Category Archives: 2022

Day 4 – Death to invasive lionfish!!!

Today we took a small boat out to a reef outside the Marine Protected Area to start surveying our first large research question! We wanted to find out how live coral cover correlates with sea urchin prevalence. We went out to a shallow patch reef, and the strong waves today made it very difficult to do any surveying! I kept being accidentally washed into corals! We did get to see many sea urchins, including the Diadema antillarum, which has seen drastic population declines since the 1970s. The specimen we picked up in the field is shown in the picture below:

After our data collection, we visited another patch reef within the Marine Protected Area. Here I found lots of common sea fans, a soft coral, that were partially dead and diseased. I learned in a lecture today that many of them likely had the disease aspergillosis. I also saw many other soft corals that were harder to identify. Many of them have a candelabrum or bushy shape with branches coming up, and brown or tan polyps.

Here are a few I saw on the reefs today:

I think this one might be a Black Sea rod (Plexaura homomalla), as it has dark stalks with contrasting light polyps:

The most exciting part of today was when one of our guides, Claudius, found a giant adult Lionfish! It was around 10 inches long and very showy. Since Lion Fish are invasive to this area, and very damaging, our professors worked together to spear and capture it. Later at the station they humanely killed it, and have talked about turning it into ceviche for us to eat! Even though I am vegetarian, I think I will make an exception to help clear up the invasive Lionfish population here in Belize!

(Here is a poorly transferred picture of Scott with the lionfish speared and ready to put into the bag Adrienne is holding!)

– Ava

Reef Day 3: Lionfish = Speared

We started today with an experiment! We spent time forming a question, hypothesis, and methodology regarding percent coral coverage (live v. dead) and sea urchin abundance in MPA and non-MPA patch reefs. In the time we had before lunch and before we went out onto the boats, we did a taxa collecting activity, where we waded in shallow water and collected tons of organisms and specimens.

Once back in the wet lab, we organized them all into tubs and presented our “expert” taxon group. One cool find of note was a Diadema annularis sea urchin (DO NOT TOUCH).

After lunch, we headed out on a boat (!!) to perform our experiment (at least getting it started). We went to West Reef (non-MPA) with our transects and quadrats. After collecting data on corals, we had a timed urchin-collection period. I found three!

We went to a second patch reef (MPA) to explore just for fun for the sake of curiosity. Such an amazing experience! I spotted a cyan-colored (WOW!!) corallimorph and a white encrusting zoanthid (oooooo)! I finally added some variation in my spotting of my taxa.

The highlight of the day was Dr. Solomon SPEARING a lionfish and capturing it! (This is a good thing because lionfish are an invasive species in the Caribbean)

This was probably the coolest thing I’ve ever witnessed, and I know that my reef buddy Liliana (who has a passion for one day eating a lionfish) was beyond thrilled!

This experiment will be continued over at least the next day to collect more data on different patch reefs, and then I will have another picture of a poster to attach in my blog.

Here comes another night of much-needed sleep, with a slightly higher chance of having lionfish for breakfast tomorrow 🙂

– McKenna

Day 3: Penicillus Project + Coral Graveyard

Today we started to think more like field biologists by using tools such as our quadrates and transect tapes to measure densities and volumes of objects such as coral heads! We came up with a scientific question and hypothesis to test about the green algae, penicillus. We wanted to test how the penicillus density would change as we got into deeper waters. Our class could perform this data collection if we all went vertical by shoring using our transect to measure our 100 ft from shore, and then using our quadrat to search for and identify penicillus among the sea grass. Our hypothesis was that penicillus would be more abundant in shallower waters, due to higher sunlight and more nutrients, but we were wrong. Our data supported the idea that penicillus was more abundent in deeper waters and was typically seen not solitary but in groups. We presented our evidence and conclusions to our professors and they seemed impressed for our first field biology project. Maybe some day in the future we’ll try to experimentally determine the reason for this (possibly competition with sea grass or other factors).

Here’s us working and discussing our presentation of our data

While we were working on our presentations Nyala and Caio brought us coconut meat which was a delicious snack!

Later we visited our Professor Correa’s favorite place on earth- the Coral Graveyard. The coral graveyard has all different specimens of corals that seem to be very well preserved.  There was stag horn coral, different species of brain corals with cool patterns and ridges, and there was also a type of coral that is so rare that there has hardly been any sightings in the last 40 years (before the coral disease epidemic). It was very important that we know learn to match these corals up with live species that we may encounter in the reef! We also discovered a fossilized palm tree species which Dr. Solomon is pictured holding!

I spotted a coral specimen that had  a possible annelid boring mark. This was probably a type of worm hole! It was perfectly preserved and I wonder what type of annelid could have made that mark.

There was also some specimens of Bladed Fire Coral (millepora complanata) which is a common hydrozoan reef-building coral in Glover’s reef! Bladed fire coral has very small hair-like polyp holes compared to most other species I have encountered.

I can’t wait to see more of Glover’s tomorrow and hopefully go on a boat snorkel trip!

~Maegan

The Best Place on Earth (Day 3)

Hi all, it’s Faith with Day 3 updates from the 2022 Belize trip!!!

Today we started off with a new activity where we learned how to use the quadrats and transect tapes.  On the reefs, quadrats are used for making standardized measurements while fighting the wave currents. You can count them using  the individual squares or their cross-sections!!! We took on two tasks, one as a duo and one as a whole group, that challenged us to use quadrats and transect tapes to answer a scientific question.

As a pair, Maegan and I tried to measure the heights and widths of young palms (we called them coconut palms because they still grow out of coconuts) on the Glover’s island, but Dr. Correa told us to change it, so we ended up measuring the volumes of two random coconut palms. We used the transect tape as a tool to decrease the bias in our samples, and we used the qaudrats squares as a unit of measurement.

After this test-run, our entire group created a scientific question, hypothesis, and procedure for collecting data. Here are the details:

Our question was, “How does the density of the green algae Penicillium change with distance from the dock?” Our hypothesis was that the density decreased because “algae are light dependent and nutrient depended,” and we *assumed* that there was more light and nutrients towards the shore.  For our actual experiment, our pairs lined up horizontally at the doc, and then layed out 100ft of transect tape in a line straight ahead of us. Then, every 10 feet we counted the number of Penicillium in 1 quadrats range on either side of the transect tape. Our findings actually conflicted with our hypothesis because the distance with the highest Penicillium density was actually 80ft away! We concluded that our hypothesis may be wrong because 1) seagrass was outcompeteing the algae in shallower waters, 2) the waters by the shore might not be more nutrient rich or provide more light, and 3) we may have gotten better at finding the algae the more we practiced (therefore reporting more at deeper depths). However, we kinda ruled out #3 because Maegan and I did the experiment backwards, and even though we reported the algae from 100ft to 0 ft, our data aligned with the trend (we found 6 Penicillium at 80ft. which was our highest density). Another group also did a backwards collection and had similar data. To finish off this trial research, the professors made us present it just like I said it to you now!!! So, look below for pictures of our beautiful poster!

Then data collection dive was challenging in many ways. I found out how difficult data collection is because of the currents and carrying materials. Because of this, I ended up leaving my camera behind, so of course, the worst thing happened– 2 echinoderms showed up! First, Professor Correa brought me a Oreaster reticulatus more commonly known as a cushion sea star. I was not sure where she found him, but I assume it was in the sea grass where we were collecting data. I had a difficult time identifying this star because it had pillow-star depth, but the spines were the same color as the bodice and the legs lacked a prominent “fused” appearance. Most guides show pictures where their spines are lighter than the bodice color and their legs are very fused. Nevertheless, I got to hold him and feel his spiny tube feet prick my fingers. Because I didn’t have my camera, someone else took my photo, so hopefully I’ll be able to get the picture and upload it for the next blog!

Next, I saw a West Indian Sea Egg (Tripneustes ventricosus) just sitting in the sea grass, but Ruth, our marine safety guide, picked him up before I could. So, alas, I did not get to name him “Fluffy,” and I cannot cross this off of my goals list! Anyways, we got to see the interesting sea urchin suction mouths because he suctioned to us while we held him. Shortly after seeing him, messing around with plastic-bag jellyfish, and trying to grab upside-down jellyfish, we went inside for lunch.

For our last activity of the day, Dr. Correa brought us to “the best place on Earth” where we identified washed-up coral skeletons based on their coralite and polyp structures. It was a very informative talk, but I don’t think I can cover it all here. You’ll just have to visit the coral graveyard yourself with a coral guidebook! I did go a littttttllllleeeee conch crazy and collected every conch that had color in it (about 5 or so). I also found a walking stick!!!

Till tomorrow!

Quotes of the Day:

“This place is amazing!!! *points at coral* And this is Agaricia”

“Signing off in another language would be a very suburban mom thing to do, ‘like I learned a few new words today’ would be too ‘mom’ of me”

West Indian Sea Egg (sadly not named Fuzzy)
Tripneustes ventricosus
Our presentation poster with a quadrat heart <3
Labeling Coral from the coral graveyard
Fossilized Palm Roots from the coral graveyard. This one stumpted us at first; we knew it wasn’t a coral. All we could do was ask Prof. Solomon, “Is this a land thing?” We found out what it was by finding dead palm roots that looked very similar.

Even more things to carry!

Today we practiced using quadrants (squares grids for making observations) and super long tape measures called transects. We did a project in the sea grass about the density of one of my very own green algae: the genus Penicillus! These basically look like lollipops with tops made of super thin calcified filaments on top of a central stalk. We studied how the density of these algae changed as we moved farther from shore, finding density peaked 80m from the dock.

We also visited a coral graveyard. Where everything on the “beach” was petrified into stone! (including conch shells and palm tree remains). This meant that we could see incredibly pristine coral structures that underly the live polyps, and Dr. Correa was filled with overwhelming joy helping us distinguish the different species and explaining their characteristics.

Now, onto green algae. The sea grapes (Caulerpa Racemosa) I saw yesterday I am pretty sure were of the peltata variant based on the shape of the disc like cups. However, I found on the edge of a reef flat in a pretty sandy and sunny area, which makes me think I may have the wrong ID as the peltata variant is supposed to found in shade. 

Today I also found Udotea Flabellum in sandy shallow areas between sea grass. It had the distinctive sea fan shape and was in a pretty large group in close proximity to one another. 

Also, our Penicillus project brought us to lots of penicillus. The species my group found I believe to be either Penicillus capitates and Penicillus lamourrouxii based on the almost spherical cap shape. They also tended to be around one another and among the sea grass, though preferring areas of less seagrass density.

Finally, I think I saw green feather algae, Caulderpa sertulariodes on one of the posts of the dock, but I want to get a closer look tomorrow to be more sure of my ID!

today powered by coconut

Today was a big day. I know you were all waiting in suspense after the cliff-hanger ending to yesterday’s blog post. Well, wait no more.

We started out the day by practicing using out quadrats (which are actually 2×2 feet-oops!). We had to come up with a scientific question that we could answer by using the quadrat. Sophia and I chose to ask what percentage of the sand is occupied by live foliage. We laid out 30 feet of transect tape, then placed the quadrat on either side every five feet, and counted the number of squares that contained a live plant. The answer we came up with was 22.7%.

The next step was to figure out a scientific question that we could answer with the quadrat in the reef, collect data, and present our findings to the professors. You can read all about it below!

Also, I must note that throughout our scientific process we were being supplied fresh coconut by the kids. #sponsored

After that, we went on a walk to the coral graveyard-Professor Correa’s favorite place in the world! It looked like a beach full of gray rocks, but upon further inspection, it turned out to be fossilized corals! We were able to identify the corals based on the shape of the calyxes (the little spot that the coral polyp inhabits). In live coral, the skeleton is covered by the tissue, so in these fossils, we could easily see the identifying markers. Some of the fossils belonged to corals that have been nearly wiped out by disease and are rarely seen in nature, so the coral graveyard was truly a special place.

I also saw some sargassum that had washed up on the shore of the coral graveyard. I think it was sargassum natans VIII, but it was hard to tell because most of it was dead. There were also some floating sargassum patches out at sea, which was cool because there aren’t any that I have seen within the lagoon.

We then came back to watch the presentations for the night. I delivered mine on nutrient pollution, overfishing, and the future of the coral reefs.

And that was it! Tomorrow we are looking to go further out via boat to see new reefs, weather allowing of course. Stay tuned!

-Elena

ps. happy graduation to my brother! (although I doubt he’s reading this)

D-3 Marine Quadrats and a Coral Gravesite?

Hi everyone!

Today was pretty great, we got to do a bunch of new things as a group! For example today we worked with transects and quadrats under water for the first time. At first it was a little challenging, specially with two new devices and a clipboard to carry while swimming yet working as a team definitely helped. With a little bit of practice it got easier for me and my partner to place the quadrats correctly and then assess the amount of green algae in that patch. Although we were all able to gather data, our data ended up not proving our initial hypothesis. Originally we predicted that we would see a decrease in green algae as we moved further from shore, yet the opposite appears to be true. Although we do not know why, we infer that it could be due to over-competition from the sea grasses.

Later on in the day we went to what Dr. Correa called the coral graveyard. I thought it was so amazing how well preserved so many corals were after being fossilized. We had a small learning activity there in which we learned to pair some corals with their species name. Although many people got the names down quite quickly I can’t say I was one of them. Yet, I took photos of them and their respective names and plan to study them! I really enjoyed everything we did, yet I think working on our poster to present our data was my favorite part!

Regarding my taxa, I didn’t get to see any of them today. I am sure I will have a greater chance of seeing piscivorous fish whenever we go to greater depths!

Day 3: A Coconut Paradise

Feeling like a true field biologist! Today we practiced using our quadrates and trisects, first on land and then in the water. For the water experiment, the whole group came up with the research question: how does the density of the green algae Penicillus changes the further you go from shore? We also brainstormed a hypothesis (that they’d become less abundant) and a method to carry out our question. In the end, our hypothesis was wrong, but it was still really fun to be able to look closer into the seagrass and find all of the other organisms that reside in it (corallomorphs, anemones, and conchs).

Before, as we were working on our experiments and waiting for everyone to be finished, we were all treated with 10/10 service from Dr. Correa and Dr. Solomon’s kids Calliou and Nayala. I learned how to husk a coconut and also how to get the water out from it. I now believe that I could most definitely survive on a deserted island. No doubt.

After lunch, we went to the wet lab and worked on our group poster about the green algae experiment (during which we were graciously treated with even more delicious fresh coconut from Calliou and Nayala) and  then presented it to Dr. Correa and Dr. Solomon (we totally aced it too ;)). We then went out to Dr. Correa’s favorite spot in the whole entire world: the Coral Graveyard. Once you get there, you can totally understand why too. Here, it was a section of the old reef that re-mineralized and all of the coral skeletons are super clear and really easy to identify as they are all now stone. This also includes the conch shells which I thought was pretty crazy. Some corals that we identified include Fire Coral, Symmetrical Brain Coral,  and Pillar Coral (which sadly isn’t very common anymore). Also! I was able to see some Crustose Coraline Algae (my taxa) mineralized. It was super cool to be able to see the skeleton of the hundreds of pieces corals before they corrode into sand, something that you don’t get to see everyday.

-Sophia

A full group selfie!
Re-mineralized Psuedodiploria strigosa (left) and unidentified coral (right)
A re-mineralized conch shell
Re-mineralized Crustose Coralline Algae

Day 3: A walk in the graveyard

Today was day 3, and it’s crazy that we still have 11 days left on this journey. Each day has felt like 3 (not in a bad way though).

 

This mornings lunch was my favorite so far: some beans, bread, sausage, and spam (and some watermelon). It reminded me of something my mom would make back home, Simple but Delicious. It does seem like we’re running out of fruit though. The first couple of days, there were some delicious mangos, but alas, all of those are gone now.

 

After breakfast, we did an experimental design on land, which we then executed and collected data for in order to get used to using the transect tapes and quadrats. Then as a group, we designed an experiment for the water (determining the density of penicillus algae as we moved away from shore). This experiment allowed us to work with these tools in the water for the first time, and to work together as a team to develop and execute a scientific question. The experiment went well, but our hypothesis was dead wrong ☠️

 

During that snorkel, we also saw a starfish, a sea urchin, and a handful of mollusks! (Including a very large queen conch! 🐚)

 

We then worked together to make a scientific poster illustrating our experimental design and results, which we presented to Scott and Adrienne once we were finished.

 

Lunch was a chicken burger and fries. After lunch we did another land activity: we adventured to the coral graveyard 🪦🪸! Just a hop, skip, and jump away from our bunks lies a collection of calcified coral corpses like no other. They’re so well preserved in their fossilized form that we could identify the species from the long dead skeleton corallites. We verbally identified 11 species using ID cards and books.

 

We had one lecture before dinner(chicken, rice, and mashed potatoes, with the other 3 coming after dinner. The night snorkel was supposed to be tonight, but the winds have picked up too much to go out safely, so we’re staying in!

 

Fun extra excerpt about the day: Caio and Nyala became pros at cracking open coconuts and provided coconuts to your hearts galore for the whole group. Great kids

Day 3: The Coral Graveyard

Much like I am assuming most days on this trip will be, today was full of many new skills both in and out of the water. As a class, we seem to have graduated past simple scenic observational snorkeling and were tasked with developing and testing a research question for our afternoon snorkel. Utilizing a quadrat and a transect tape, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of the macroalgae penicillus as we swam out away from the dock to closer waters. I must say, this was easier said than done. We thought the algae would be relatively easy to find, yet finding the marine equivalent of a green Truffula tree among a dense forest of also green seagrass did not go as smoothly as first thought. Yet, we managed to find a few, and created a poster outlining our results.

However, after lunch is when the truly exciting action took place. We went on a small walk (this time well protected from the ravenous mosquitoes) and ended up on the seaward side of the island where there is a graveyard of coral fragments. If you have seen the graveyard scene from The Lion King, it had similar vibes, yet in this case, the graveyard provided an unprecedented opportunity to look at the skeleton of stony corals. For my cards and presentations, I did a significant amount of research regarding the different stony corals of the Caribbean, yet many of the ways to tell the species apart is by the skeleton (which you would hope to not see on a healthy reef). This graveyard of coral provided the perfect opportunity to see these unique characteristics which are typically obscured by tissue. Porites divaricata, Pseudodiploria stigose, Acropora palmata and cervicornis, are just a few of the many of species that we saw and discussed. I also happened to find a piece of Eusmilia fastigiata, which was a rare and cool find.

After sadly leaving the coral graveyard, we wrapped the day up with several presentations covering Lionfish, herbivorous fish, piscivorous fish, and a fantastic yet kind of depressing presentation illustrating the future of our coral reefs. Another incredible day.

~Rusty

Favia fragrum
Eusmilia fastigiata