Student Participant Report

Marine Life Study in Jamaica

By Peter Burnside

The night walk to Tidepool Island was a success. We collected various peculiar-looking creatures and got spooked by a ghostly octopus. With our buckets and flashlights, we waded back to the lab and transferred the organisms to tanks.

This was just the beginning of a 10-day marine biology course at the Hofstra Univ. Marine Lab (HUML) in Jamaica. In the days that followed we would explore a variety of marine environments, collect and identify 100 organisms, and take several field trips to get a taste of life in Jamaica.

Started by Dr. Eugene Kaplan of Hofstra Univ., HUML hosts about 25 student groups each year, most of which follow a similar routine of snorkeling, hiking, and studying. The 2-story lab is well equipped with microscopes, saltwater tanks, and preserved specimens. Two resident directors assist with the classes.

Perhaps the lab's greatest strength is its close proximity to a diverse collection of habitats-just a short walk or boat ride from the lab to turtle grass beds, coral reefs, rocky shores, tidepools, and mangroves. Each habitat plays a unique role in the marine ecosystem and is home to a multitude of fascinating organisms. During the days of field work at the lab, students develop a wealth of knowledge about marine ecology, taxonomy, and biodiversity.

In addition to intensive study, many groups include a few just-for-fun trips. There may be opportunities to visit a tourist market in Ocho Rios, climb the 600-foot Dunn's River Falls, or snorkel over a shallow shipwreck.

Visitors to HUML stay in an adequate but overpriced hotel on the grounds. Rooms have hot water and fans; meals are prepared daily by the hotel.

Sadly, not all the lessons learned at HUML were uplifting and inspirational. There is a great deal of environmental degradation in Jamaica and it will break the heart of anyone who has ever admired a pristine coral reef. Reefs that once had 50 to 70 percent coral cover now have only 5 percent. Most fish on the reef are juveniles and will be caught before they reach maturity. Additionally, students who open their eyes to the social conditions around them will be forced to ponder the difficult questions of racial inequality, sustainable development, and poverty.

If you go, take snorkeling gear. There's no need for a wet suit, but if you have one, bring it for added comfort. You'll be spending a lot of time in the water. If you're new to snorkeling, it's a good idea to try out your gear in a pool.

Contact: Julie Kaplan, HUML associate director, at BIOEHK@hofstra.edu; www.comvision.com/huml.