News & Events 2005-2006

Marine Science Students Aid in Conservation Effort

Over Long Winter Weekend, marine science instructor Rod Gerdsen and eight students traveled to the Turks and Caicos Islands, specifically the small island of Provodenciales (Provo), just southeast of the Bahamas. According to Rod, “The Turks and Caicos, which consist of eight inhabited islands covering 193 square miles of the Atlantic Ocean, have the third largest coral reef system and the best tropical beaches in the world, making it a premier beach, diving and snorkeling destination. There is a population of over 6,000, and Provo has the largest non-native population made up of Haitians, Dominicans, French, Canadians, Germans and Americans. We took part in an on-going research program sponsored by the Reef Environmental Education Foundation (R.E.E.F), examining the health of coral reefs and associated fish around the island.”

Rod added, “This was an opportunity to volunteer our services to a small island looking to improve their marine conservation efforts by documenting fish diversity and abundance. While we also enjoyed some ‘tourist events,’ we spent considerable time in the water examining local reefs. The trip proved to be a tremendous opportunity to make a difference.” Posted 2/14/06

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