2011

Today we learned about the different types of invertebrates that are present in the ocean. We learned that sponges are usually immobile and present on the ocean floor. In addition, they are filter feeders and take nutrients in through their side pores and release them through their top pore. Finally, the second half of class we dissected a starfish...

Today in class we began by finishing up our dogfish shark lab. All that me and Kells had to do was remove the skin on the head of the shark and look at the brain. The cerebellum was about the size of a cashew. Following the clean-up of this lab we began the daily discussion over the two articles....

We had a great week with all of the guys from Jesuit.  I think this trip has served everyone involved, myself included, as a wonderful learning opportunity.  It has instilled in the students an appreciation, if not love, for the aquatic environments of our reefs and oceans.  I feel confident that this next generation of responsible, conservation-minded divers will...

I awoke to the shouts of my bunkmate, Sean, running through the cabin exclaiming that rain was pouring in through our open windows. My bed was perfectly dry so naturally, I just laid there and watched the chaos ensue. The rain quickly put me back to sleep so well, that not even the alarm clock woke our room up....

Today was a busy day. We started waking the guys around 8am so we could meet our taxi at 8:30. Most cabins were already up and moving; it is hard to sleep too late when the windows are open and sun rises around 4:30am. Although I say that, many guys still managed to need a wake-up...

Today concluded our final day at the BVI. It all started at 8:30 as we boarded Speedy’s one final time. We drove down to the marina and ate some delicious donuts at the VISOR head quarters house. VISOR is responsible for managing emergencies around BVI.  While I was sitting and eating my friends and I saw 3 baby sharks...

Rise and shine, I was up and about at 6:30, or 5:30 Dallas time and met over at my good buddy Harrison's hut at around 6:50. We quietly made tea, and headed down the wifi lounge. After a chat and some light conversation with our teachers, we headed to meet the taxi so we could eat breakfast at the...

Today marked the beginning of the long awaited marine biology summer course! I have been looking forward to this class because of the trip to the British Virgin Islands ( which I will refer to as BVI) and to use this sweet ipad.. I hope to gain a deeper understanding of the internal body systems different organisms hold. I also...

Today we began by talking about our reading about virus's role in the ocean. We then discussed the biological zonation of the ocean and learned about the different zones and layers, most of which are labled according the amount of light present. We also talked about the role of plankton in the ocean. Plankton can be harmful, for example,...