Academic Update
The students took their final exam this week and are now entrenched in data collection for the group research project that assesses reef fish, coral, and algal abundance both within and outside the boundaries of the nearby Marine Protected Area. Last week the students wrote a scientific research paper that utilized both the Recreation Specialization theory and the New Ecological Paradigm as variables to identify individual propensities to harm coral while snorkeling and SCUBA diving. Additionally, I took the students on a tour of the island’s two perpetually in-construction-phase hotel developments while concurrently illuminating the nuances of project management in developing countries. However, we were also able to visit the dilapidated former US Coast Guard station, went snorkeling in the mangroves, and snorkeled in the nearby Highland Bay (which is my favorite snorkel site). The students have also been working hard as a team to improve their beach volleyball skills, but two separate trips to challenge the High Point construction workers again proved to be futile. One of these times, we will get those guys! 
-Dr. Pete Parker, Lecturer of Environmental Policy and Socio-Economic Values

Student Reflections
It has been about three weeks on South Caicos, and it’s clear that we have all gotten into the swing of things. Each morning starts with some breakfast, and a quick meeting for the entire group. At each of the meetings we all partake in an activity that the “student of the day” chooses. This morning was a nice change up (from the usual dodge-ball oriented game), to meditation. It was extremely relaxing, and a great start for my soon-to-be busy day.

Today was the first time the students were collecting data for our research project. From the 24 students, four teams were made. Each of the teams were assigned times and locations that they would gather data on reef success and fish populations. Team two (my team) was assigned to snorkel at Admiral’s Aquarium in the morning.

We set off from the docks, and within five minutes were in the water ready to start counting, measuring, and observing. A team member spotted a fever of stingrays within the first ten minutes. They gracefully cruised about twenty feet from where we were taking measurements. During no other snorkel has a stingray come that close, or swam towards the group. I believe the stingrays were not as intimidated by our groups because we were floating on top of the water, as opposed to swimming with a group during a typical snorkel. I predict many other students will encounter new animals in much more intimate ways during our research sessions this coming week. I look forward to my next field session, and hope to spot some more interesting organisms.
-Kelly Fuchs, St. Lawrence University

Today as a class we took a field trip to Long Cay, a nearby island. We started out our hike with a mellow walk on the beach. We keep a steady speed but slow enough to drink in the beautiful view of the open ocean dotted with small islands in the far distance. Our relaxing walk soon turned into a treacherous hike up one of the island's many calcified limestone cliffs. But luckily the cliff soon leveled off to a rocky ridge and the hike slowed to a nice eased tempo once again. As we continued on our hike to the far south end of the islands I had my first encounter with an iguana. They were much smaller and much faster than I had anticipated. I actually missed the first few that we passed, because they ran away or dove into a bush too fast for me to see. When we reached the southern tip of the island I was taken aback by the gorgeous view. From that point I could see both sides of the island, the sheltered shallow waters scattered with coral reefs, and the rough waves from the open ocean. Looking towards the ocean all I could see was deep, dark blue water with frosted tips from all the breaking waves. When I looked out in the opposite direction off the other edge of the island all I could see was crystal turquoise water for miles. It was a remarkable view to see the water progressively change from dark navy blue in one direction, to a brighter royal blue where the two distinct areas meet, all the way to a light turquoise of the shallows. By far that one point on Long Cay Island looking out at the ocean has been the most beautiful scenery I have had the chance to see since I arrived on South Caicos.
-Lydia Perkins, Wheaton College

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