Marine%20Biology%20in%20Belize

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Marine Biology in Belize

• Joe Dirnberger and Scott Reese
• Department of Biological and Physical Sciences
• Kennesaw State University

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• Goals
• To have students develop explanations of
  ecological trends across small and large scales.
• To introduce students to different cultures and
  have them consider each cultures interaction
  with the natural environment.

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Ecosystems in central Belize vary considerably
over relatively short distances, from mountain
headwaters to the barrier reef,
with numerous gradients over smaller scales as
well.
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Three distinct cultures also occur within a few
miles of each other in the Stann Creek District
of Belize
Garifuna
Maya
Creole
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The first part of the trip Possum Point
Biological Station on the mainland - Cultures,
rivers, and estuaries.
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Dangriga and the museum of the Garifuna people,
descendents of Caribs and west African slaves
from the West Indies..
After listening to the intensity of our guide
speak, it is obvious that man has an
overwhelming sense of pride for his culture.
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The Creole village of Sittee River and a boat
trip upstream from estuary to freshwater.
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Maya Centre and the Jaguar Preserve - headwaters
and mountain forest ecosystem
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The second part of the trip Wee Wee Caye Marine
Lab located 8 kilometers offshore,
providing access to a variety of marine
ecosystems.
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Mangrove islands
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Seagrass beds
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Barrier and patch reefs
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Impressions The depth of the ocean seemed
indefinite at times . And the darkness that
accompanied that uncertainty brought somewhat of
a fear of things that might appear. Nonetheless,
one of the coolest things Ill probably ever do
Overcoming fears.
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The trip taught me not only a lot about the
marine life and ecology, but it taught me to
value life more and to enjoy the simple things in
life The trip has opened my eyes to a whole
new world that I would have never experienced. I
now want to travel to other places ...
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The end, til next year