Ecology in the Bahamas

Students get hands-on experience learning about coral reefs, island history, and human impacts on marine habitats.

Using the Gerace Research Center as their base, Drs. Lonzarich and Wellnitz, and 14 UWEC Biology students explored the beaches, reefs and inland sites on San Salvador Island, Bahamas. Students kept a daily journal and designed and implemented a collaborative field project to uncover ecological patterns exhibited by marine organisms.  The course emphasized collaborative learning and development of team skills, and provided opportunities to learn about the island’s cave and lake ecosystems, as well as island culture.