Bahamian Reef Survey

  Bahamas

San Salvador

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: Inquire for specific dates.

Description: Research Mission
Snorkel for science! Help researchers survey coral reef health on a remote Bahamian island.

Situation Report
San Salvador Island, Bahamas - Right now, coral reefs are at serious risk due to climate change, coastal development, overfishing, and other environmental stressors continue. One of the first signs that corals may be in trouble is coral bleaching, when symbiotic algae living within the colonial animals are tossed out during environmental stress, leaving the coral colorless and without nutrition. If prolonged, bleaching kills coral, with drastic impacts on marine biodiversity, fisheries, tourism, and shore protection. Then there are coral diseases, which have been increasing with alarming regularity. Scientists John Rollino (Earth Tech, Inc.), Dr. Garriet Smith (University of South Carolina at Aiken) and Thomas McGrath (Corning Community College) are in their 14th year of their search for better understanding of the reefs and the causes of coral afflictions.

Meals and Accommodations
At the comfortable Gerace Research Center (GRC), a former U.S. Navy base, you'll sleep in shared rooms (officer's quarters), with a fan, sink, adjoining shared bathroom, and showers. The GRC cooks will provide simple, filling meals served in the GRC cafeteria. We will also have a meal or two out at a local restaurant and finish the expedition with a slice of guava duff (cake) - a volunteer favorite! Please note that the share of costs does not cover the charter flight from Fort Lauderdale to San Salvador.

Highlights: On the Expedition
In the crystal clear waters of a remote Bahamian island, you'll systematically survey the reefs to document their health and what threats they are facing. You'll learn to conduct a number of ecological field measurements while snorkeling: surveying hard corals and other reef animals and plants; mapping transect sites and taking reef measurements; and testing water chemistry. On land, you'll map corals in tide pools and monitor beach profile changes over the seasons. In the evening, you'll transcribe the day's data, and enjoy films and lectures. Long-time Earthwatch scientists Rollino, McGrath, and Smith continually receive high marks for their patience, humor, and teaching prowess. In your free time, you can scuba dive, go spelunking, see where Columbus first set foot in the New World, nature hike, or just enjoy your beautiful surroundings.

Qualifications: Earthwatch volunteers are enthusiastic to learn about the research topic and are willing to contribute their time and energy to support leading scientists in conducting field research. Volunteers will be trained upon arrival at the research site. Teams have a minimum age of 18, unless accompanied by parent or legal guardian, in which case the minimum age is 16.

Cost in US$: $2,446 - $2,746

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Earthwatch volunteers come from all walks of life; teachers, students, doctors, business people, individuals Earthwatch expeditions appeal to a variety of people: educators gain new knowledge and develop exciting lesson plans; students explore career options and build research skills; writers, photographers and artists contribute their skills and share their experiences through a variety of media; businessmen and women, doctors and nurses, engineers, homemakers, retirees . . . people from all walks of life choose to volunteer on research expeditions each year. Volunteers are actively engaged on a daily basis with the research project, develop global perspectives, and explore new cultures and environments.

Age Range: teen (16 - 18) and adult (18+) teams

This Program is open to World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Bahamas Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 2-8

Application Process Involves:

• Other
• Phone Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Earthwatch Institute's Mission Statement: Earthwatch Institute engages people worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment. Through a unique method of funding, the volunteers Share of Cost contributes directly to the support of the research projects. Earthwatch enables scientists to pursue research goals and members of the public to gain hands-on experience with science. Each year, over 4,000 people from 46 countries directly contribute to scientific research by working alongside scientists, local community members and other volunteers. Earthwatch volunteers can track sea turtles; join archaeological digs; observe animal behavior; collect rare plants, study dolphin behavior and more. The Earthwatch community also includes 20,000 global members, 4,000 eager volunteers each year, 50 collaborating conservation organizations, and 50 corporate partners, all of whom work together to make a difference. Below you will find out more about our leadership, employment opportunities, and contact information.

Year Founded: 1971