Programme content

PROGRAMME CONTENT

Participants of Sea Sun Science 2010 will be exposed to various aspects of the marine environment through a combination of lectures, and related field and recreational activities.  Lectures and activities that participants can expect to experience include:

Marine Taxonomy

This lecture will introduce participants to the flora and fauna that inhabit the ocean environment.

Field Component: Participants will learn to snorkel and identify some marine organisms in process.

Mangrove Ecology

Mangal forests dominate the coastline in the South West end of Tobago, with the largest stand located in the Buccoo/Bon Accord Complex.  This lecture identifies the faunal species that exist, as well as discusses the importance of and threats to these valuable coastal ecosystems.

Field Component: Participants will explore the largest mangrove wetland community in Tobago and record a variety of information (e.g. species identification, flora present, water quality tests, human impacts, etc.).

Coral Reef Ecology

Coral reefs are fascinating, fragile ecosystems that line most of Tobago’s coastline.  They are extremely important to the economy of the island yet they are severely threatened by a number of factors.  This lecture will introduce participants to the ecology and function of, and threats to this valuable resource.

Field component: Participants will visit two sites and collect data on flora and fauna, water quality and human activity observations.  Data collected will be used in critical thinking exercises.

Fisheries Management

Fishing is the second largest industry in Tobago and as such is a major source of income for many families.  Management of this industry is highly complex but integral in understanding the importance of the marine environment as a resource and the need to sustain it.  This lecture will impart an overall understanding of fisheries globally, regionally, and locally.  It will highlight the local methods, tools, and challenges faced in managing the fishing industry.

Field Component: Participants will try their hand at Seine Pulling, one of the traditional methods of fishing used on the island. They will also have an opportunity to witness the processing of flying fish for the retail and export markets.  

Fish Anatomy: Participants will ‘get their hands dirty’ dissecting some of the fish they would have caught in the seine to get a closer look at the anatomy of fish.  They will also be able to relate various components of a fish’s anatomy to the environment it lives in – adaptation to environment (camouflage ability, etc), manoeuvrability, reproduction, behaviour.

Oceanography

An introduction to marine science would be remiss without some kind of exposure to the study of oceans.  This lecture will provide an overall look at oceans as a source of life – ocean formation and composition, water circulation via currents, and near shore and deep ocean life support.

Sea Turtle Lecture

Participants will be exposed to sea turtle biology and ecology.

Field Component: Participants will have the opportunity to go turtle watching.

Other Activities

• Sea Safey Simulation – Participants will learn basic first aid and rescue skills
• Sailing – Participants will learn navigation and other skills needed to control a sail boat
• SCUBA – Participants will be introduced to scuba diving
• Meet the professionals – Participants will have the opportunity to interact with professionals working in the environmental field, in an informal setting.
• Treasure Hunt
• Mural painting (for Graduation)