LITTLE CAYMAN ISLAND (9 Aug 2002) -- High School youths from Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac recently arrived in Little Cayman to begin a two-week long scientific exploration of the surrounding reefs. Developed by the Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI) three years ago, the Sea Camp programme is academic and focuses on such topics as marine ecology, marine biology, marine conservation and underwater photography. The students will explore questions that will teach them how a coral reef is a system of myriad organisms that are highly interdependent. They will examine the lifestyles of fish; learn fundamental scientific methods and work on an assessment of the various aspects of the coral reef community. Also, a part of the programme will be for the youth to develop their own study on the conch populations. Included in the rigorous curriculum also be fun scavenger hunts along the beach to find as many of the different species of corals as are found on the reef and other activities. Students are expected to gain a keen understanding of the marine environment and an appreciation for how this impacts daily life and the economy within the Cayman Islands. Gianna Esteban, a student from John Gray High School who participated in the Sea Camp last year has returned as a scholar and mentor for the other youths. She is already a rescue diver and has a keen understanding of the marine environment. Gianna has been given a research project of her own to explore coral diseases affecting the coral reefs today around the Cayman Islands. Several of the young people who are not already certified will spend the first week gaining scuba certification by dive instructor Henri Fordi. | | The team of young people along with teacher volunteer Christine Whitehead and Department of Environment support staff John Bothwell are being housed at McCoy's Lodge on the north side of Little Cayman. The young people attending the programme are highly motivated and excellent students who are interested in learning about the marine environment. The programme is underwritten by grants from Chevron Texaco Caribbean & Bank Austria along with contributions and scholarships provided by Cayman Brac Power & Light, Southern Cross Club, Peter & Pia Hall, the Department of Tourism, the Department of Environment, Island Air, and the Lions Club of Grand Cayman. Director of the CCMI and chief operations officer responsible for the Sea Camp, Dr. Carrie Manfrino, said: "I want to extend a heartfelt thanks to all our sponsors and the various contributors this year. We are excited to have such enthusiastic students who are truly interested in learning more about the environment. We are also looking forward to working with them over the next two weeks in a fun and interactive atmosphere." SOURCE - Caynet NewsSCUBA FORUMDISCUSS THIS TOPIC - Dive in and have your say at Scuba Forum |
