10 Jan AM – Hello from Jamaica: Day 2!

This is a picture of the bay we snorkel at. The water is warm, blue and clear. I’ve never seen such a beautiful bay, and I thought it would be a good picture to share!

This is a picture of the bay we snorkel at. The water is warm, blue and clear. I’ve never seen such a beautiful bay, and I thought it would be a good picture to share!

Today was an eventful day. First, we all got up early for breakfast at 7:30am. Shortly after we had a quick meeting, then went snorkeling. As we approached the dock, we were divided into two groups. The more experienced group went with professor Joe Warren, and those with less experience went with professor Brad Peterson. As a part of the less experienced group, we observed professor Brad Peterson show us how it was done. A lot of has trouble with our mask fogging up, but we learned that spit is a great defogger! As soon as we all got the hang of it, Professor Brad Peterson took us to the mangroves. It was amazing!! We saw plenty of different fish including Dusty Damselfish (Stegastes adustus), Sergeant Major (Abudefduf saxatilis), Gray Angelfish (juvenile), and Foureye Butterflyfish (juvenile). We made sure to stay clear of the Diadema. After we met up with professor Joe Warren, we saw much more including a Spotted Snake Eel, Balloon Fish (Diodon Hulocanthus), Octopus and more! I cannot wait for this night dive! It may only be the second night, but there is so much more to come! Mom, Dad I am doing well! Love you!

  • Hannah Sahawneh

The Sergeant Major (scientific name: Abudefduf saxatilis) was my favorite fish. The juvenile fish are so bright and unique.

The Sergeant Major (scientific name: Abudefduf saxatilis) was my favorite fish. The juvenile fish are so bright and unique.

10 Jan – First Day Out

Octopus hiding in its den watching carefully with one eye open.

Octopus hiding in its den watching carefully with one eye open.

Not the first time donning the new wetsuit but definitely the first time using it the right way. Snorkeling in Jamaica was already one of the most memorable experiences of my life so far. Especially after taking an Invertebrate Zoology course this semester it was amazing to see all of the animals outside of the lab and in their natural habitat. It was such a gratifying feeling to also be able to identify the creatures I saw, one of the most amazing being an octopus relaxing in its den of coral. To make things even better it was set up right next to a conch shell, which a crab had decided to make its home. Only a day here and already having gone snorkeling twice in this beautiful environment bodes well for these next two weeks. I am very enthusiastic to see what I will come across next on this adventure.

– Frankie

09 Jan PM – Arrival in Jamaica

The University of the West Indies Discovery Bay Marine Laboratory.

The University of the West Indies Discovery Bay Marine Laboratory.

Upon flight over Jamaica, taking in the beautiful view of the islands, our class gathered into two buses to begin our journey to Discovery Bay Marine Laboratory. We were shown our living quarters and shortly after given a tour of the facility. We took a walk through the laboratory we would be working in. Finally a tour of the dock where all snorkeling and diving events would begin was toured. In an eventful day, with everyone in absolute defeat of life, we were all looking forward to waking up before the sunrise to begin our journey.

The scuba equipment facility and dock, where all diving and snorkeling activities take place.

The scuba equipment facility and dock, where all diving and snorkeling activities take place.

– Sebastian

Tropical Marine Ecology 2016 has begun !

mar388.2016.before.sm

 

Eighteen students have left chilly NY (amongst other locations) and have safely arrived here at Discovery Bay Marine Lab for this year’s winter term travel course MAR 388 Tropical Marine Ecology offered by the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences at Stony Brook University.  We’ll be updating the blog multiple times a day so please check back in to see the tans develop, the scientific names and knowledge of coral reef ecosystems astound you, and hear the latest adventures of these budding marine scientists.

Prof. Warren and Peterson.