Introducing EcoFS Caribbean Ecosystem Field Study A marine field study created by Professor Steve Johnson,

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "Introducing EcoFS Caribbean Ecosystem Field Study A marine field study created by Professor Steve Johnson,"

Mervin Norman
6 years ago
Views:

Introducing EcoFS Caribbean Ecosystem Field Study 2016-17 A marine field study

ECOSYSTEM LOCATION: Xpu-Ha Beach, Mexico 1-hour south of Cancun along the safe,

COURSE CREDITS: 3 undergraduate credits, ENST 391-Caribbean Ecosystem Field Studies

offers exceptional opportunities to study a healthy & diverse Caribbean ecosystem.

incredible coral reef & coastal academic opportunities.

1 Introducing EcoFS Caribbean Ecosystem Field Study A marine field study created by Professor Steve Johnson, adjunct faculty of the University of Montana at Missoula Environmental Studies Program. A 20-DAY, COLLEGE-ACCREDITED, HANDS-ON SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS OF THE WONDROUS CARIBBEAN ECOSYSTEM LOCATION: Xpu-Ha Beach, Mexico 1-hour south of Cancun along the safe, beautiful, and tourist-friendly Riviera Maya Coast. COURSE CREDITS: 3 undergraduate credits, ENST 391-Caribbean Ecosystem Field Studies DATES: December 28, 2016 January 16, 2017 CLASS SIZE: 20-Students Xpu-Ha Beach offers exceptional opportunities to study a healthy & diverse Caribbean ecosystem. Daily snorkels, SCUBA dives, hikes and hands-on scientific investigations provide incredible coral reef & coastal academic opportunities. Students will synthesize & apply information they have gained from their classroom/textbook context while actively studying & experiencing a spectacular ocean environment. To learn more & APPLY- visit

This is Where Your Classroom Education Comes to Life!

Ecological concepts & field methods that pertain to the Caribbean coral reef are examined in the greatest detail yet the knowledge & techniques gained are applicable to any ecosystem.

speakers & off-site trips. In the second half of the course students create and implement an original ecosystem field research project.

2 This is Where Your Classroom Education Comes to Life! Caribbean Ecosystem Field Studies is a hands-on, 20-day field class that provides incredible academic opportunities for experiential investigation of marine ecology, geography, climatology, & geology. Ecological concepts & field methods that pertain to the Caribbean coral reef are examined in the greatest detail yet the knowledge & techniques gained are applicable to any ecosystem. Instruction is delivered with inquiry-based activities incorporating observation & data collection, small working groups, lecture, focused exploration through daily SCUBA dives/snorkels, hikes, guest speakers & off-site trips. In the second half of the course students create and implement an original ecosystem field research project. Course Objectives: Students will Achieve a deep knowledge base of the structure & functioning of the Caribbean ecosystem. Gain expertise in utilizing a variety of ecosystem field tools & techniques. Learn rigorous scientific research skills including observation, hypothesis formation, sampling, mapping, modeling & data analysis. Build proficiency in SCUBA diving/snorkeling skills & ability to conduct basic ocean/reef research. Participate positively in a safe, rewarding, & challenging group educational experience. Course Location Xpu-Ha Beach, Caribbean coast of Mexico Xpu-ha (pronounced Eshpoo-Ha & is a Mayan word for morning dew) is a small beach community along the tourist friendly Riviera Maya coast of Mexico. It is located 60 miles south of Cancun, between Playa del Carmen and Tulum on an easy 1-hour drive. Xpu-ha consists of a mile-long spectacular white sandy beach within a sheltered bay. The bay is bordered by rocky points and contains a vibrant coral reef directly offshore. In Xpu-ha there is little of the major resort development that has occurred elsewhere along the Riviera Maya coast. The Caribbean EcoFS course location is on the private property of the La Playa Xpu-ha Beach Club ( The course uses the Beach Club's comfortable bungalows and campgrounds for our accommodations, palapa structures for meeting/studying, and the spectacular beach, coastline & and ocean for our classroom. *Note this course was previously conducted in Akumal, about 10 miles to the south. We have moved because Xpu-Ha provides the perfect match for course goals by allowing access to a private, undeveloped & ecologically diverse location. EcoFS is very excited about this change. Learn 14 various scientific methodologies through 18 exciting marine & coastal excursions. A Typical Day Instruction days begin with an exciting, academically focused SCUBA dive or snorkel Our dives & snorkels involve a scientific focus that includes data collection with underwater slates & research equipment. We'll finish the morning with analysis of our amazing marine & reef observations, typically in small group discussions. Savor an hour lunch break around noon (sorry no siesta). Afternoons include lecture on concepts & activities that we investigate with hands-on field work and data collection. Typically, afternoons include snorkels & 1-3 mile coastal & forest hikes. There are 3-4 off-site visits to other amazing ecosystem locations such as coastal lagoons, Akumal Bay to study green sea turtles, cenotes/caves. Our day ends at 5:00 pm with the remainder for homework, independent study, & personal time. Independent study is phased in during the second half of the course & personal research projects become our focus. Days are very full & academic expectations are high so do not expect "vacation-like" time. Our accommodations are in beach bungalow, double occupancy rooms with full beds, air conditioning, hot showers or in our beautiful beach campground with spacious 2-person tents. All accommodations and facilities are steps from beautiful Xpu-ha beach & reef. There is a large common meeting & work area with wifi & a kitchen to store & prepare snacks/lunch. Breakfast & dinners meals are prepared in our kitchen by a local gourmet chef. A few words regarding safety The Xpu-Ha area and the Riviera Maya is an extremely safe & friendly place for tourists. There is a major medical clinic & United States Department of State Embassy office in Playa del Carmen (15 minutes from Xpu-ha) & a major hospital in Cancun (1 hour from Xpu-Ha). This course will have a Family Physician on call in the United States for phone and/or internet video consultation. Currently there are no travel advisories from the US Department of State for the Mexican state of Quintana Roo & the Xpu-Ha area. EcoFS has safely taught this class in this area seven times in the past 5 years.

Course Schedule of Topics & Activities: Each day runs 8:00 am to 5:00 pm with a 1-hour lunch break Day 1- Arrival & Introduction Fly to Cancun!

accommodations, orientation to facilities Evening -Group introductions Your course credits can easily transfer through the University of Montana Environmental Studies program Day 2- Xpu-ha Bay

Climatology -global climate processes, coastal weather factors, measurement SCUBA/snorkel training -safety, safety, safety, swimming & buoyancy, equipment overview & check, communication & navigation

speed/direction, ocean/sand temperature, wave height, tides Day 3- Yucatan Geography & Oceanography Geologic overview -processes, geologic features, Yucatan Peninsula Oceanic features -currents,

3 Course Schedule of Topics & Activities: Each day runs 8:00 am to 5:00 pm with a 1-hour lunch break Day 1- Arrival & Introduction Fly to Cancun! Flights arranged by students -must land by 4 pm EcoFS staff meets students at airport -approximate 1-hour highway drive south along Riviera Maya coast in private shuttle Arrive in Xpu-Ha Settle into accommodations, orientation to facilities Evening -Group introductions Your course credits can easily transfer through the University of Montana Environmental Studies program Day 2- Xpu-ha Bay Snorkel & Caribbean Climatology Course introduction -syllabus, educational approach, safety, emergency procedures Geographic overview -Caribbean Sea, Yucatan Peninsula, Xpu-Ha area topography Climatology -global climate processes, coastal weather factors, measurement SCUBA/snorkel training -safety, safety, safety, swimming & buoyancy, equipment overview & check, communication & navigation AM- Snorkel in Xpu-Ha Bay -snorkel skills overview, reef investigation PM- Weather data collection -measure climatologic variables including air & ground temperature/humidity, cloud cover/type, wind speed/direction, ocean/sand temperature, wave height, tides Day 3- Yucatan Geography & Oceanography Geologic overview -processes, geologic features, Yucatan Peninsula Oceanic features -currents, tides, waves, beaches Maps -types, scientific research uses AM- SCUBA dive/snorkel -skill review in shallow Xpu-ha Bay PM- Coastal hike -geologic investigation of limestone coast, rock & fossil analysis, intertidal zone community exploration Beach survey -conduct geographic survey of Xpu-Ha beach including measurement of layout, profile, slope, angle, aspect, composition, current Snorkel in Xpu-Ha -geographic investigation Day 4- Reef Structure & Water/Soil Quality Analysis Ecosystem ecology -chemical cycles Soli/sand -formation, composition, classification, ecosystem importance & connection to reef & coastal organisms Water -chemistry, unique Yucatan hydrology, human influence, impacts to reef Scientific methodology -field research context AM- SCUBA dive/snorkel -assess reef structure & topography PM- Soil/sand field & lab analysis -dig soil/sand pits, identify horizons, measure infiltration rate, moisture, temperature. Classify soil/sand texture, sorting, composition & perform chemical tests for ph, nitrogen, phosphorous & potassium. Water quality field & lab analysis -perform chemical/physical tests of ocean water. Measure turbidity, temperature, ph, salinity, dissolved oxygen, nitrate, & phosphate. SCUBA & Snorkel SCUBA & snorkel are key features of this course that provides exceptional marine & coral reef study opportunities. Students choose a SCUBA/snorkel option or a snorkel option for the course. All info related to SCUBA & snorkel, such as certification, rentals etc. can be found on the SCUBA/snorkel page on the EcoFS website. Day 5- Reef Fish & Coastal Lagoon Investigation Fish -identification, species of interest, importance to reefs, behavior, research methods Biodiversity -types/indices Coastal communities- Yucatan ecosystems AM- SCUBA dive -fish behavior and identification study, use of underwater slates for data collection PM- Yal-Ku Lagoon snorkel -mangrove community & fish diversity study, calculate species richness and abundance

Day 6- Stony Corals & Cenote Exploration Stony coral -ecological role for reefs, physiology & ecology, Caribbean species of interest, ecosystem impacts to corals & reefs over time, identification

Cenote/cave exploration -hike & swim through a dry cave & cenote, analyze underground hydrogeology, explore Yucatan jungle Day 7- Research Design AM- Independent Study Convene at 1:30pm -How to Do

Day 8- Reef Algae & Green Sea Turtle Investigation Algae types, role in ecosystem, interactions with corals & other reef organisms, human use Populations -examine basic concepts of age, reproduction,

4 Day 6- Stony Corals & Cenote Exploration Stony coral -ecological role for reefs, physiology & ecology, Caribbean species of interest, ecosystem impacts to corals & reefs over time, identification skills Cenotes -geologic/hydrologic formation & features AM- SCUBA dive/snorkel -stony coral analysis, identify and describe stony coral species, calculate density, distribution & health PM- Cenote/cave exploration -hike & swim through a dry cave & cenote, analyze underground hydrogeology, explore Yucatan jungle Day 7- Research Design AM- Independent Study Convene at 1:30pm -How to Do Ecology Book discussion activity. Relevance to course research projects. Day 8- Reef Algae & Green Sea Turtle Investigation Algae types, role in ecosystem, interactions with corals & other reef organisms, human use Populations -examine basic concepts of age, reproduction, distribution, growth, niche, habitat Sea Turtles- taxonomy, behavior, population status, ecology. Nesting/hatching conservation efforts, monitoring of sea turtle populations AM- SCUBA dive/snorkel -algae types and coverage assessment, algae vs. living coral analysis, species of concern PM- Green sea turtle investigation in Akumal Bay -conduct population studies & behavioral observations- identify individuals, measure size, ageclass, distribution, & behavioral variables Day 9- Soft Corals & Sampling Methods Soft corals -difference between hard & soft corals, identification groups, major species of Caribbean, interactions with other species. Sampling methods- transects/quadrats, GPS/GIS applications AM- SCUBA dive/snorkel -soft coral focused analysis PM- Sampling techniques -practice & use with a variety of transects & quadrats. GIS/GPS integration for research projects. Evening: Night snorkel -shallow reef in Xpu-Ha Bay using lights, investigate nocturnal species. Day 10- Invertebrates Motile invertebrates: major relevant phyla, Caribbean species of interest, observation skills, research methods, diversity. Sea grass community- ecological role, importance for reef organisms AM- SCUBA dive/snorkel -invertebrate diversity investigation PM- Independent Study Day 11- Sponges & Reef Monitoring Sponges -taxonomy, physiology, ecology, research methods AM- SCUBA dive/snorkel -sponge focused study PM- Independent Study Assignments +Percentage of Overall Grade 35% = Daily homework assignments (Homework is given nightly for the first half of course to synthesize & apply data & observations from the day.) 15% = 10-minute presentation on the research topic & project 30% = 10-page written paper expanding on the field research project (Due 2 weeks after course ends) 10% = Course participation 10% = Final (take home) written exam (Due one week after course ends) Required Readings How to Do Ecology- A Concise Handbook, Karban & Huntzinger, 2nd ed., 2014 Reef Coral Identification: Florida, Caribbean, Bahamas, Humann & DeLoach- 3rd ed., 2013 Reef Creature Identification: Florida, Caribbean, Bahamas, Humann & DeLoach, 3rd ed., 2013 Reef Fish Identification: Florida, Caribbean, Bahamas, Humann & DeLoach, 4th ed., 2014

Day 12- Ecological Data Analysis Data analysis -basic analysis methods, statistics overview, randomization techniques AM/PM- Dive/snorkel/land research option.

Dive or snorkel safely though a world of stalactites, stalagmites, thermoclines, haloclines & incredible light PM- Dive/snorkel/land research option Day 14- Night Dive/Snorkel Night diving/snorkeling

Research AM/PM- Dive/Snorkel/land research option Day 16- Presentation Prep Presentation techniques -effective public speaking & presentations AM/PM- Dive/snorkel/land research option Research

In the project students will process observations formulate hypotheses, design an experimental methodology, conduct background research, & collect & analyze field data.

Examples of Past Research Topics: Sea Grass abundance in relation to depth Schooling behavior in Grunt dominant aggregations Phosphate levels of water & sediment at various depths Surfacing intervals

5 Day 12- Ecological Data Analysis Data analysis -basic analysis methods, statistics overview, randomization techniques AM/PM- Dive/snorkel/land research option. Day 13- Dos Ojos Cenote Cenote hydrogeology overview/ecosystem importance Cenote SCUBA dive/snorkel -drive inland to Dos Ojos cenote, an underwater cavern. Dive or snorkel safely though a world of stalactites, stalagmites, thermoclines, haloclines & incredible light PM- Dive/snorkel/land research option Day 14- Night Dive/Snorkel Night diving/snorkeling overview Independent study preparation AM/PM- Dive/snorkel/land research option Evening: Night Dive/Snorkel- shallow reef using lights to observe incredible nocturnal reef species Day 15- Independent Research AM/PM- Dive/Snorkel/land research option Day 16- Presentation Prep Presentation techniques -effective public speaking & presentations AM/PM- Dive/snorkel/land research option Research Project The culminating assignment is a field research project & presentation. Students develop an original research project based upon scientific field observations they perform. In the project students will process observations formulate hypotheses, design an experimental methodology, conduct background research, & collect & analyze field data. A culminating class presentation outlines the research project & expands on key concepts. Finally, post course, students complete a written scientific research paper that encapsulates the project. Examples of Past Research Topics: Sea Grass abundance in relation to depth Schooling behavior in Grunt dominant aggregations Phosphate levels of water & sediment at various depths Surfacing intervals of Green sea turtles as a function of size Evaluating the effects of coral community diversity on disease prevalence: does the dilution effect function in reef ecosystems? Sand sorting in relation to wave energy Effect of turbidity on Stingray abundance Parrotfish species predation on stony corals Coral disease and the effects of anthropogenic inputs Coconut Palm tree growth patterns in relation to beach slope Sea urchin density as an indicator of reef health Soft coral diversity in Half Moon Bay Sea Fan growth pattern in relation to dominant current Snail abundance as a function of tidepool depth Comparison of parasitic flatworm prevalence on hosts between varying depths Day 17- Caribbean Restoration Ecology Reef restoration -goals & methods Caribbean/ocean conservation -human impacts, restoration efforts AM- Dive/snorkel/land research option PM - Coastal clean-up Day 18- Student Presentations AM- Presentation Prep PM- Presentations- 10-minute presentation on field research project Day 19- Student Presentations AM/PM- Presentations (continued) Evening: Closing & farewell dinner Day 20- Departures Shuttles to airport Written Exam -via , due 1 week after course ends Final Paper -due 2 weeks after course ends COURSE ENDS Students are welcome to stay longer in Mexico For all further course info including details on costs, credits & application please visit:

The Cenotes Of The Riviera Maya By Steve Gerrard

The Cenotes Of The Riviera Maya By Steve Gerrard Best cenotes park in Riviera Maya - Ecopark Kantun Chi - Ecopark Kantun Chi: Best cenotes park in Riviera Maya - See 768 traveler reviews, 740 candid photos,