Academic News

The first week of summer II came to a close with a camping trip to Sandy Point, a beautiful beach located on an uninhabited island close to South Caicos. The first week of the semester was filled with lectures and background information designed to provide a solid base for the marine protected area zoning exercise to come. The case study for this semester revolves around marine protected areas, specifically, “How can marine protected areas (MPAs) be used to maintain or improve the status of marine resources in the TCI and contribute to future economic development and diversification?” However, the students still have much to learn and experience on South Caicos in the coming weeks.

The focus of the course is on the factors that must be considered when examining the use of MPAs, including the ecology of the species to be conserved and protected, the economic costs and benefits of MPAs, and the appropriate methods for managing user groups. With the Admiral Cockburn Land and Sea National Park and the East Harbour Lobster and Conch Reserve at our doorstep, students will be able to observe some of the issues relating to MPA management firsthand. Through a combination of lectures, field trips, and summer research project experiences, students will learn how to integrate the complexities associated with the use of MPAs in resource management and conservation. In light of increasing tourism on South Caicos including two large and one small hotel development projects currently underway, we will be concerned with whether the use of MPAs is the appropriate management tool for mitigating potential impacts on coastal resources. In addition, we will also examine the use of MPAs as a management tool for protecting commercially important species such as reef fish, queen conch (Strombus gigas), and spiny lobster (Panulirus argus) from over-exploitation. Today, we will receive a guest lecture by the TCI Department of Environment and Coastal Resources, in tandem with the Cuban fisheries department on the management of the spiny lobster fishery in TCI versus Cuba. Dr. Dave Wilson, Center Director

Student News

Summer II is off to a great start. Eighteen students arrived last week and we've been spending time getting to know each other and South Caicos. Students have spent many evenings taking leisurely walks through the salinas getting to know the maze of dirt roads that wind through the area. Saturday night we headed out to Sandy Point, on Long Cay. Some students spent their time exploring the island looking for the elusive iguanas. Others lounged in the ocean watching the sun set on the horizon. As the evening wore on we all sat around the barbeque pit talking and telling funny stories. The morning offered some special treats. We woke to find nine newborn lemon sharks swimming in a sheltered area right near camp. Also, a school of bone fish could be seen swimming near shore. What a perfect way to start the day off! Kara Gober, Student Affairs Manager

Student Reflections

I've been here a week and still cannot get my mind around the beauty of this island. Everything here is unapologetically bright and bold, from the colors around us, to the locals, to the wildlife. I've been in the water pretty much every chance I've gotten since taking the swim test. Partially because of the great snorkeling and partially because it's the only place I can feel cool and comfortable rather than hot and sticky. Although I don't know all the names of the marine life, I don't need scientific names to appreciate the beauty and grace of this underwater world (but that doesn't mean I'm not learning them). Just snorkeling off the dock we've seen barracudas, spiny lobsters, stingrays, spiny urchins, and tons of vibrant fishies. The staff have been great, both funny and informative! My fellow students are a diverse group of really smart and funny people and I'm sure friendships made on this island will not be forgotten. Elena Tuttle, University of California-Los Angeles

In a few words, I would describe The School for Field Studies-Center for Marine Resource Studies as a melting pot for American youth culture. It is here that I have been able to enjoy the company of seventeen other students and multiple staff members as we exchange the stories of our experiences from our part of the world, whether it is in Alabama, New York, California, or even beyond the borders such as Japan, the Netherlands, and Australia. As one of the youngest members of this TCI program, I was plenty anxious to see how things would unfold throughout the first few days. This anxiety was greeted with a warm welcome upon our arrival at the Center. Our eyes feasted on views of crystal clear waters filled with abounding corals, mangroves, and other marine life from the cliff that is the edge of our pleasant campus' back yard. Anthony Capps, Foley High School

South Caicos, an island city, a home away from home. As an aspiring anthropologist I tried to take every opportunity to talk to the people on the island about anything. The island community is very religious, and it only seemed appropriate to examine one of the biggest parts of their lives. As one woman put it, "We have a church for everybody." The first night, I attended a Baptist service with Albert and about ten of my colleagues. It was a small and quaint setup, and we were greeted at the door with warm smiles and enthusiastic personalities. To my surprise the building was air-conditioned, and the decorations, seating, carpeting, and lighting were all very familiar. A guest pastor preached that night, and I was happy to see every TCI student participating in the service. We observed what the church members were doing and modestly followed their lead. The energy was amazing! Meagan Brittany Miller, Trinity College

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