SeaTrek Marine Science Research and
Community Service Projects
The adventure begins… whether you have a burning desire to be a marine biologist or just want to know the names of the fish and corals you’ll see while scub
a diving, our staff of marine scientists and certified naturalists will assist you in learning everything you ever wanted to know about the environment of the Caribbean through our marine science camp.
Above the surface… you’ll be introduced to the physics of sailing and learn the forces behind the weather and winds that make the British Virgin Islands and the Sir Francis Drake Channel such an ideal and world-renowned place to sail and dive. You will also explore the geological processes that contributed to the formation of the islands and our favorite local dive spots.
Down below… the opportunities for exploring diverse underwater landscapes and observing fascinating creatures are limitless. Whether participating in a deep or night dive or just taking a leisurely snorkel, you are sure to encounter organisms and
behaviors that will astonish you and provide countless stories to take back home. From docile gray nurse sharks and the protected grouper and sea turtles to enormous thousand-year-old coral formations and fifty-pound lobsters, there’s plenty to amaze and excite you.
Having fun and learning... about the marine environment is what SeaTrek is all about. In addition to our exceptional scuba diving summer camp, our professional marine biologists and naturalists use their vast and diverse experiences to help all participants attain a proficient level of knowledge and appreciation of the underwater world around Islands. For those of you who want to do more than identify a few types of fish or sea turtles, the opportunities for developing a deeper understanding of this tropical paradise and the exciting and challenging field of marine science are many—and limited only by your imagination and enthusiasm. Along with the expertise of the SeaTrek staff and local marine science professionals, a range of scientific equipment—including laptop computers with internet access, cameras, microscopes, sampling devices, and field guides—will be available to assist you in conducting your research and participating in a variety of community service opportunities.
If you accept the invitation to participate in one or several of the marine science research and community service projects offered during your SeaTrek voyage, you can find out more by exploring this web site. Follow the links provided to examine the five main areas of study (Coral Ecology, Fish Identification, Turtle Tagging & Monitoring, Environmental Conservation, Plankton Analysis) and begin this exciting and chance-of-a-lifetime journey into the wondrous marine environment of the British Virgin Islands.
Purpose of Projects:
To obtain marine science research and/or community service project credit and have FUN and LEARN about the amazing marine environment of the British Virgin Islands! Students will use this web site and a formal workbook to guide them throughout their work. Participating students will receive their workbooks (via e-mail and regular mail) at the end of April or early May. Time used to complete the workbook is included in the hours earned for their research and/or community service credits. Students should continuously communicate questions, concerns and needs with the lead marine biologist (scienceproject@seatrekbvi.com)—especially where requested throughout the web site and workbook. The workbook will prepare you for your work and should be kept in a very safe place, as you will be required to bring it to the BVI and use it th
roughout your voyage. Additional paper copies will be available only under special circumstances. Although your research and community service project hours will be recorded separately by the SeaTrek staff, you will need the workbook to confirm your participation and provide proof of the specific tasks and work you completed. This will be a very important part of validating your hours and experiences so that your school will accept them. Should you have any questions or need assistance at any time, please contact the lead marine biologist and refer to the SeaTrek Marine Science page.
Instructions on Getting Started:
If you’re reading this, you’ve already begun the most important step—you’ve shown interest in completing a marine science research and/or community service project. The next important step is to continue reading these instructions and begin completing the workbook. After getting an idea of what the projects are all about, you must communicate your interest to the lead marine biologist so that you will receive the necessary guidance and assistance. Do this by forwarding the Required Student Information (below) to the lead marine biologist as soon as possible.
Required Student Information:
The following information must be sent to the lead marine biologist scienceproject@
seatrekbvi
.
com as soon as possible. Students will not receive important instructions and communication without submitting this information:
- Your Name
- Your age
- Your phone number and e-mail address
- How many years you've been coming to SeaTrek-or if it is your first time
- Which voyage (1, 2, or 3) you will be attending--or just tell me the dates if you don't know which voyage
- Which project/s or what topic/s do you want to explore?
- Do you want to participate for school credit (doing a research project), to get community service, just for fun, or a combination of these?
- Do you have any questions/concerns about the projects or options? In other words, what information do you need and what can I do to help you?
Project Topics:
Each topic can be used to receive community service and/or science research credit: Coral Reef Ecology, Reef Fish Identification, Sea Turtle Tagging & Monitoring, Plankton Analysis, and Environmental Conservation. In addition to or instead of these options, students can design and complete a related/alternative project upon receiving approval from the lead marine biologist. Some students choose to do more than one project or modify one of the projects to better meet their needs/interests or even work with another student to complete a project. These are acceptable options as well, as long as students clearly discuss their goals and objectives with the lead marine biologist. The following descriptions will give you an idea of the information and activities involved in each topic:
1.
Coral Reef Ecology
Prior to the voyage, students will research coral reef ecology, types of corals, and the natural and human-related threats to their survival. During the voyage, they will participate in the coral reef ecology presentation, work with the staff biologists, and use SCUBA and free-diving to complete a series of coral reef surveys for the Project AWARE CoralWatch program. This program works to involve divers and snorkelers in a simple, non-invasive monitoring program that will help to raise awareness about coral reef health and conservation.
2.
Reef Fish Identification
Prior to the voyage, students will research the common reef fish species of the Caribbean and begin learning to identify them and recognize key features and behaviors. They will also research the natural and human-related threats to their survival. During the voyage, they will participate in the reef fish identification and Seafood Watch presentations, work with the staff biologists, explore ways that various fish species are being sustainably harvested throughout the world, and use SCUBA to complete a series of reef fish surveys for REEF’s Volunteer Survey Project.
3. Sea Turtle Tagging & Monitoring
Prior to the voyage, students will research the common sea turtle species of the Caribbean—mainly Green, Hawksbill and Leatherback—and the natural and human-related threats to their survival. During the voyage, they will participate in the sea turtle ecology and identification presentation, work with the staff biologists, undergo turtle tagging and monitoring training, and assist in all aspects of the Turtle Tagging and Monitoring Project being conducted by the BVI’s Conservation and Fisheries Department. Along with training in identification and data entry, students will be taught how to catch, tag and examine turtles to make important measurements and observations that will be used in the CFD’s long-term turtle monitoring and conservation programs, which are interested in determining the size and health of various turtle species, as well as turtle population dynamics, nesting locations, migration patterns, and natural and human-related events that threaten their survival. More information can be obtained from the Marine Turtle Research Group’s TUKOT Project in the BVI.
4. Plankton Analysis
Prior to the voyage, students will research the types, functions and importance of various planktonic species existing within the marine environment. They will study how phytoplankton (plant-like) and zooplankton (animal-like) populations fluctuate due to natural and human-related influences and how various species are linked to local and global processes such as carbon cycling, water quality, harmful algal blooms/red tides, and declining fish stocks. During the voyage, they will work with the staff biologists to collect and analyze plankton samples, with a focus on the classification and identification of species/populations that may help evaluate the chemical and biological health of the area.
5.
Environmental Conservation
Humans have a strong impact on the natural world wherever they go. This is especially true throughout the Caribbean and more recently the British Virgin Islands. As more and more tourists come to enjoy the tropical climate, clear waters and beautiful landscape of the BVI, there is pressure being placed upon the natural resources of the area. More than ever, locals and governmental organizations are attempting to balance the positive aspects of such growth with the negative impacts of non-sustainable development. The issues are many and complex. Communication, monitoring, research and compromise are essential if that balance will be achieved. This is probably the most versatile and general of the projects, which allows students the opportunity to select and research environmental conservation/sustainable development issues of their own choosing. There are several internet references provided in this workbook, and the Marine Awareness Guide-BVI (provided upon request) will help students begin selecting a topic of interest. This project will require students to communicate directly and consistently with the lead marine biologist so that they can be guided in developing their research.
Community Service Project Description:
Students who decide to complete a community service project have the option of participating in one of the five projects (listed above). Most students who select this option, either have a strong interest in helping others or caring for the environment or want to use the experience to earn community service credits/hours for school. W
hile the amount of service hours varies from project to project and student to student, a minimum of fifteen hours is available to any student who completes the project workbook. Students can earn community service credit in a variety of ways. If students decide to do an individualized/
student-created project, they will work with the lead marine biologist to determine the approach and time commitment needed for the work. If students decide to participate in one of the formal group service projects (Reef Fish Identification, Turtle Tagging & Monitoring, Coral Reef Ecology), hours will be acquired as follows: First, we offer the Reef Fish ID Class through Reef.org. By participating in the class, taking the exam, and doing a minimum of two surveys (during dives) students can receive 3.5 hours of credit plus one hour for each survey over the required two. Students will receive the necessary training and background to complete the fish surveys; however, students will need to complete a project workbook and part of their preparation will involve pre-studying the fish at the REEF ID web site. Second, we have a turtle tagging and monitoring project that we do for Reef.org and in conjunction with the BVI’s Department of Conservation and Fisheries. Students on each boat/voyage document all turtle sightings (location, species, size, behavior, etc.) using field guides and a computerized data log. Along with training in identification and data entry, interested students will be taught how to catch, tag and examine turtles to make important measurements and observations that will make this data even more valuable. At the end of the summer, this data will be given to the BVI government and used in their long-term turtle monitoring and conservation programs, which are interested in determining the size and health of various turtle species, as well as turtle population dynamics, nesting locations, migration patterns, and natural and human-related events that threaten their survival. Depending upon the number of turtles we observe, tag, and are able to collect data on will determine the exact amount of hours students can accumulate for community service. Third, we students can participate in the coral reef ecology presentation, work with the staff biologists, and use SCUBA and free-diving to complete a series of coral reef surveys for the Project AWARE CoralWatch program. This program works to involve divers and snorkelers in a simple, non-invasive monitoring program that will help to raise awareness about coral reef health and conservation. By participating in the class, taking the exam, and doing a minimum of two surveys (during dives) students can receive 3.5 hours of credit plus one hour for each survey over the required two.
As a general guideline, students who sign up to formally participate (express interest and communicate with the naturalist before the voyage) and complete the workbook will earn at least fifteen hours of community service. More hours can be acquired based on the amount of background research completed by the participant, as well as how much time s/he spends researching, logging data, and participating throughout the voyage. No matter which project students participate in, they will be required to complete the project workbook and give a short (informal) presentation at the end of the voyage. On a case-by-case basis, the lead biologist may approve opportunities for students to accrue additional community service hours. Examples include conducting additional fish/turtle research, presenting information to peers, and/or providing assistance to the marine biologists. However, student interest in these opportunities must be communicated to the lead biologist prior to the start of the summer (May 30th). The lead and assistant marine biologists will be available to assist at all stages of the community service projects.
Research Project Description:
Students who decide to complete a research project have the option of participating in one of the five projects listed above (Coral Reef Ecology, Reef Fish Identification, Environmental Co
nservation, Sea Turtle Tagging & Monitoring, Plankton Analysis) or in developing their own, individualized project. Most students who select this option, either have a strong interest in science or want to use the experience to earn science credit through their schools. Marine science research projects can be completed in addition to or instead of the community service option discussed above. With approval from their schools, students can earn both academic and community service credit for the same project topic. To encourage flexibility, alternative research topics may be investigated after being approved by the lead marine biologist.
Instructions on Taking the Next Step:
After deciding to do a community service and/or research project, students should take the following steps:
- Become familiar with the Marine Science Project Topics (listed above) and the requirements for each.
- Select one (or more) of the topics listed and notify the lead marine biologist (scienceproject@seatrekbvi.com) of your interest by sending the Required Student Information.
- Begin collecting information and reference materials to focus your research and learn as much as you can about your topic. You can use the Useful Web Sites Link and the web sites provided below. Be sure to print out the more useful resources and bring them on the voyage to use for reference. Students are encouraged to contact the lead biologist for assistance and suggestions on where/how to find pertinent information.
—› If your community service hours and/or research projects are focusing on surveying FISH, first go to the REEF home page to find out more about the organization in general. Then go to the REEF Volunteer Survey page to find out more about the REEF Fish ID Project. You should also explore the “Resources” link, especially the “Fish Gallery-Caribbean”
so that you can begin learning about and memorizing the species you will be looking for on your survey dives.
—› If your community service hours and/or research projects are focusing on surveying SEA TURTLES, first go to the REEF home page to find out more about the organization in general. Then go to the REEF Sea Turtle Sighting Program page to learn more. You should also explore the “Resources” link and the seatrutle.org web site so that you can begin learning about and memorizing the species you will be looking for while in the BVI. Additional sea turtle information can be found at http://www.cccturtle.org/sea-turtle-information.php or by contacting the lead biologist (angie@seatrekbvi.com) and requesting more information.
—› If your community service hours and/or research projects are focusing on surveying CORALS, first go to the Project Aware: Coral Watch home page to find out more about the Coral Watch program in general. Then click here to find out more about coral bleaching, laboratory experiments and the specific types of corals you will be asked to identify. You should explore all of the links on this page, but should especially focus on the “Virtual Slideshows” link.
- Follow the “Science Project Outline Link”, and begin completing the outline. You should have an electronic copy and print out a hard copy as well. Prior to the start of your voyage, you should have completed the Title, Objective, Question, Hypothesis, Background Information/Resources, Materials, and Procedure sections. During the voyage, you will work with staff scientists to complete the Data/Observations, Analysis, Discussion/Extension Questions sections. This outline is part of the project workbook and will need to be completed and turned in (temporarily) with the workbook during the student’s voyage.
- Prior to the start of the voyage (in May), students must send an electronic copy to the lead biologist (as an e-mail attachment) so that it can be reviewed and discussed. Next, the student and biologist will communicate—by phone and e-mail—until the student feels comfortable and confident in completing his/her research and/or community service project/s. All correspondence and project preparation should be completed no later than May 30th.
Once on voyage, students will work with the marine biologists to collect and analyze their data and discuss their findings. They will also be required to discuss their project with other program participants during an informal presentation at the end of the voyage. ***To obtain “formal” community service project credits and/or academic science project credits, students must make such arrangements with their schools and teachers prior to the voyage.*** Students must first approach their school/academic counselor/teacher and ask about extra curricular credit that may be obtained by doing an independent study/research project. Students can use the Project Workbook and SeaTrek website, as well as communication from the lead biologist to support their justification for receiving credit. Please keep in mind that all schools and states are different, and SeaTrek cannot guarantee that cre
dit will be rewarded unless students and parents make arrangements with their schools before the voyage begins. Students must also communicate their intentions to have formal credit hours to the SeaTrek staff, including the lead marine biologist. The student workbooks will validate student participation. In addition, SeaTrek will send confirmation letters to schools and students upon completion of the program. These letters are mailed out in the fall and will include a list of the credit hours and project components completed by the student. The lead and assistant marine biologists will be available to assist at all stages of the community service projects.
Useful Resources and Web Sites:
In addition to the web sites listed above, students will find many of the following resources helpful in researching, developing and preparing for their projects. Note—This is not an exhaustive list. Students will greatly benefit from finding additional sources of information, including books, professionals, videos, images, magazines, current events, etc.
Marine Science - General Information:
Coral Reefs:
Reef Fish:
Sea Turtles:
Plankton and Bioluminescence:
Environmental Conservation - General:
Mangroves and Seagrasses Meadows:
Intertidal Zones and Salt Ponds:
Marine Science Careers:
On-line Media Resources:
Download a printable
Science Project
Outline. 
This site developed and maintained by R.E.
French Consulting Services, LLC