News and Events
The Bermuda Environment
June 2011
The Bermuda Environment (ENV/BIO 221) summer course is cross listed in both environmental studies and biology. It investigates the complex ecology of the Bermuda islands, the impact that human habitation have on their natural history, and methods of addressing current environmental concerns. Major areas of study include coral reef and mangrove community ecology, fisheries and tourism impacts. The course is offered alternate summers and is taught by Donald Munson, Joseph H. McLain Professor of Environmental Studies and Professor of Biology.
Whalebone Bay on the north shore, our first snorkeling site.
The view from the boat leaving from St. David's.
Nonsuch Island Nature Reserve, the major protected area for the Bermuda petrel, once thought to be extinct. Today, about 100 breeding pairs return annually.
A BIOS (Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences) guide explains how protective nesting areas for the endangered Bermuda petrel are constructed.
A ship sunk by the world famous oceanographer William Beebe in the 1930s provides a protected area for docking. This is an excellent snorkeling spot.
A man-made nesting site for the Bermuda Longtail (Tropic Bird) on Nonsuch Island. A bird can be seen sitting on a nest.
A school of gray snappers (and a few sergeant majors) near Beebe's sunken ship. The snappers are protected here, but in some other Bermuda waters are legally caught and are delicious.
A young Bermuda petrel chick is just losing its down feathers. It was hatched and raised on Nonsuch Island and is about one week away from fledging. If it survives it will go out to sea and will return 3-4 years later to breed. Nonsuch Island is the only place in the world where the Bermuda petrel breeds.
Returning from a snorkeling trip to Natural Arches (south shore of Bermuda).
Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences – the main building and laboratory. We reside here and all meals are served here. The view is from Ferry Reach.
The west end of St. George's Island, with the remains of an old fort and of an old ferry landing.
A snorkeling trip to Harrington Sound (Hall's Island in the background). This is a lovely spot to study attached and benthic (bottom) flora and fauna.
Who says there are no mermaids in Bermuda? Students spotted this one near a home on the north shore.
Prickly-pear cactus and its flower. The fruits are edible.
Church Bay - the south shore of Bermuda. On upper left are cup reefs. This is arguably the best inshore snorkeling site on the island.
The view while students conducted a sunset plankton tow in St. George's Harbor.
After the plankton tow, we're back in the lab examining our collection.
Entering the water from the boat at North Rock.
Returning from a North Rock snorkel.
After the last "formal" snorkel at North Rock. No one looks too unhappy!
The day of departure on the front steps of BIOS. All wanted to stay longer.
The clear blue waters of Bermuda are perfect for snorkeling.
Snorkeling at Church Bay.
Students head out for another day of snorkeling.