Island Times Blog

We had an awesome start to our FATHOMS voyage today!

We spent the day at the University of the Virgin Island’s Center for Marine and Environmental Studies (CMES). We learned about the CMES research and toured the labs and facilities. We practiced our coral identification skills using specimens in the lab and then in the water. We also explored the tidepools and the many creatures found there, including a chain moray eel, sea urchins and several brittle stars. It was a lot of fun getting the students snorkeling for the first time of the trip – we were all looking forward to some time in the water. After lunch we learned about ecology and coastal ecosystems of the Virgin Islands. Then it was time to head back to the hotel for some recreation time, dinner, showers and a discussion about sea turtles and the turtle tagging & monitoring program we participate in for the BVI’s Conservation and Fisheries Department – it’s definitely one of our students’ favorite service learning activities. Can’t wait to head to St. John tomorrow for more adventures!!!