3 meters in width. At each of 24 sites, the students conducted three separate belt transects and collected all live conch within the belt, while reporting the habitat type. Once on board the vessel, students then measured the conch for siphonal length and lip thickness. The first day was exciting for everyone, but very few conch were recorded. However, the second day was a long day of multiple conch collections. One student group was amazed to have found more than 130 conch at the one site, with a total of 575 conch collected in 2 days’ time.
Students collecting queen conch from the transect. Photo: Tessa FosterQueen conch on the UVS for Conch Field Exercise. Photo: Tessa Foster
After data collection, students analyzed what they found. It is here that the students discovered that for all the hard work in the field, there is the same amount of hard work at a computer screen. Various analyses were conducted including comparisons of siphonal length and lip thickness both inside and outside the MPA; comparison of habitat to live conch abundance, and estimated overall abundance for both inside the reserve and on the Caicos Bank. Final reports were prepared, providing students the next step in the ladder towards the Directed Research Projects.
Measuring queen conch lip thickness. Photo: Tessa FosterCollection of queen conch from one site in EHLCR. Photo: Tessa FosterSFS students measuring and releasing queen conch.
Students also have the opportunity to be involved in other research aspects of the faculty including “turtling” and “lobster condo” visits. The data collected from these various outings are cataloged and retained for future analysis.
Measuring curved carapace length of a green sea turtle
Often students are discussing the days events and how filled the schedule appears, but never once have there been any complaints; rather, increased enthusiasm. This again is a major step that our future scientists and researchers must learn near the beginning of their education and careers. There is no rest for the weary; data collection, education, and research must go on.
[post_title] => Conch, I See Conch!
[post_excerpt] => Students set out with masks, fins, snorkels, and dive slates to conduct underwater visual surveys of queen conch abundance.
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[post_content] => A whole new group of excited and curious undergraduate students have arrived at the SFS Center for Marine Resources Studies (CMRS) on South Caicos, in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The first week is full of orientation, designed to prepare students for the academic activities, field exercises, and faculty-led research to come this semester. Each morning the students and staff gather together to review the schedule for the day, discussion announcements, reflect on our reasons for participating in this program, and engage in “get to know you” activities.
Schedule of activities for the first week. BUSY! Photo: Alex Kahn-JohnstonPhoto: Alex Kahn-Johnston
Academics consists of four upper-level courses, including Marine Ecology, Principles of Marine Resource Management, Environmental Policy and Socioeconomic Values, and Directed Research. The academic program is designed so that students participate in lectures, discussions, identification exercise, field exercise, and much more. Prior to actively conducting research and learning research techniques, the students must familiarize themselves with the Center and the physical demands of the program. As with each program that is conducted at the CMRS, this includes swim tests, dive checkouts, open water lectures (for new divers), and much more. The students have taken the initiative to obtain more skills so that they can enjoy the program activities more fully.
Student preparing for SCUBA dive check-outs. Photos: Kathy Lockhart & Alex Kahn-JohnstonSpring 2016 Students working on Excel practical for data analysis. Photo: Alex Kahn-Johnston
These courses are not just theoretical but provide a “hands-on” approach to research. In the next few weeks the students will be participating in field identification of mangroves, sea grasses, invertebrates, and vertebrates for a more physical perspective that will be lead by Dr. Eliza Garfield. Students will be set out in the natural environment and given the opportunity to physically identify key species in the marine environment, as it is essential to be able to identify these species for future Directed Research projects that will take place later in the semester.
Students have already been inquisitive about the potential projects and faculty-driven research projects. These projects include marine turtle tagging/measuring, BRUV (Baited Remote Underwater Visual) surveys, water quality, whale song monitoring, beach profiling, lionfish captures, and spiny lobster juvenile recruitment monitoring.
Other activities that will occur throughout the term include underwater visual surveys, dock catch monitoring, Coral Watch activities, mangrove and seagrass ground truthing, and coral reef biodiversity monitoring. There will and already have been many opportunities for the students to be as involved as possible in the marine environment. Additionally, CMRS will have guest lectures from community members to better describe, and answer questions about, local views of the surrounding community, island, and activities that can take place here.
Juvenile spiny lobster measurements from “condos”. Photo: Kathy LockhartSpring 2016 beach profiling. Photo: Lily Zhao
In other news, prior to student arrival, previous faculty member and Research Fellow Dr. Aaron Henderson visited the Center to continue his BRUV research. He was able to collect quite a bit of footage that will assist with the continued understanding of the sharks near South Caicos.
To sum up, the beginning of the semester is off to a great start and each student group that enters the program is excited and enthusiastic. Each time a new student group comes, previous semester students send messages that remark of how they miss the Center, activities, fellow classmates and the overall experience. This truly does provide one of the most amazing opportunities for future students, researchers, and affiliates to build their capacity, expand thinking, and create an amazing life-changing experience.
→ Marine Resource Studies Semester Program in the Turks & Caicos Islands
[post_title] => Exciting New Beginnings for Marine Science Enthusiasts
[post_excerpt] => The first week is orientation, designed to prepare students for the academic activities, field exercises, and faculty-led research to come this semester.
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[post_content] => The Center for Marine Resources Studies (CMRS) at The School for Field Studies in South Caicos is off to a roaring start. Twenty-eight college students from all over the world including Asia, United States, and the Turks and Caicos Islands have finally settled into the rigors of the routine for the Summer I course of Tropical Marine Ecosystems: Monitoring and Management. The adventure began when all the students arrived and completed a site tour, logistical meetings, swim check out, and waterfront safety meeting.
Students are now in the trenches of the academics of the course. After only a single day of course work, students have already realized that this program is stringent and demanding. Within two days, the students had their first identification (ID) quiz on organisms within the mangroves and sea grass; and one week into the program they are preparing for their ID exam for the mangroves and seagrass as well as both invertebrates and vertebrates.
However, identification is not the only part of the course. Lectures are conducted for the students to understand the background as to why research is done and how the research they do can directly affect stakeholders. Other activities that are expected throughout this session include an exercise on the Tragedy of the Commons, Field Exercises on mangroves, sea grass and corals; as well as an enforcement exercise, coral bleaching exercise, and reef check.
This summer program is allowing the students to partake in field research techniques and understand how they work. Often students from summer programs return to the home institution and attempt to be more involved in their local projects at school or in the community. In order for the students to be able to observe how the research affects the local stakeholders, this summer term will conduct research on the key Queen Conch species of the TCI. The information gathered will include size (siphonal length and lip thickness), location and abundance both inside and outside of the East Harbour Lobster and Conch Reserve (EHLCR). Upon completion of the data collection, the students will analyze the data and prepare group reports on the status of the Queen Conch project.
Additionally, the students have been involved with the local community through the outreach program. Everyone has appeared very enthusiastic to be involved with the young people of the TCI and assist in the understanding of the marine environment. Students have already partaken in the Marine Research Snorkel Club, swim lessons, arts / crafts, and soccer with the young people.
To sum up the course, the program has appeared to come full circle. This program has continued to evolve and this summer has been able to strengthen the goal of field research for college academia. Students that have participated in the summer programs have seemed to enjoy the activities, but often express interest in more “hands-on” research experiences. The summer 2016 incorporates applied scientific methods as a core course.
Invertebrate identification (Cushion sea star)Seagrass field exerciseSeagrass field exercise Community Soccer Game
As I have stated many times adventure and education are working cohesively in the Turks and Caicos Islands at the Center for Marine Resource Studies (CMRS), South Caicos.
However, academics have not been exclusive to the three projects. In an effort to maintain student interest and participation, personal staff research projects have also been introduced to the students for participation in data collection. A project that has been on-going is that the Marine Turtle Monitoring. At the Center, students are provided the opportunity to capture turtles, take measurements of the individuals, tag and release. The data from this project is used in conjunction with the Marine Conservancy and the Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA). It has been exhilarating to see students involved and excited about the research activities at the CMRS.
Finally, faculty are able to analysis their research and collaborate with other persons involved in research. In an effort to continue collaboration, faculty are involved in research beyond the scope of the student work. An article, Effects of Understanding Catch and Effort on Surplus Production Models, by Kristen Omari, J. Hoenig, M. Luehrin and K. Lockhart has been published in Fisheries Research 2016. It is exciting that the SFS program has been able to reach beyond the classroom and provide data of interest to a large group of stakeholders.
Queen Conch (Lobatus gigas)→ Marine Resource Studies in the Turks and Caicos Islands
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[post_content] => In early February 2017, students arrived to South Caicos with a sense of wonder and excitement. In a short period of time, they have been introduced to the array of marine science and environmental conditions that the Center and the marine environment have to offer. During the first few weeks, students have been attending classes in Marine Ecology, Resource Management and Environmental Policy. The classroom lectures are intermingled throughout the days with field exercises and identification exercises to provide a holistic approach to research that is undertaken with the school. After a solid base of the classroom briefings and instructions, the students were ready to initiate their field work by learning and participating in a Conch Visual Survey. The Conch FEX is a hands-on activity that allows the students to grasp the concepts of research by putting these skills to use in the marine environment.
Students heading out to the Conch Assessment field exercise (all photos courtesy of Kathy Lockhart)Students laying out a 50 meter transect for the Conch Assessment exercise
For two and a half days the students conducted three belt transects at 24 different sites located both inside and outside the East Harbour Lobster and Conch Reserve (EHLCR), South Caicos, TCI. Thirty-three students with masks, fins and snorkels conducted underwater visual surveys (UVS) that were 50 meters in length and 3 meters in width. Each transect consisted of determining the habitat type, number of dead conch and number alive. The number of conch observed at each of these sites ranged from zero to more than 240 conch. Once the conch were found alive, they were brought back to the boat for further measurement on each individual including siphonal length and lip thickness. It is through exercises like these that the students practiced their free-diving skills and identified habitat types, counted individuals and investigated other species that were found in the area. It is these types of exercises that prepare the students for their Directed Research activities that are starting soon.
Students laying the transectStudents checking the transect for live Queen Conch
The Directed Research projects are all unique and exciting; covering areas of marine ecology, resource management and environmental policy. Within a week’s time, the students will have selected their projects and started to investigate the background of the project. Enthusiasm and excitement is building in each of the students as they are anticipating the future research projects. The projects range from habitats of the various shark species, management of the fin-fishery, opportunities of the sea cucumber as a fishery, benthic development of the coral reefs, history of the queen conch middens, bird and iguana habitat and tourism expectations of the TCI. The personnel at CMRS have been working with all the students to assist them in the design and development of their projects for the preparation of scientific research. Each project will have a unique focus, but all will involve hands-on field techniques, analyzing data and producing a compulsory report at the end of the project.
Students measuring Queen Conch for siphonal length (mm)Students checking out the live Queen Conch protection within the shell→ Marine Resource Studies in the Turks & Caicos Islands
[post_title] => Building Up to Directed Research on TCI
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[post_content] => The School for Field Studies has always provided a “hands on” experience for students, as well as faculty members. The experience has now become full circle for this faculty member. The Center has always been one that is close to home for me, as I have been able to be a part of the Center as a student, Student Affairs Manager (SAM), Turks and Caicos Island community member, TCI Government collaborative official, and now as the natural resource management faculty.
This semester, students have had the opportunity to be included in current resource management issues in the Turks and Caicos Islands through a variety of activities. Faculty introduced local marine flora and fauna through field based identification, elaborated on the current conservation issues for the commercial and artisanal fisheries, and introduced the collaborative efforts between stakeholders for the socio-economic interest of the local community.
In order for the students to collectively understand the program and its courses, we conducted a underwater visual survey in the East Harbor Lobster and Conch Reserve (EHCLR) off of South Caicos. Students set out to conduct the surveys on the Queen Conch, which is a commercially important species to the TCI. Thirty two sites were snorkeled both inside and outside of EHCLR, where all of the conch were collected and landed on the boat and then measured before being returned to the open water. Based on data collected, the students were then to determine if the currently established MPA was functioning properly through current data analysis and comparisons to previous studies. Ultimately, students were able to document their findings and indicate if there were any challenges facing the Marine Protected Area and/or the Queen conch species.
This activity along with others have now set the stage for the up and coming Directed Research (DR) Projects that range from commercial marine fisheries, biological mega fauna, and socio-economic challenges for local community. The students were excited to get into the rigors of data collection. The first day of DR involved initial discussions with local community members, snorkeling juvenile lobster condos, fishing for bonefish, measuring dock landings, and observing mega fauna (sharks and stingrays). It appears to be an eventful beginning to the second case study and Directed Research.
[post_title] => Hands-On Experience Comes Full Circle
[post_excerpt] => I have been part of this Center as a student, Student Affairs Manager (SAM), community member, government collaborative official, and faculty.
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[post_content] => No rest for the weary at the SFS Center for Marine Resources Studies (CMRS) in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI). Anyone who ever said that island life is laid back and relaxing has never been to one of The School for Field Studies's programs. I remember the students first arriving at the CMRS in South Caicos, and stating what they most wanted out of the program. It was often said: sharks; dolphins; diving in beautiful waters; and understanding how important this place is to the local people.
Little did they realize that it is so much more. The students have now taken their strong background in ecology, marine resources management, and environmental policy to Directed Research (DR) projects that range from elasmobranchs to local commercial fisheries to stakeholder interpretations.
One of the most challenging Directed Research projects has been that of the fin-fishery. Data has been collected since 2006, but until recently local commercial fishers have had little discussion with regards to the regulation of the stocks and there has been some resistance with the discussion. The students of the fin-fish DR have been conducting visual surveys of the fin-fish populations both inside and outside of Marine Protected Areas, as well as working with local commercial fishermen to monitor and document catch sizes, biodiversity, and methodology of capture at the local docks. These students have really interacted with the local persons in South Caicos to better understand the source of the islanders' livelihoods and discuss how to manage this resource for future use.
In another project, students have gotten involved with spiny lobster monitoring by assisting local fishers and TCI government to deploy lobster casitas (artificial habitats) in fishermen-designated locations. Physical labor has become part of the normal routine in the islands. These same students have been able to monitor established juvenile lobster condos by snorkeling in the shallow waters of the Caicos Bank. This information can potentially provide insight predicting commercial catches. These students have also had the wonderful opportunity to work directly with the local people on one of the Islands' most valuable resources.
Although these are just two of the DR projects, there are many other projects that focus on topics besides local fisheries (elasmobranchs, eagle rays, coral reefs, to name a few), all of which work toward the Center’s 5-Year Research Plan. At the end of the this term, if the students are asked if they received what was expected at the beginning of the term, I think you would get an answer that is more than seeing megafauna. They have been able to receive information regarding ecology, resource management, and policy in class; but then applied all that they learned in the field and invested those skills in their projects.
Whether it was daytime, nighttime, on boats, in the Salinas, at the commercial fishing docks, or interviewing community members; you can be assured that these students and staff have taken pride in the important and meaningful work done at CMRS. When or where else in the world can an undergraduate student play a vital role in a local community and get a worldly view, while watching the sunset over turquoise waters?
[post_title] => Directed Research on South Caicos
[post_excerpt] => Anyone who ever said that island life is laid back and relaxing has never been to one of The School for Field Studies's programs.
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[post_content] => The 2015 spring semester is almost half completed; and as others have mentioned in their blog updates, the students are preparing to select their Directed Research Projects (DR) for the term. The faculty and staff at the SFS Center for Marine Resources Studies have been actively preparing students for the rigors of the research experience. Student research projects will address issues and concerns surrounding high priority questions and will provide valuable insight to proper authorities for management decisions and future policy measures.
For better preparation to conduct these important research objectives, the students have been involved in a variety of activities ranging from in-house debates, discussions, literature reviews, field data collection, data analysis, and report writing. The students have found that as exciting as the fieldwork is, there are necessary steps to prepare for collecting appropriate data in the field.
In the last week, the students conducted a two day queen conch visual survey field exercise (pictured below) both inside and outside of a Marine Protected Area (MPA). The materials and methods were provided to students that required them to snorkel the nearby open turquoise waters of South Caicos. A total of 48 site surveys were conducted, with each student swimming three belt transects and collecting information on habitat, conch density, morphometric measurements, and depths. The field experience was exciting, as many individuals “free dive” for conch to collect and measure for data analysis. After two long days in the field, students entered their finding on the computer for future analysis.
As often observed in the everyday life a researcher, students found that teamwork was the key to completing the task at hand, as they have worked together to analyze the data and write their reports. It is these types of field exercises that allow the students to become directly involved in the management practices and decision making of the stakeholders of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
These field exercises prepare the students for the Directed Research Projects. It is here that they will put their newly acquired skills to the test. Even though each project has a different aspect, these projects allow the students to partake in viable research practices that are priority for many of the stakeholders. For instance, the conch visual field exercise is being taken a step higher. Students will be conducting visual surveys across the Caicos Bank for the TCI government. The government will use these results in analysis to determine abundance for the Caicos Bank, which has not been done for the country since 2001. This opportunity allows for the SFS program to have direct input into country-wide statistical information on the commercial queen conch, which will assist in determining the current status of the fishery for the Turks and Caicos Islands. It is these experiences that make way for future professional researchers.
[post_title] => From Classroom to Stakeholder to Government Research
[post_excerpt] => Faculty and staff at the Center for Marine Resources Studies have been actively preparing students for the rigors of the research experience.
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[post_content] => Adventure and education go hand in hand at the SFS Center for Marine Resource Studies (CMRS) on South Caicos, Turks & Caicos Islands. This summer, students are engaged in field research that addresses local stakeholder questions. As part of the Summer II program, student concentrate on data collection, marine research techniques, and data interpretation for a final report and presentation.
I was a student at the CMRS more than 20 years ago. The program was interesting and exhilarating for someone from a land-locked school that wanted to experience the marine environment. Over the years, the program has continued to evolve and this summer has been no exception. In the past, students participating in the summer programs seemed to enjoy the activities, but often expressed interest in more “hands-on” research experiences. Now, summer programming incorporates applied scientific methods as a core course rather than a component of the course.
Last week, students from around the world arrived on South Caicos. Some participated in the previous Summer I session and opted to continue for the Summer II session to really get their hands dirty. Summer II research focuses on shallow reef health and condition, mangrove/seagrass economic value, and commercial fin-fish assessment. Everyone will be involved in the data collection for all three projects, and then each student will analyze and write about one of the research projects. Unlike many other study aboard programs, this will be an opportunity for students to be involved in a variety of projects and scientific methods of data collection, which benefits a student from any academic discipline.
At the start of the program, students were introduced to scientific methodology, research ethics, survey techniques, construction of a scientific paper, and data entry and analysis. It has been interesting to observe the students at different levels of their academic careers deciding what are his/her areas of interest for research and how to address a specific focus. Each project has different field research activities such as: diving and snorkeling on the reefs to lay transects and determine the species richness and health of the coral reefs; snorkeling and hiking through seagrass and mangroves while inspecting quadrats for coverage and taking ambient parameters to determine health and the economic value of those resources; and speaking with the local commercial fisherman about daily catch and measuring individual fish sizes and weights for further analysis.
In order for the students to be able to work on the projects effectively, CMRS faculty have developed potential questions for projects and the students can determine which focus they wish to pursue for their papers. It has indeed been gratifying to observe the students take the initiative to dig in and start reviewing literature for their research papers.
Academics have not been exclusive to the three projects. Faculty research projects have also been introduced to the students for participation in data collection. A project that has been ongoing since 2012 and prior to that for the Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA) is spiny lobster juvenile recruitment monitoring. Students capture juvenile lobster, take measurements of the individuals, and release them. The data from this project will potentially assist DEMA in predictions of the spiny lobster fishery commercial catches. It has been exhilarating to see students involved and excited about the research activities at the Center.
Through all my years of experience with CMRS, I appreciate the program's continued growth and development while working with the local and scientific community. It has been my pleasure to work with staff and students that are intrigued and excited to be active participants in the program.
[post_title] => Summer Research Adventure: Getting Your Hands Dirty!
[post_excerpt] => Adventure and education go hand in hand at the SFS Center for Marine Resource Studies on South Caicos.
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[post_content] => Excitement and enthusiasm has erupted at the SFS Center for Marine Resources Studies (CMRS) in South Caicos, Turks and Caicos Islands. Each student group that arrives enter the Center with high expectations and dreams for a life-changing experience, and that is indeed what they obtain here. With the students settling in, the group is excited to get started, but enjoys getting to know each other at the start of the program. At the start of each day, the students and staff gather together for morning meeting where we play “get to know you” games and review the schedule.
The program itself is designed for each student to participate in lectures, discussions, identification exercise, field exercises, and much more. However, the start of each session is where the students have to familiarize themselves with the Center and the physical demands of the program. This includes swim tests, dive checkouts, and much more. Once students have adapted and found their “groove”, they are able to fully participate in the program activities.
The program consists of four courses, including Marine Ecology, Principles of Resource Management, Socioeconomic Values & Environmental Policy, and Directed Research. Each of first three courses builds upon each other to fully encompass what the CMRS program is all about in the theoretical perspective. In the next few weeks, the students will be participating in field identification of mangrove, sea grass, invertebrates and vertebrates for a more physical perspective that will be lead by Dr. Eliza Garfield. Through snorkeling, students will be given the opportunity to physically identify key species in the marine environment, as it is essential for the students to be able to identify these species for future Directed Research projects that will take place later in the semester.
Students have already been inquisitive about the local seafood dishes as the spiny lobster season is open and queen conch is open for local consumption. In order to encourage students to fully understand the local fishery and cuisine, students will be trained on how to conduct viable scientific research through visual surveys, how to record the data, analyze and report the finding through various field exercises including the "Conch Assessment." It is here that the students will conduct visual transects both inside and outside a Marine Protected Area (MPA) and write a report of the findings. This project will allow students to better understand a species that is listed under Appendix II of the Convention of International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES). These types of exercises will provide hands-on training for undergraduate students with perhaps their very first scientific research project.
This semester continues with more excitement, as Dr. Andrea Murray, faculty for Environmental Policy, will be addressing how anthropology and environmental policy plays a role in the marine resources that are currently managed in the TCI.
In other news, prior to student arrival, former faculty Dr. Aaron Henderson conducted a “Shark Week” in South Caicos with SFS alumni at CMRS. They were able to tag and release several sharks. Also, Research Fellow Dr. Charlotte de Fontaubert returned to study climate change impacts on turtle nesting beaches as part of a project funded in part by the Curtis and Edith Munson Foundation. During this time, we were able to find a nest that hatched some time ago and discovered three poor souls that were not quite able to make it out of the nest. However, this is a great sign that many more did survive and that the turtles continue to nest in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Photo: Dr. Charlotte de Fontaubert. Hawksbill turtle hatchlings from Bush Cay.
To sum up, the semester is off to a great start and each student group that enters the program is able to obtain different stories and set goals. SFS CMRS provides this amazing opportunity for future students, researchers, and affiliates to get their hands dirty, expand thinking, and create unlimited opportunities.
[post_title] => Get Up and Get Going!
[post_excerpt] => Excitement and enthusiasm has erupted at the SFS Center for Marine Resources Studies (CMRS) in South Caicos.
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[post_content] => Arriving in early September, students have already participated in a variety of enriching lectures, organism identification, anthropogenic surveys, and field exercises. Often students have been found working to the “wee” hours to obtain those last few bits of information that can assist them with the mid-term examinations and Directed Research ideas.
Faculty at the SFS Center for Marine Resource Studies have been actively working with students to prepare them for conducting scientific research. Already, students have selected the Directed Research project they will be working on for the remainder of the Fall 2015 semester. Projects include: StoryCorps and photovoice documentation of changes on South Caicos; feasabilty of composting Sargassum macroalgae (currently a major issue around the Caribbean); assessment of the biodiversity of reef habitat as part of climate change research; species-specific reef studies; and finfish, spiny lobster, and queen conch stock and landing assessment. While each student focuses on a different aspect, everyone will conduct a literature review, practice hands-on field techniques, analyze data, and produce a written report and group presentation at the end of the project.
As part of the preparation for Directed Research, the students participated in a Conch Field Exercise, a two-day field based activity to quantify the number of queen conch inside and outside of the East Harbor Lobster and Conch Reserve (EHLCR). 36 students set out with masks, fins, snorkels, and dive slates to conduct underwater visual surveys (UVS) that were 50 meters in length and 3 meters in width. At each of 24 sites, the students conducted three separate belt transects and collected all live conch within the belt, while reporting the habitat type. Once on board the vessel, students then measured the conch for siphonal length and lip thickness. The first day was exciting for everyone, but very few conch were recorded. However, the second day was a long day of multiple conch collections. One student group was amazed to have found more than 130 conch at the one site, with a total of 575 conch collected in 2 days’ time.
Students collecting queen conch from the transect. Photo: Tessa FosterQueen conch on the UVS for Conch Field Exercise. Photo: Tessa Foster
After data collection, students analyzed what they found. It is here that the students discovered that for all the hard work in the field, there is the same amount of hard work at a computer screen. Various analyses were conducted including comparisons of siphonal length and lip thickness both inside and outside the MPA; comparison of habitat to live conch abundance, and estimated overall abundance for both inside the reserve and on the Caicos Bank. Final reports were prepared, providing students the next step in the ladder towards the Directed Research Projects.
Measuring queen conch lip thickness. Photo: Tessa FosterCollection of queen conch from one site in EHLCR. Photo: Tessa FosterSFS students measuring and releasing queen conch.
Students also have the opportunity to be involved in other research aspects of the faculty including “turtling” and “lobster condo” visits. The data collected from these various outings are cataloged and retained for future analysis.
Measuring curved carapace length of a green sea turtle
Often students are discussing the days events and how filled the schedule appears, but never once have there been any complaints; rather, increased enthusiasm. This again is a major step that our future scientists and researchers must learn near the beginning of their education and careers. There is no rest for the weary; data collection, education, and research must go on.
[post_title] => Conch, I See Conch!
[post_excerpt] => Students set out with masks, fins, snorkels, and dive slates to conduct underwater visual surveys of queen conch abundance.
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[post_content] => A whole new group of excited and curious undergraduate students have arrived at the SFS Center for Marine Resources Studies (CMRS) on South Caicos, in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The first week is full of orientation, designed to prepare students for the academic activities, field exercises, and faculty-led research to come this semester. Each morning the students and staff gather together to review the schedule for the day, discussion announcements, reflect on our reasons for participating in this program, and engage in “get to know you” activities.
Schedule of activities for the first week. BUSY! Photo: Alex Kahn-JohnstonPhoto: Alex Kahn-Johnston
Academics consists of four upper-level courses, including Marine Ecology, Principles of Marine Resource Management, Environmental Policy and Socioeconomic Values, and Directed Research. The academic program is designed so that students participate in lectures, discussions, identification exercise, field exercise, and much more. Prior to actively conducting research and learning research techniques, the students must familiarize themselves with the Center and the physical demands of the program. As with each program that is conducted at the CMRS, this includes swim tests, dive checkouts, open water lectures (for new divers), and much more. The students have taken the initiative to obtain more skills so that they can enjoy the program activities more fully.
Student preparing for SCUBA dive check-outs. Photos: Kathy Lockhart & Alex Kahn-JohnstonSpring 2016 Students working on Excel practical for data analysis. Photo: Alex Kahn-Johnston
These courses are not just theoretical but provide a “hands-on” approach to research. In the next few weeks the students will be participating in field identification of mangroves, sea grasses, invertebrates, and vertebrates for a more physical perspective that will be lead by Dr. Eliza Garfield. Students will be set out in the natural environment and given the opportunity to physically identify key species in the marine environment, as it is essential to be able to identify these species for future Directed Research projects that will take place later in the semester.
Students have already been inquisitive about the potential projects and faculty-driven research projects. These projects include marine turtle tagging/measuring, BRUV (Baited Remote Underwater Visual) surveys, water quality, whale song monitoring, beach profiling, lionfish captures, and spiny lobster juvenile recruitment monitoring.
Other activities that will occur throughout the term include underwater visual surveys, dock catch monitoring, Coral Watch activities, mangrove and seagrass ground truthing, and coral reef biodiversity monitoring. There will and already have been many opportunities for the students to be as involved as possible in the marine environment. Additionally, CMRS will have guest lectures from community members to better describe, and answer questions about, local views of the surrounding community, island, and activities that can take place here.
Juvenile spiny lobster measurements from “condos”. Photo: Kathy LockhartSpring 2016 beach profiling. Photo: Lily Zhao
In other news, prior to student arrival, previous faculty member and Research Fellow Dr. Aaron Henderson visited the Center to continue his BRUV research. He was able to collect quite a bit of footage that will assist with the continued understanding of the sharks near South Caicos.
To sum up, the beginning of the semester is off to a great start and each student group that enters the program is excited and enthusiastic. Each time a new student group comes, previous semester students send messages that remark of how they miss the Center, activities, fellow classmates and the overall experience. This truly does provide one of the most amazing opportunities for future students, researchers, and affiliates to build their capacity, expand thinking, and create an amazing life-changing experience.
→ Marine Resource Studies Semester Program in the Turks & Caicos Islands
[post_title] => Exciting New Beginnings for Marine Science Enthusiasts
[post_excerpt] => The first week is orientation, designed to prepare students for the academic activities, field exercises, and faculty-led research to come this semester.
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[post_content] => The Center for Marine Resources Studies (CMRS) at The School for Field Studies in South Caicos is off to a roaring start. Twenty-eight college students from all over the world including Asia, United States, and the Turks and Caicos Islands have finally settled into the rigors of the routine for the Summer I course of Tropical Marine Ecosystems: Monitoring and Management. The adventure began when all the students arrived and completed a site tour, logistical meetings, swim check out, and waterfront safety meeting.
Students are now in the trenches of the academics of the course. After only a single day of course work, students have already realized that this program is stringent and demanding. Within two days, the students had their first identification (ID) quiz on organisms within the mangroves and sea grass; and one week into the program they are preparing for their ID exam for the mangroves and seagrass as well as both invertebrates and vertebrates.
However, identification is not the only part of the course. Lectures are conducted for the students to understand the background as to why research is done and how the research they do can directly affect stakeholders. Other activities that are expected throughout this session include an exercise on the Tragedy of the Commons, Field Exercises on mangroves, sea grass and corals; as well as an enforcement exercise, coral bleaching exercise, and reef check.
This summer program is allowing the students to partake in field research techniques and understand how they work. Often students from summer programs return to the home institution and attempt to be more involved in their local projects at school or in the community. In order for the students to be able to observe how the research affects the local stakeholders, this summer term will conduct research on the key Queen Conch species of the TCI. The information gathered will include size (siphonal length and lip thickness), location and abundance both inside and outside of the East Harbour Lobster and Conch Reserve (EHLCR). Upon completion of the data collection, the students will analyze the data and prepare group reports on the status of the Queen Conch project.
Additionally, the students have been involved with the local community through the outreach program. Everyone has appeared very enthusiastic to be involved with the young people of the TCI and assist in the understanding of the marine environment. Students have already partaken in the Marine Research Snorkel Club, swim lessons, arts / crafts, and soccer with the young people.
To sum up the course, the program has appeared to come full circle. This program has continued to evolve and this summer has been able to strengthen the goal of field research for college academia. Students that have participated in the summer programs have seemed to enjoy the activities, but often express interest in more “hands-on” research experiences. The summer 2016 incorporates applied scientific methods as a core course.
Invertebrate identification (Cushion sea star)Seagrass field exerciseSeagrass field exercise Community Soccer Game
As I have stated many times adventure and education are working cohesively in the Turks and Caicos Islands at the Center for Marine Resource Studies (CMRS), South Caicos.
However, academics have not been exclusive to the three projects. In an effort to maintain student interest and participation, personal staff research projects have also been introduced to the students for participation in data collection. A project that has been on-going is that the Marine Turtle Monitoring. At the Center, students are provided the opportunity to capture turtles, take measurements of the individuals, tag and release. The data from this project is used in conjunction with the Marine Conservancy and the Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA). It has been exhilarating to see students involved and excited about the research activities at the CMRS.
Finally, faculty are able to analysis their research and collaborate with other persons involved in research. In an effort to continue collaboration, faculty are involved in research beyond the scope of the student work. An article, Effects of Understanding Catch and Effort on Surplus Production Models, by Kristen Omari, J. Hoenig, M. Luehrin and K. Lockhart has been published in Fisheries Research 2016. It is exciting that the SFS program has been able to reach beyond the classroom and provide data of interest to a large group of stakeholders.
Queen Conch (Lobatus gigas)→ Marine Resource Studies in the Turks and Caicos Islands
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[post_content] => In early February 2017, students arrived to South Caicos with a sense of wonder and excitement. In a short period of time, they have been introduced to the array of marine science and environmental conditions that the Center and the marine environment have to offer. During the first few weeks, students have been attending classes in Marine Ecology, Resource Management and Environmental Policy. The classroom lectures are intermingled throughout the days with field exercises and identification exercises to provide a holistic approach to research that is undertaken with the school. After a solid base of the classroom briefings and instructions, the students were ready to initiate their field work by learning and participating in a Conch Visual Survey. The Conch FEX is a hands-on activity that allows the students to grasp the concepts of research by putting these skills to use in the marine environment.
Students heading out to the Conch Assessment field exercise (all photos courtesy of Kathy Lockhart)Students laying out a 50 meter transect for the Conch Assessment exercise
For two and a half days the students conducted three belt transects at 24 different sites located both inside and outside the East Harbour Lobster and Conch Reserve (EHLCR), South Caicos, TCI. Thirty-three students with masks, fins and snorkels conducted underwater visual surveys (UVS) that were 50 meters in length and 3 meters in width. Each transect consisted of determining the habitat type, number of dead conch and number alive. The number of conch observed at each of these sites ranged from zero to more than 240 conch. Once the conch were found alive, they were brought back to the boat for further measurement on each individual including siphonal length and lip thickness. It is through exercises like these that the students practiced their free-diving skills and identified habitat types, counted individuals and investigated other species that were found in the area. It is these types of exercises that prepare the students for their Directed Research activities that are starting soon.
Students laying the transectStudents checking the transect for live Queen Conch
The Directed Research projects are all unique and exciting; covering areas of marine ecology, resource management and environmental policy. Within a week’s time, the students will have selected their projects and started to investigate the background of the project. Enthusiasm and excitement is building in each of the students as they are anticipating the future research projects. The projects range from habitats of the various shark species, management of the fin-fishery, opportunities of the sea cucumber as a fishery, benthic development of the coral reefs, history of the queen conch middens, bird and iguana habitat and tourism expectations of the TCI. The personnel at CMRS have been working with all the students to assist them in the design and development of their projects for the preparation of scientific research. Each project will have a unique focus, but all will involve hands-on field techniques, analyzing data and producing a compulsory report at the end of the project.
Students measuring Queen Conch for siphonal length (mm)Students checking out the live Queen Conch protection within the shell→ Marine Resource Studies in the Turks & Caicos Islands
[post_title] => Building Up to Directed Research on TCI
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[post_content] => The School for Field Studies has always provided a “hands on” experience for students, as well as faculty members. The experience has now become full circle for this faculty member. The Center has always been one that is close to home for me, as I have been able to be a part of the Center as a student, Student Affairs Manager (SAM), Turks and Caicos Island community member, TCI Government collaborative official, and now as the natural resource management faculty.
This semester, students have had the opportunity to be included in current resource management issues in the Turks and Caicos Islands through a variety of activities. Faculty introduced local marine flora and fauna through field based identification, elaborated on the current conservation issues for the commercial and artisanal fisheries, and introduced the collaborative efforts between stakeholders for the socio-economic interest of the local community.
In order for the students to collectively understand the program and its courses, we conducted a underwater visual survey in the East Harbor Lobster and Conch Reserve (EHCLR) off of South Caicos. Students set out to conduct the surveys on the Queen Conch, which is a commercially important species to the TCI. Thirty two sites were snorkeled both inside and outside of EHCLR, where all of the conch were collected and landed on the boat and then measured before being returned to the open water. Based on data collected, the students were then to determine if the currently established MPA was functioning properly through current data analysis and comparisons to previous studies. Ultimately, students were able to document their findings and indicate if there were any challenges facing the Marine Protected Area and/or the Queen conch species.
This activity along with others have now set the stage for the up and coming Directed Research (DR) Projects that range from commercial marine fisheries, biological mega fauna, and socio-economic challenges for local community. The students were excited to get into the rigors of data collection. The first day of DR involved initial discussions with local community members, snorkeling juvenile lobster condos, fishing for bonefish, measuring dock landings, and observing mega fauna (sharks and stingrays). It appears to be an eventful beginning to the second case study and Directed Research.
[post_title] => Hands-On Experience Comes Full Circle
[post_excerpt] => I have been part of this Center as a student, Student Affairs Manager (SAM), community member, government collaborative official, and faculty.
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[post_content] => No rest for the weary at the SFS Center for Marine Resources Studies (CMRS) in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI). Anyone who ever said that island life is laid back and relaxing has never been to one of The School for Field Studies's programs. I remember the students first arriving at the CMRS in South Caicos, and stating what they most wanted out of the program. It was often said: sharks; dolphins; diving in beautiful waters; and understanding how important this place is to the local people.
Little did they realize that it is so much more. The students have now taken their strong background in ecology, marine resources management, and environmental policy to Directed Research (DR) projects that range from elasmobranchs to local commercial fisheries to stakeholder interpretations.
One of the most challenging Directed Research projects has been that of the fin-fishery. Data has been collected since 2006, but until recently local commercial fishers have had little discussion with regards to the regulation of the stocks and there has been some resistance with the discussion. The students of the fin-fish DR have been conducting visual surveys of the fin-fish populations both inside and outside of Marine Protected Areas, as well as working with local commercial fishermen to monitor and document catch sizes, biodiversity, and methodology of capture at the local docks. These students have really interacted with the local persons in South Caicos to better understand the source of the islanders' livelihoods and discuss how to manage this resource for future use.
In another project, students have gotten involved with spiny lobster monitoring by assisting local fishers and TCI government to deploy lobster casitas (artificial habitats) in fishermen-designated locations. Physical labor has become part of the normal routine in the islands. These same students have been able to monitor established juvenile lobster condos by snorkeling in the shallow waters of the Caicos Bank. This information can potentially provide insight predicting commercial catches. These students have also had the wonderful opportunity to work directly with the local people on one of the Islands' most valuable resources.
Although these are just two of the DR projects, there are many other projects that focus on topics besides local fisheries (elasmobranchs, eagle rays, coral reefs, to name a few), all of which work toward the Center’s 5-Year Research Plan. At the end of the this term, if the students are asked if they received what was expected at the beginning of the term, I think you would get an answer that is more than seeing megafauna. They have been able to receive information regarding ecology, resource management, and policy in class; but then applied all that they learned in the field and invested those skills in their projects.
Whether it was daytime, nighttime, on boats, in the Salinas, at the commercial fishing docks, or interviewing community members; you can be assured that these students and staff have taken pride in the important and meaningful work done at CMRS. When or where else in the world can an undergraduate student play a vital role in a local community and get a worldly view, while watching the sunset over turquoise waters?
[post_title] => Directed Research on South Caicos
[post_excerpt] => Anyone who ever said that island life is laid back and relaxing has never been to one of The School for Field Studies's programs.
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[post_content] => The 2015 spring semester is almost half completed; and as others have mentioned in their blog updates, the students are preparing to select their Directed Research Projects (DR) for the term. The faculty and staff at the SFS Center for Marine Resources Studies have been actively preparing students for the rigors of the research experience. Student research projects will address issues and concerns surrounding high priority questions and will provide valuable insight to proper authorities for management decisions and future policy measures.
For better preparation to conduct these important research objectives, the students have been involved in a variety of activities ranging from in-house debates, discussions, literature reviews, field data collection, data analysis, and report writing. The students have found that as exciting as the fieldwork is, there are necessary steps to prepare for collecting appropriate data in the field.
In the last week, the students conducted a two day queen conch visual survey field exercise (pictured below) both inside and outside of a Marine Protected Area (MPA). The materials and methods were provided to students that required them to snorkel the nearby open turquoise waters of South Caicos. A total of 48 site surveys were conducted, with each student swimming three belt transects and collecting information on habitat, conch density, morphometric measurements, and depths. The field experience was exciting, as many individuals “free dive” for conch to collect and measure for data analysis. After two long days in the field, students entered their finding on the computer for future analysis.
As often observed in the everyday life a researcher, students found that teamwork was the key to completing the task at hand, as they have worked together to analyze the data and write their reports. It is these types of field exercises that allow the students to become directly involved in the management practices and decision making of the stakeholders of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
These field exercises prepare the students for the Directed Research Projects. It is here that they will put their newly acquired skills to the test. Even though each project has a different aspect, these projects allow the students to partake in viable research practices that are priority for many of the stakeholders. For instance, the conch visual field exercise is being taken a step higher. Students will be conducting visual surveys across the Caicos Bank for the TCI government. The government will use these results in analysis to determine abundance for the Caicos Bank, which has not been done for the country since 2001. This opportunity allows for the SFS program to have direct input into country-wide statistical information on the commercial queen conch, which will assist in determining the current status of the fishery for the Turks and Caicos Islands. It is these experiences that make way for future professional researchers.
[post_title] => From Classroom to Stakeholder to Government Research
[post_excerpt] => Faculty and staff at the Center for Marine Resources Studies have been actively preparing students for the rigors of the research experience.
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[post_content] => Adventure and education go hand in hand at the SFS Center for Marine Resource Studies (CMRS) on South Caicos, Turks & Caicos Islands. This summer, students are engaged in field research that addresses local stakeholder questions. As part of the Summer II program, student concentrate on data collection, marine research techniques, and data interpretation for a final report and presentation.
I was a student at the CMRS more than 20 years ago. The program was interesting and exhilarating for someone from a land-locked school that wanted to experience the marine environment. Over the years, the program has continued to evolve and this summer has been no exception. In the past, students participating in the summer programs seemed to enjoy the activities, but often expressed interest in more “hands-on” research experiences. Now, summer programming incorporates applied scientific methods as a core course rather than a component of the course.
Last week, students from around the world arrived on South Caicos. Some participated in the previous Summer I session and opted to continue for the Summer II session to really get their hands dirty. Summer II research focuses on shallow reef health and condition, mangrove/seagrass economic value, and commercial fin-fish assessment. Everyone will be involved in the data collection for all three projects, and then each student will analyze and write about one of the research projects. Unlike many other study aboard programs, this will be an opportunity for students to be involved in a variety of projects and scientific methods of data collection, which benefits a student from any academic discipline.
At the start of the program, students were introduced to scientific methodology, research ethics, survey techniques, construction of a scientific paper, and data entry and analysis. It has been interesting to observe the students at different levels of their academic careers deciding what are his/her areas of interest for research and how to address a specific focus. Each project has different field research activities such as: diving and snorkeling on the reefs to lay transects and determine the species richness and health of the coral reefs; snorkeling and hiking through seagrass and mangroves while inspecting quadrats for coverage and taking ambient parameters to determine health and the economic value of those resources; and speaking with the local commercial fisherman about daily catch and measuring individual fish sizes and weights for further analysis.
In order for the students to be able to work on the projects effectively, CMRS faculty have developed potential questions for projects and the students can determine which focus they wish to pursue for their papers. It has indeed been gratifying to observe the students take the initiative to dig in and start reviewing literature for their research papers.
Academics have not been exclusive to the three projects. Faculty research projects have also been introduced to the students for participation in data collection. A project that has been ongoing since 2012 and prior to that for the Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA) is spiny lobster juvenile recruitment monitoring. Students capture juvenile lobster, take measurements of the individuals, and release them. The data from this project will potentially assist DEMA in predictions of the spiny lobster fishery commercial catches. It has been exhilarating to see students involved and excited about the research activities at the Center.
Through all my years of experience with CMRS, I appreciate the program's continued growth and development while working with the local and scientific community. It has been my pleasure to work with staff and students that are intrigued and excited to be active participants in the program.
[post_title] => Summer Research Adventure: Getting Your Hands Dirty!
[post_excerpt] => Adventure and education go hand in hand at the SFS Center for Marine Resource Studies on South Caicos.
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[post_content] => Excitement and enthusiasm has erupted at the SFS Center for Marine Resources Studies (CMRS) in South Caicos, Turks and Caicos Islands. Each student group that arrives enter the Center with high expectations and dreams for a life-changing experience, and that is indeed what they obtain here. With the students settling in, the group is excited to get started, but enjoys getting to know each other at the start of the program. At the start of each day, the students and staff gather together for morning meeting where we play “get to know you” games and review the schedule.
The program itself is designed for each student to participate in lectures, discussions, identification exercise, field exercises, and much more. However, the start of each session is where the students have to familiarize themselves with the Center and the physical demands of the program. This includes swim tests, dive checkouts, and much more. Once students have adapted and found their “groove”, they are able to fully participate in the program activities.
The program consists of four courses, including Marine Ecology, Principles of Resource Management, Socioeconomic Values & Environmental Policy, and Directed Research. Each of first three courses builds upon each other to fully encompass what the CMRS program is all about in the theoretical perspective. In the next few weeks, the students will be participating in field identification of mangrove, sea grass, invertebrates and vertebrates for a more physical perspective that will be lead by Dr. Eliza Garfield. Through snorkeling, students will be given the opportunity to physically identify key species in the marine environment, as it is essential for the students to be able to identify these species for future Directed Research projects that will take place later in the semester.
Students have already been inquisitive about the local seafood dishes as the spiny lobster season is open and queen conch is open for local consumption. In order to encourage students to fully understand the local fishery and cuisine, students will be trained on how to conduct viable scientific research through visual surveys, how to record the data, analyze and report the finding through various field exercises including the "Conch Assessment." It is here that the students will conduct visual transects both inside and outside a Marine Protected Area (MPA) and write a report of the findings. This project will allow students to better understand a species that is listed under Appendix II of the Convention of International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES). These types of exercises will provide hands-on training for undergraduate students with perhaps their very first scientific research project.
This semester continues with more excitement, as Dr. Andrea Murray, faculty for Environmental Policy, will be addressing how anthropology and environmental policy plays a role in the marine resources that are currently managed in the TCI.
In other news, prior to student arrival, former faculty Dr. Aaron Henderson conducted a “Shark Week” in South Caicos with SFS alumni at CMRS. They were able to tag and release several sharks. Also, Research Fellow Dr. Charlotte de Fontaubert returned to study climate change impacts on turtle nesting beaches as part of a project funded in part by the Curtis and Edith Munson Foundation. During this time, we were able to find a nest that hatched some time ago and discovered three poor souls that were not quite able to make it out of the nest. However, this is a great sign that many more did survive and that the turtles continue to nest in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Photo: Dr. Charlotte de Fontaubert. Hawksbill turtle hatchlings from Bush Cay.
To sum up, the semester is off to a great start and each student group that enters the program is able to obtain different stories and set goals. SFS CMRS provides this amazing opportunity for future students, researchers, and affiliates to get their hands dirty, expand thinking, and create unlimited opportunities.
[post_title] => Get Up and Get Going!
[post_excerpt] => Excitement and enthusiasm has erupted at the SFS Center for Marine Resources Studies (CMRS) in South Caicos.
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[post_content] => Arriving in early September, students have already participated in a variety of enriching lectures, organism identification, anthropogenic surveys, and field exercises. Often students have been found working to the “wee” hours to obtain those last few bits of information that can assist them with the mid-term examinations and Directed Research ideas.
Faculty at the SFS Center for Marine Resource Studies have been actively working with students to prepare them for conducting scientific research. Already, students have selected the Directed Research project they will be working on for the remainder of the Fall 2015 semester. Projects include: StoryCorps and photovoice documentation of changes on South Caicos; feasabilty of composting Sargassum macroalgae (currently a major issue around the Caribbean); assessment of the biodiversity of reef habitat as part of climate change research; species-specific reef studies; and finfish, spiny lobster, and queen conch stock and landing assessment. While each student focuses on a different aspect, everyone will conduct a literature review, practice hands-on field techniques, analyze data, and produce a written report and group presentation at the end of the project.
As part of the preparation for Directed Research, the students participated in a Conch Field Exercise, a two-day field based activity to quantify the number of queen conch inside and outside of the East Harbor Lobster and Conch Reserve (EHLCR). 36 students set out with masks, fins, snorkels, and dive slates to conduct underwater visual surveys (UVS) that were 50 meters in length and 3 meters in width. At each of 24 sites, the students conducted three separate belt transects and collected all live conch within the belt, while reporting the habitat type. Once on board the vessel, students then measured the conch for siphonal length and lip thickness. The first day was exciting for everyone, but very few conch were recorded. However, the second day was a long day of multiple conch collections. One student group was amazed to have found more than 130 conch at the one site, with a total of 575 conch collected in 2 days’ time.
Students collecting queen conch from the transect. Photo: Tessa FosterQueen conch on the UVS for Conch Field Exercise. Photo: Tessa Foster
After data collection, students analyzed what they found. It is here that the students discovered that for all the hard work in the field, there is the same amount of hard work at a computer screen. Various analyses were conducted including comparisons of siphonal length and lip thickness both inside and outside the MPA; comparison of habitat to live conch abundance, and estimated overall abundance for both inside the reserve and on the Caicos Bank. Final reports were prepared, providing students the next step in the ladder towards the Directed Research Projects.
Measuring queen conch lip thickness. Photo: Tessa FosterCollection of queen conch from one site in EHLCR. Photo: Tessa FosterSFS students measuring and releasing queen conch.
Students also have the opportunity to be involved in other research aspects of the faculty including “turtling” and “lobster condo” visits. The data collected from these various outings are cataloged and retained for future analysis.
Measuring curved carapace length of a green sea turtle
Often students are discussing the days events and how filled the schedule appears, but never once have there been any complaints; rather, increased enthusiasm. This again is a major step that our future scientists and researchers must learn near the beginning of their education and careers. There is no rest for the weary; data collection, education, and research must go on.
[post_title] => Conch, I See Conch!
[post_excerpt] => Students set out with masks, fins, snorkels, and dive slates to conduct underwater visual surveys of queen conch abundance.
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[post_content] => A whole new group of excited and curious undergraduate students have arrived at the SFS Center for Marine Resources Studies (CMRS) on South Caicos, in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The first week is full of orientation, designed to prepare students for the academic activities, field exercises, and faculty-led research to come this semester. Each morning the students and staff gather together to review the schedule for the day, discussion announcements, reflect on our reasons for participating in this program, and engage in “get to know you” activities.
Schedule of activities for the first week. BUSY! Photo: Alex Kahn-JohnstonPhoto: Alex Kahn-Johnston
Academics consists of four upper-level courses, including Marine Ecology, Principles of Marine Resource Management, Environmental Policy and Socioeconomic Values, and Directed Research. The academic program is designed so that students participate in lectures, discussions, identification exercise, field exercise, and much more. Prior to actively conducting research and learning research techniques, the students must familiarize themselves with the Center and the physical demands of the program. As with each program that is conducted at the CMRS, this includes swim tests, dive checkouts, open water lectures (for new divers), and much more. The students have taken the initiative to obtain more skills so that they can enjoy the program activities more fully.
Student preparing for SCUBA dive check-outs. Photos: Kathy Lockhart & Alex Kahn-JohnstonSpring 2016 Students working on Excel practical for data analysis. Photo: Alex Kahn-Johnston
These courses are not just theoretical but provide a “hands-on” approach to research. In the next few weeks the students will be participating in field identification of mangroves, sea grasses, invertebrates, and vertebrates for a more physical perspective that will be lead by Dr. Eliza Garfield. Students will be set out in the natural environment and given the opportunity to physically identify key species in the marine environment, as it is essential to be able to identify these species for future Directed Research projects that will take place later in the semester.
Students have already been inquisitive about the potential projects and faculty-driven research projects. These projects include marine turtle tagging/measuring, BRUV (Baited Remote Underwater Visual) surveys, water quality, whale song monitoring, beach profiling, lionfish captures, and spiny lobster juvenile recruitment monitoring.
Other activities that will occur throughout the term include underwater visual surveys, dock catch monitoring, Coral Watch activities, mangrove and seagrass ground truthing, and coral reef biodiversity monitoring. There will and already have been many opportunities for the students to be as involved as possible in the marine environment. Additionally, CMRS will have guest lectures from community members to better describe, and answer questions about, local views of the surrounding community, island, and activities that can take place here.
Juvenile spiny lobster measurements from “condos”. Photo: Kathy LockhartSpring 2016 beach profiling. Photo: Lily Zhao
In other news, prior to student arrival, previous faculty member and Research Fellow Dr. Aaron Henderson visited the Center to continue his BRUV research. He was able to collect quite a bit of footage that will assist with the continued understanding of the sharks near South Caicos.
To sum up, the beginning of the semester is off to a great start and each student group that enters the program is excited and enthusiastic. Each time a new student group comes, previous semester students send messages that remark of how they miss the Center, activities, fellow classmates and the overall experience. This truly does provide one of the most amazing opportunities for future students, researchers, and affiliates to build their capacity, expand thinking, and create an amazing life-changing experience.
→ Marine Resource Studies Semester Program in the Turks & Caicos Islands
[post_title] => Exciting New Beginnings for Marine Science Enthusiasts
[post_excerpt] => The first week is orientation, designed to prepare students for the academic activities, field exercises, and faculty-led research to come this semester.
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[post_content] => The Center for Marine Resources Studies (CMRS) at The School for Field Studies in South Caicos is off to a roaring start. Twenty-eight college students from all over the world including Asia, United States, and the Turks and Caicos Islands have finally settled into the rigors of the routine for the Summer I course of Tropical Marine Ecosystems: Monitoring and Management. The adventure began when all the students arrived and completed a site tour, logistical meetings, swim check out, and waterfront safety meeting.
Students are now in the trenches of the academics of the course. After only a single day of course work, students have already realized that this program is stringent and demanding. Within two days, the students had their first identification (ID) quiz on organisms within the mangroves and sea grass; and one week into the program they are preparing for their ID exam for the mangroves and seagrass as well as both invertebrates and vertebrates.
However, identification is not the only part of the course. Lectures are conducted for the students to understand the background as to why research is done and how the research they do can directly affect stakeholders. Other activities that are expected throughout this session include an exercise on the Tragedy of the Commons, Field Exercises on mangroves, sea grass and corals; as well as an enforcement exercise, coral bleaching exercise, and reef check.
This summer program is allowing the students to partake in field research techniques and understand how they work. Often students from summer programs return to the home institution and attempt to be more involved in their local projects at school or in the community. In order for the students to be able to observe how the research affects the local stakeholders, this summer term will conduct research on the key Queen Conch species of the TCI. The information gathered will include size (siphonal length and lip thickness), location and abundance both inside and outside of the East Harbour Lobster and Conch Reserve (EHLCR). Upon completion of the data collection, the students will analyze the data and prepare group reports on the status of the Queen Conch project.
Additionally, the students have been involved with the local community through the outreach program. Everyone has appeared very enthusiastic to be involved with the young people of the TCI and assist in the understanding of the marine environment. Students have already partaken in the Marine Research Snorkel Club, swim lessons, arts / crafts, and soccer with the young people.
To sum up the course, the program has appeared to come full circle. This program has continued to evolve and this summer has been able to strengthen the goal of field research for college academia. Students that have participated in the summer programs have seemed to enjoy the activities, but often express interest in more “hands-on” research experiences. The summer 2016 incorporates applied scientific methods as a core course.
Invertebrate identification (Cushion sea star)Seagrass field exerciseSeagrass field exercise Community Soccer Game
As I have stated many times adventure and education are working cohesively in the Turks and Caicos Islands at the Center for Marine Resource Studies (CMRS), South Caicos.
However, academics have not been exclusive to the three projects. In an effort to maintain student interest and participation, personal staff research projects have also been introduced to the students for participation in data collection. A project that has been on-going is that the Marine Turtle Monitoring. At the Center, students are provided the opportunity to capture turtles, take measurements of the individuals, tag and release. The data from this project is used in conjunction with the Marine Conservancy and the Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA). It has been exhilarating to see students involved and excited about the research activities at the CMRS.
Finally, faculty are able to analysis their research and collaborate with other persons involved in research. In an effort to continue collaboration, faculty are involved in research beyond the scope of the student work. An article, Effects of Understanding Catch and Effort on Surplus Production Models, by Kristen Omari, J. Hoenig, M. Luehrin and K. Lockhart has been published in Fisheries Research 2016. It is exciting that the SFS program has been able to reach beyond the classroom and provide data of interest to a large group of stakeholders.
Queen Conch (Lobatus gigas)→ Marine Resource Studies in the Turks and Caicos Islands
[post_title] => Adventure and Education
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Kathy Baier-Lockhart, M.S.
Lecturer in Marine Resource Management
Exciting New Beginnings for Marine Science Enthusiasts
Posted: February 18, 2016
A whole new group of excited and curious undergraduate students have arrived at the SFS Center for Marine Resources Studies (CMRS) on South Caicos, in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The first week is full of orientation, designed to prepare students for the academic activities, field exercises, and faculty-led research to come this semester. Each morning the students and staff gather together to review the schedule for the day, discussion announcements, reflect on our reasons for participating in this program, and engage in “get to know you” activities.
Schedule of activities for the first week. BUSY! Photo: Alex Kahn-Johnston
Photo: Alex Kahn-Johnston
Academics consists of four upper-level courses, including Marine Ecology, Principles of Marine Resource Management, Environmental Policy and Socioeconomic Values, and Directed Research. The academic program is designed so that students participate in lectures, discussions, identification exercise, field exercise, and much more. Prior to actively conducting research and learning research techniques, the students must familiarize themselves with the Center and the physical demands of the program. As with each program that is conducted at the CMRS, this includes swim tests, dive checkouts, open water lectures (for new divers), and much more. The students have taken the initiative to obtain more skills so that they can enjoy the program activities more fully.
Student preparing for SCUBA dive check-outs. Photos: Kathy Lockhart & Alex Kahn-Johnston
Spring 2016 Students working on Excel practical for data analysis. Photo: Alex Kahn-Johnston
These courses are not just theoretical but provide a “hands-on” approach to research. In the next few weeks the students will be participating in field identification of mangroves, sea grasses, invertebrates, and vertebrates for a more physical perspective that will be lead by Dr. Eliza Garfield. Students will be set out in the natural environment and given the opportunity to physically identify key species in the marine environment, as it is essential to be able to identify these species for future Directed Research projects that will take place later in the semester.
Students have already been inquisitive about the potential projects and faculty-driven research projects. These projects include marine turtle tagging/measuring, BRUV (Baited Remote Underwater Visual) surveys, water quality, whale song monitoring, beach profiling, lionfish captures, and spiny lobster juvenile recruitment monitoring.
Other activities that will occur throughout the term include underwater visual surveys, dock catch monitoring, Coral Watch activities, mangrove and seagrass ground truthing, and coral reef biodiversity monitoring. There will and already have been many opportunities for the students to be as involved as possible in the marine environment. Additionally, CMRS will have guest lectures from community members to better describe, and answer questions about, local views of the surrounding community, island, and activities that can take place here.
Juvenile spiny lobster measurements from “condos”. Photo: Kathy Lockhart
Spring 2016 beach profiling. Photo: Lily Zhao
In other news, prior to student arrival, previous faculty member and Research Fellow Dr. Aaron Henderson visited the Center to continue his BRUV research. He was able to collect quite a bit of footage that will assist with the continued understanding of the sharks near South Caicos.
To sum up, the beginning of the semester is off to a great start and each student group that enters the program is excited and enthusiastic. Each time a new student group comes, previous semester students send messages that remark of how they miss the Center, activities, fellow classmates and the overall experience. This truly does provide one of the most amazing opportunities for future students, researchers, and affiliates to build their capacity, expand thinking, and create an amazing life-changing experience.
Students heading out to the Conch Assessment field exercise (all photos courtesy of Kathy Lockhart)
Students laying out a 50 meter transect for the Conch Assessment exercise
For two and a half days the students conducted three belt transects at 24 different sites located both inside and outside the East Harbour Lobster and Conch Reserve (EHLCR), South Caicos, TCI. Thirty-three students with masks, fins and snorkels conducted underwater visual surveys (UVS) that were 50 meters in length and 3 meters in width. Each transect consisted of determining the habitat type, number of dead conch and number alive. The number of conch observed at each of these sites ranged from zero to more than 240 conch. Once the conch were found alive, they were brought back to the boat for further measurement on each individual including siphonal length and lip thickness. It is through exercises like these that the students practiced their free-diving skills and identified habitat types, counted individuals and investigated other species that were found in the area. It is these types of exercises that prepare the students for their Directed Research activities that are starting soon.
Students laying the transect
Students checking the transect for live Queen Conch
The Directed Research projects are all unique and exciting; covering areas of marine ecology, resource management and environmental policy. Within a week’s time, the students will have selected their projects and started to investigate the background of the project. Enthusiasm and excitement is building in each of the students as they are anticipating the future research projects. The projects range from habitats of the various shark species, management of the fin-fishery, opportunities of the sea cucumber as a fishery, benthic development of the coral reefs, history of the queen conch middens, bird and iguana habitat and tourism expectations of the TCI. The personnel at CMRS have been working with all the students to assist them in the design and development of their projects for the preparation of scientific research. Each project will have a unique focus, but all will involve hands-on field techniques, analyzing data and producing a compulsory report at the end of the project.
Students measuring Queen Conch for siphonal length (mm)
Students checking out the live Queen Conch protection within the shell
→ Marine Resource Studies in the Turks & Caicos Islands
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[post_content] => The School for Field Studies has always provided a “hands on” experience for students, as well as faculty members. The experience has now become full circle for this faculty member. The Center has always been one that is close to home for me, as I have been able to be a part of the Center as a student, Student Affairs Manager (SAM), Turks and Caicos Island community member, TCI Government collaborative official, and now as the natural resource management faculty.
This semester, students have had the opportunity to be included in current resource management issues in the Turks and Caicos Islands through a variety of activities. Faculty introduced local marine flora and fauna through field based identification, elaborated on the current conservation issues for the commercial and artisanal fisheries, and introduced the collaborative efforts between stakeholders for the socio-economic interest of the local community.
In order for the students to collectively understand the program and its courses, we conducted a underwater visual survey in the East Harbor Lobster and Conch Reserve (EHCLR) off of South Caicos. Students set out to conduct the surveys on the Queen Conch, which is a commercially important species to the TCI. Thirty two sites were snorkeled both inside and outside of EHCLR, where all of the conch were collected and landed on the boat and then measured before being returned to the open water. Based on data collected, the students were then to determine if the currently established MPA was functioning properly through current data analysis and comparisons to previous studies. Ultimately, students were able to document their findings and indicate if there were any challenges facing the Marine Protected Area and/or the Queen conch species.
This activity along with others have now set the stage for the up and coming Directed Research (DR) Projects that range from commercial marine fisheries, biological mega fauna, and socio-economic challenges for local community. The students were excited to get into the rigors of data collection. The first day of DR involved initial discussions with local community members, snorkeling juvenile lobster condos, fishing for bonefish, measuring dock landings, and observing mega fauna (sharks and stingrays). It appears to be an eventful beginning to the second case study and Directed Research.
[post_title] => Hands-On Experience Comes Full Circle
[post_excerpt] => I have been part of this Center as a student, Student Affairs Manager (SAM), community member, government collaborative official, and faculty.
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[post_content] => No rest for the weary at the SFS Center for Marine Resources Studies (CMRS) in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI). Anyone who ever said that island life is laid back and relaxing has never been to one of The School for Field Studies's programs. I remember the students first arriving at the CMRS in South Caicos, and stating what they most wanted out of the program. It was often said: sharks; dolphins; diving in beautiful waters; and understanding how important this place is to the local people.
Little did they realize that it is so much more. The students have now taken their strong background in ecology, marine resources management, and environmental policy to Directed Research (DR) projects that range from elasmobranchs to local commercial fisheries to stakeholder interpretations.
One of the most challenging Directed Research projects has been that of the fin-fishery. Data has been collected since 2006, but until recently local commercial fishers have had little discussion with regards to the regulation of the stocks and there has been some resistance with the discussion. The students of the fin-fish DR have been conducting visual surveys of the fin-fish populations both inside and outside of Marine Protected Areas, as well as working with local commercial fishermen to monitor and document catch sizes, biodiversity, and methodology of capture at the local docks. These students have really interacted with the local persons in South Caicos to better understand the source of the islanders' livelihoods and discuss how to manage this resource for future use.
In another project, students have gotten involved with spiny lobster monitoring by assisting local fishers and TCI government to deploy lobster casitas (artificial habitats) in fishermen-designated locations. Physical labor has become part of the normal routine in the islands. These same students have been able to monitor established juvenile lobster condos by snorkeling in the shallow waters of the Caicos Bank. This information can potentially provide insight predicting commercial catches. These students have also had the wonderful opportunity to work directly with the local people on one of the Islands' most valuable resources.
Although these are just two of the DR projects, there are many other projects that focus on topics besides local fisheries (elasmobranchs, eagle rays, coral reefs, to name a few), all of which work toward the Center’s 5-Year Research Plan. At the end of the this term, if the students are asked if they received what was expected at the beginning of the term, I think you would get an answer that is more than seeing megafauna. They have been able to receive information regarding ecology, resource management, and policy in class; but then applied all that they learned in the field and invested those skills in their projects.
Whether it was daytime, nighttime, on boats, in the Salinas, at the commercial fishing docks, or interviewing community members; you can be assured that these students and staff have taken pride in the important and meaningful work done at CMRS. When or where else in the world can an undergraduate student play a vital role in a local community and get a worldly view, while watching the sunset over turquoise waters?
[post_title] => Directed Research on South Caicos
[post_excerpt] => Anyone who ever said that island life is laid back and relaxing has never been to one of The School for Field Studies's programs.
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[post_content] => The 2015 spring semester is almost half completed; and as others have mentioned in their blog updates, the students are preparing to select their Directed Research Projects (DR) for the term. The faculty and staff at the SFS Center for Marine Resources Studies have been actively preparing students for the rigors of the research experience. Student research projects will address issues and concerns surrounding high priority questions and will provide valuable insight to proper authorities for management decisions and future policy measures.
For better preparation to conduct these important research objectives, the students have been involved in a variety of activities ranging from in-house debates, discussions, literature reviews, field data collection, data analysis, and report writing. The students have found that as exciting as the fieldwork is, there are necessary steps to prepare for collecting appropriate data in the field.
In the last week, the students conducted a two day queen conch visual survey field exercise (pictured below) both inside and outside of a Marine Protected Area (MPA). The materials and methods were provided to students that required them to snorkel the nearby open turquoise waters of South Caicos. A total of 48 site surveys were conducted, with each student swimming three belt transects and collecting information on habitat, conch density, morphometric measurements, and depths. The field experience was exciting, as many individuals “free dive” for conch to collect and measure for data analysis. After two long days in the field, students entered their finding on the computer for future analysis.
As often observed in the everyday life a researcher, students found that teamwork was the key to completing the task at hand, as they have worked together to analyze the data and write their reports. It is these types of field exercises that allow the students to become directly involved in the management practices and decision making of the stakeholders of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
These field exercises prepare the students for the Directed Research Projects. It is here that they will put their newly acquired skills to the test. Even though each project has a different aspect, these projects allow the students to partake in viable research practices that are priority for many of the stakeholders. For instance, the conch visual field exercise is being taken a step higher. Students will be conducting visual surveys across the Caicos Bank for the TCI government. The government will use these results in analysis to determine abundance for the Caicos Bank, which has not been done for the country since 2001. This opportunity allows for the SFS program to have direct input into country-wide statistical information on the commercial queen conch, which will assist in determining the current status of the fishery for the Turks and Caicos Islands. It is these experiences that make way for future professional researchers.
[post_title] => From Classroom to Stakeholder to Government Research
[post_excerpt] => Faculty and staff at the Center for Marine Resources Studies have been actively preparing students for the rigors of the research experience.
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[post_content] => Adventure and education go hand in hand at the SFS Center for Marine Resource Studies (CMRS) on South Caicos, Turks & Caicos Islands. This summer, students are engaged in field research that addresses local stakeholder questions. As part of the Summer II program, student concentrate on data collection, marine research techniques, and data interpretation for a final report and presentation.
I was a student at the CMRS more than 20 years ago. The program was interesting and exhilarating for someone from a land-locked school that wanted to experience the marine environment. Over the years, the program has continued to evolve and this summer has been no exception. In the past, students participating in the summer programs seemed to enjoy the activities, but often expressed interest in more “hands-on” research experiences. Now, summer programming incorporates applied scientific methods as a core course rather than a component of the course.
Last week, students from around the world arrived on South Caicos. Some participated in the previous Summer I session and opted to continue for the Summer II session to really get their hands dirty. Summer II research focuses on shallow reef health and condition, mangrove/seagrass economic value, and commercial fin-fish assessment. Everyone will be involved in the data collection for all three projects, and then each student will analyze and write about one of the research projects. Unlike many other study aboard programs, this will be an opportunity for students to be involved in a variety of projects and scientific methods of data collection, which benefits a student from any academic discipline.
At the start of the program, students were introduced to scientific methodology, research ethics, survey techniques, construction of a scientific paper, and data entry and analysis. It has been interesting to observe the students at different levels of their academic careers deciding what are his/her areas of interest for research and how to address a specific focus. Each project has different field research activities such as: diving and snorkeling on the reefs to lay transects and determine the species richness and health of the coral reefs; snorkeling and hiking through seagrass and mangroves while inspecting quadrats for coverage and taking ambient parameters to determine health and the economic value of those resources; and speaking with the local commercial fisherman about daily catch and measuring individual fish sizes and weights for further analysis.
In order for the students to be able to work on the projects effectively, CMRS faculty have developed potential questions for projects and the students can determine which focus they wish to pursue for their papers. It has indeed been gratifying to observe the students take the initiative to dig in and start reviewing literature for their research papers.
Academics have not been exclusive to the three projects. Faculty research projects have also been introduced to the students for participation in data collection. A project that has been ongoing since 2012 and prior to that for the Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA) is spiny lobster juvenile recruitment monitoring. Students capture juvenile lobster, take measurements of the individuals, and release them. The data from this project will potentially assist DEMA in predictions of the spiny lobster fishery commercial catches. It has been exhilarating to see students involved and excited about the research activities at the Center.
Through all my years of experience with CMRS, I appreciate the program's continued growth and development while working with the local and scientific community. It has been my pleasure to work with staff and students that are intrigued and excited to be active participants in the program.
[post_title] => Summer Research Adventure: Getting Your Hands Dirty!
[post_excerpt] => Adventure and education go hand in hand at the SFS Center for Marine Resource Studies on South Caicos.
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[post_content] => Excitement and enthusiasm has erupted at the SFS Center for Marine Resources Studies (CMRS) in South Caicos, Turks and Caicos Islands. Each student group that arrives enter the Center with high expectations and dreams for a life-changing experience, and that is indeed what they obtain here. With the students settling in, the group is excited to get started, but enjoys getting to know each other at the start of the program. At the start of each day, the students and staff gather together for morning meeting where we play “get to know you” games and review the schedule.
The program itself is designed for each student to participate in lectures, discussions, identification exercise, field exercises, and much more. However, the start of each session is where the students have to familiarize themselves with the Center and the physical demands of the program. This includes swim tests, dive checkouts, and much more. Once students have adapted and found their “groove”, they are able to fully participate in the program activities.
The program consists of four courses, including Marine Ecology, Principles of Resource Management, Socioeconomic Values & Environmental Policy, and Directed Research. Each of first three courses builds upon each other to fully encompass what the CMRS program is all about in the theoretical perspective. In the next few weeks, the students will be participating in field identification of mangrove, sea grass, invertebrates and vertebrates for a more physical perspective that will be lead by Dr. Eliza Garfield. Through snorkeling, students will be given the opportunity to physically identify key species in the marine environment, as it is essential for the students to be able to identify these species for future Directed Research projects that will take place later in the semester.
Students have already been inquisitive about the local seafood dishes as the spiny lobster season is open and queen conch is open for local consumption. In order to encourage students to fully understand the local fishery and cuisine, students will be trained on how to conduct viable scientific research through visual surveys, how to record the data, analyze and report the finding through various field exercises including the "Conch Assessment." It is here that the students will conduct visual transects both inside and outside a Marine Protected Area (MPA) and write a report of the findings. This project will allow students to better understand a species that is listed under Appendix II of the Convention of International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES). These types of exercises will provide hands-on training for undergraduate students with perhaps their very first scientific research project.
This semester continues with more excitement, as Dr. Andrea Murray, faculty for Environmental Policy, will be addressing how anthropology and environmental policy plays a role in the marine resources that are currently managed in the TCI.
In other news, prior to student arrival, former faculty Dr. Aaron Henderson conducted a “Shark Week” in South Caicos with SFS alumni at CMRS. They were able to tag and release several sharks. Also, Research Fellow Dr. Charlotte de Fontaubert returned to study climate change impacts on turtle nesting beaches as part of a project funded in part by the Curtis and Edith Munson Foundation. During this time, we were able to find a nest that hatched some time ago and discovered three poor souls that were not quite able to make it out of the nest. However, this is a great sign that many more did survive and that the turtles continue to nest in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Photo: Dr. Charlotte de Fontaubert. Hawksbill turtle hatchlings from Bush Cay.
To sum up, the semester is off to a great start and each student group that enters the program is able to obtain different stories and set goals. SFS CMRS provides this amazing opportunity for future students, researchers, and affiliates to get their hands dirty, expand thinking, and create unlimited opportunities.
[post_title] => Get Up and Get Going!
[post_excerpt] => Excitement and enthusiasm has erupted at the SFS Center for Marine Resources Studies (CMRS) in South Caicos.
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[post_content] => Arriving in early September, students have already participated in a variety of enriching lectures, organism identification, anthropogenic surveys, and field exercises. Often students have been found working to the “wee” hours to obtain those last few bits of information that can assist them with the mid-term examinations and Directed Research ideas.
Faculty at the SFS Center for Marine Resource Studies have been actively working with students to prepare them for conducting scientific research. Already, students have selected the Directed Research project they will be working on for the remainder of the Fall 2015 semester. Projects include: StoryCorps and photovoice documentation of changes on South Caicos; feasabilty of composting Sargassum macroalgae (currently a major issue around the Caribbean); assessment of the biodiversity of reef habitat as part of climate change research; species-specific reef studies; and finfish, spiny lobster, and queen conch stock and landing assessment. While each student focuses on a different aspect, everyone will conduct a literature review, practice hands-on field techniques, analyze data, and produce a written report and group presentation at the end of the project.
As part of the preparation for Directed Research, the students participated in a Conch Field Exercise, a two-day field based activity to quantify the number of queen conch inside and outside of the East Harbor Lobster and Conch Reserve (EHLCR). 36 students set out with masks, fins, snorkels, and dive slates to conduct underwater visual surveys (UVS) that were 50 meters in length and 3 meters in width. At each of 24 sites, the students conducted three separate belt transects and collected all live conch within the belt, while reporting the habitat type. Once on board the vessel, students then measured the conch for siphonal length and lip thickness. The first day was exciting for everyone, but very few conch were recorded. However, the second day was a long day of multiple conch collections. One student group was amazed to have found more than 130 conch at the one site, with a total of 575 conch collected in 2 days’ time.
Students collecting queen conch from the transect. Photo: Tessa Foster
Queen conch on the UVS for Conch Field Exercise. Photo: Tessa Foster
After data collection, students analyzed what they found. It is here that the students discovered that for all the hard work in the field, there is the same amount of hard work at a computer screen. Various analyses were conducted including comparisons of siphonal length and lip thickness both inside and outside the MPA; comparison of habitat to live conch abundance, and estimated overall abundance for both inside the reserve and on the Caicos Bank. Final reports were prepared, providing students the next step in the ladder towards the Directed Research Projects.
Measuring queen conch lip thickness. Photo: Tessa Foster
Collection of queen conch from one site in EHLCR. Photo: Tessa Foster
SFS students measuring and releasing queen conch.
Students also have the opportunity to be involved in other research aspects of the faculty including “turtling” and “lobster condo” visits. The data collected from these various outings are cataloged and retained for future analysis.
Measuring curved carapace length of a green sea turtle
Often students are discussing the days events and how filled the schedule appears, but never once have there been any complaints; rather, increased enthusiasm. This again is a major step that our future scientists and researchers must learn near the beginning of their education and careers. There is no rest for the weary; data collection, education, and research must go on.
[post_title] => Conch, I See Conch!
[post_excerpt] => Students set out with masks, fins, snorkels, and dive slates to conduct underwater visual surveys of queen conch abundance.
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[post_content] => A whole new group of excited and curious undergraduate students have arrived at the SFS Center for Marine Resources Studies (CMRS) on South Caicos, in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The first week is full of orientation, designed to prepare students for the academic activities, field exercises, and faculty-led research to come this semester. Each morning the students and staff gather together to review the schedule for the day, discussion announcements, reflect on our reasons for participating in this program, and engage in “get to know you” activities.
Invertebrate identification (Cushion sea star)
Seagrass field exercise
Seagrass field exercise
Community Soccer Game
As I have stated many times adventure and education are working cohesively in the Turks and Caicos Islands at the Center for Marine Resource Studies (CMRS), South Caicos.
However, academics have not been exclusive to the three projects. In an effort to maintain student interest and participation, personal staff research projects have also been introduced to the students for participation in data collection. A project that has been on-going is that the Marine Turtle Monitoring. At the Center, students are provided the opportunity to capture turtles, take measurements of the individuals, tag and release. The data from this project is used in conjunction with the Marine Conservancy and the Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA). It has been exhilarating to see students involved and excited about the research activities at the CMRS.
Finally, faculty are able to analysis their research and collaborate with other persons involved in research. In an effort to continue collaboration, faculty are involved in research beyond the scope of the student work. An article, Effects of Understanding Catch and Effort on Surplus Production Models, by Kristen Omari, J. Hoenig, M. Luehrin and K. Lockhart has been published in Fisheries Research 2016. It is exciting that the SFS program has been able to reach beyond the classroom and provide data of interest to a large group of stakeholders.
Queen Conch (Lobatus gigas)
→ Marine Resource Studies in the Turks and Caicos Islands
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[post_excerpt] => One week into the program students are preparing for their ID exam for mangroves and seagrass as well as both invertebrates and vertebrates.
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[post_content] => In early February 2017, students arrived to South Caicos with a sense of wonder and excitement. In a short period of time, they have been introduced to the array of marine science and environmental conditions that the Center and the marine environment have to offer. During the first few weeks, students have been attending classes in Marine Ecology, Resource Management and Environmental Policy. The classroom lectures are intermingled throughout the days with field exercises and identification exercises to provide a holistic approach to research that is undertaken with the school. After a solid base of the classroom briefings and instructions, the students were ready to initiate their field work by learning and participating in a Conch Visual Survey. The Conch FEX is a hands-on activity that allows the students to grasp the concepts of research by putting these skills to use in the marine environment.
