Marine Biology Seminars & Projects


Intro to Coral Biology and Ecology
  • What’s the difference between the two distinct groups of corals (Hard and Soft) and how is a reef formed?
  • What is the reef habitat and relationship between neighboring ecosystems?
  • How can you responsibly protect coral reefs?
Geologic and Oceanographic Intro to the Caribbean Sea
  • How were the Caribbean islands and reefs formed?
  • What are the chemical properties of the Caribbean Sea?
Developing Respect and Awareness of Marine Organisms
  • What are the potential dangers of the marine environment and what precautions can you to take?
  • How do you identify the most common organisms to avoid and why they should be avoided?
Invasive Species: Lionfish
  • How do you differentiate between Native, Endemic, Introduced, and Invasive species?
  • What are the difficulties posed by the introduction of Lionfish to the Caribbean ecosystem?
  • What is the difference between bony and cartilaginous fish?
  • Understand the external and internal anatomy of sharks, including their unique senses.
  • Learn how to recognize the importance of sharks and understand interactions between humans and sharks.
Sea Turtles
  • Become aware of the basic sea turtle lifecycle.
  • Learn differences between Hawksbill and Green turtles.
  • Discover the threats that sea turtles face.
The Ocean at Night
  • Learn the different adaptations of nocturnal species and the biological and physical characteristics.
  • Identify organisms found at night.


Projects that Protect

On our Foxtrot (14 day, 21 day) and Sierra (14 day, 21 day) Adventures, you’ll have the opportunity to delve even deeper into marine science and marine conservation. These are just a few of the marine science projects that you’ll encounter on our Foxtrot and Sierra projects.

Coral Reef Monitoring

Coral reefs are common to the crystal-clear waters of the BVI, and they play an important economic role in maintaining local fish populations. You’ll map and survey coral reefs monitor their current health and investigate trends in abundance by comparing your findings with prior year’s research.

Coastal Restoration and Rehabilitation

Mangroves are essential for preventing erosion and provide habitats for many species. You will measure the success of a restoration project by studying the regrowth of mangroves and sediment characteristics and plant new ones.

Turtle Tagging

Tag endangered sea turtles and collect their DNA to monitor their population and movements. Data is submitted to the BVI Department of Conservation & Fisheries.

Lionfish Dissection

Build awareness on Lionfish biology and Invasive species by getting a closer look at anatomical structures/function.

Learn the behaviors and ecological functions of reef fish.

  • Identify and recognize feeding, territoriality, mating, and resting behaviors in reef fish.
  • Find and accurately identify as many reef fish as possible.
Project AWARE Fish Coral Reef Conservation (Snorkel or Scuba)
  • Study the fragile coral reef system and learn how to preserve it.
  • Observe and identify markings, shapes and growths on the reefs.
Project AWARE Dive Against Debris (Snorkel or Scuba)
  • Prevent harm to marine life! Grab your mesh bag, scuba or snorkeling gear and help remove underwater debris and rubbish.

Additional research topics may be:

  • diurnal and nocturnal marine ecosystems
  • species diversity in fringing reefs and sea grass beds environmental impact assessments