SOUTH CAICOS ISLAND, BRITISH WEST INDIES

SEMESTER PROGRAM

DATES

Spring 2008: February 4 - May 8

Fall 2008: September 8 - December 11

Marine Resource Management Studies

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

The British-governed Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) lie at the southeastern end of the Bahamian archipelago. The turquoise waters of the TCI are considered to be among the world?s top 10 diving locations. Nearly 50 species of coral and over 350 large fish species, including spotted eagle rays, sharks, groupers, snappers, and dolphin fish are easily spotted in the clear, warm waters just steps from our field station. Nearby sea grass beds, mangrove forests, sandy shoals, and deep reefs lend a patchwork appearance to the miles of shallow blue waters that surround the Islands. However, pollution and overharvesting of precious marine resources, coupled with unsustainable tourism and industrial development are poised to inflict irreparable damage to this delicate ecosystem.

These diverse and relatively intact and healthy ecosystems support much of the community on South Caicos Island, with fisheries providing the primary source of livelihood. The TCI are a major international exporter of rapidly dwindling stocks of queen conch and spiny lobster. Depletion of these resources will have a dramatic impact on employment and social structure on South Caicos Island; therefore, developing a sustainable fishery is essential if this resource-dependent community is to survive.

While many Caribbean communities have promoted economic diversification to improve economic and social stability, uncontrolled  tourism and land development, , will drive this fragile marine ecosystem, and in turn traditional Caribbean culture to the brink of collapse. Other forms of economic diversification and plans for sustainable development need to be implemented in order to avoid this pending environmental catastrophe.

RESEARCH IN ONE OF THE MOST SPECTACULAR MARINE HABITATS IN THE BRITISH WEST INDIES

Learn about tropical marine ecology and environmental management. Study and practice field research skills. Help find innovative approaches to fisheries, marine protected areas, and economic diversification. Join the friendly South Caicos Island community known as ?Belongers? and learn about Caribbean culture.

Turks & Caicos Program Description

OUR RESEARCH

Our Center is working with the TCI government?s Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR) and the National Park Service to develop management strategies that shield the TCI from the fate that has befallen other nearby areas in the Caribbean. Student field research is helping to provide the local government, community, and tourism developers with advice that will help sustain the economic, societal, and ecological stability of South Caicos and its island community. 

With so many local residents dependent upon marine resources for their livelihood, and the likelihood of increasing tourism, finding viable options for managing fisheries and conserving critical habitats, including coral reefs, is crucial. Snorkeling and SCUBA diving in waters surrounding South Caicos, students learn to identify a wide range of marine organisms and habitats, and learn about marine ecology and coastal ecosystems. Students grapple with the challenges of balancing the economic needs of the fishing community with fisheries management and analyze the costs and benefits of potential new fisheries. Assessing the pros and cons of resource management and habitat conservation options, and the social and economic implications of these options, brings students face-to-face with the real-life dilemmas faced by the governmental regulators and the residents of South Caicos. 

Recent research indicates that conch and lobster nursery areas in dense sea grass beds need urgent protection in order to sustain these economically important resources. SFS students research the distribution and role of the sea grass habitats in the coastal environment of South Caicos. With the Admiral Cockburn Land and Sea National Park at their doorstep, students are able to evaluate the concept of marine protected areas (MPAs) as a resource management tool. Students help monitor the condition of the spectacular coral reefs, both inside and outside the MPAs, using scientifically rigorous monitoring techniques. Based on their field observations, students assess the validity of indicator species for reef health, the effects of diver tourism and habitat destruction, marine species interactions, the impact of coral diseases, and many other issues related to marine natural resource harvesting, conservation, and monitoring Reef fish stocks unprotected

The growing tourism industry in the TCI as a whole is increasing the demand for reef fish on restaurant menus. Local fishers on South Caicos recognize this market and commercial sale of certain reef fish species is rapidly increasing. Apart from having established a few ?no-take? marine protected areas and banning spear fishing, there are currently no regulations in place to manage the harvest of reef fish. It is critical for the TCI to establish a comprehensive management plan for reef fish species so that they can be harvested in a sustainable manner to avoid total species collapse

Field Research, Lectures, and Exercises

• SCUBA or snorkeling for field research and species identification exercises.
• Visual assessment of queen conch and coral reef fish populations.
• Fish, coral, sea grass, and mangrove identification.
• Zoning for multiple uses in marine protected areas.
• Ecosystem functioning and anthropogenic impacts.
• Lecture from DECR officials on the TCI government fisheries regulations and enforcement.
• Lecture and site tour from local tourism developer on plans for constructing a resort.

Student Directed Research Project Examples

• Population size assessment of potentially commercial finfish species around South Caicos.
• Finfish dock landing.
• Water quality monitoring.
• Coral settlement rates.
• Interactions between mangrove and sea grass faunal communities.
• Ecology of Nassau Grouper.
• Local perceptions of tourism and fishing industries.

Student Research Contributions

• Lobster, conch, and finfish stock assessments have provided important information for government agencies.
• Natural resource workshop with the DECR and the National Park Service to provide the TCI government workers with educational training about coral reefs, lobster biology, marine fishes, turtles, and sharks.
• Working with the DECR, Protected Areas Department, and local businesses to develop a protocol for coral reef monitoring and to share data about queen conch distribution.
• Hosting or supporting public forums and activities attended by government officials and community members to facilitate communal problem solving.
• Applying baseline data to examine reef health trends, species interactions, and impacts of coral diseases.

Giving Back to the  Local Community

Our program in the TCI is ededicated to d helping the community conserve its natural resources and develop sustainably. Students quickly become involved with the community, spending time with local residents, fishers, and resource managers learning about the local Caribbean culture and the challenges they face. Some community activities may include:

• Reading, tutoring, and volunteer projects at the local library and grade school.
• Hosting SEA DAY twice a year at our field station to introduce elementary students to the marine environment.
• Providing swimming lessons for local children.

Program Prerequisites

Applicants for semester programs must be at least 18 years of age, in good academic standing, and have completed at least one college-level ecology or biology course and at least one semester of college prior to the start the program. Many past students in this program have found one semester of statistics to be helpful.

Applicants for summer programs must be at least 16 years of age, in good academic standing, and have completed at least their junior year of high school prior to the start of the program.

SCUBA Certification

It is not necessary to use SCUBA to participate in our program ? many students choose to snorkel instead. However, if you intend to use SCUBA you must be certified before arrival. Divers and snorkelers must bring their own SCUBA and snorkeling equipment (with certification, insurance etc). Weights and tanks are provided on-site at no cost.

Visit our Web site for a photo tour of our field station: www.fieldstudies.org

COURSES

Semester students are registered in four academic courses accredited through Boston University:

Course No. Name  Credits

BI/EE (NS) 373 Tropical Marine Ecology  04
EE (NS) 374 Principles of Resource Management  04
EE (SS) 302 Environmental Policy and Socioeconomic Values  04
EE 491 or 492 Directed Research  04

SUMMER PROGRAM