SSS2k10 Story Board
(click on text highlighted in blue to see relevant facebook pics)
On the first day of Sea Sun and Science (SSS) the successful applicants arrived at the Base (BRT Office) for registration with questions and uncertainty written on their faces. "What should I expect of these ten day... are they going to be worth it? I wonder if I'd enjoy interacting with the other participants?". These questions are usual on the first day of SSS but it was not long before most of these concerns evaporated. After each participant received his/her package the programme officially begun with an introduction to the Buccoo Reef Trust and the SSS coordinator and facilitators. Participants were then distributed evenly into five (5) units, each having its representative color - Red, Green, Blue, Purple and Yellow. Ms. Kaye Trotman, one of the directors of the Trust then gave an ice breaker exercise where the groups were asked to discover four (4) things that all members of that group had in common, they also choose a group leader who reported the findings to the rest of us. The units also choose their names, which were: Red Rose, Green Marines, Blue Sharks, Purple Predators, and Yellow Sunflowers.
Mr. Keith Gibson then gave an interesting presentation on Coral Reef Ecology/Taxonomy. At the end of the presentation the groups were given a riddle to solve based on the contents of the presentation. The team that solve the puzzle first were rewarded with group points and the snack treasure of the day.
At about mid-day we boarded the SSS bus and headed off to Mt. Irvine Bay for snorkeling exercise. Things started to get exciting as everyone got their feet wet. Most of the participants could not swim nor had any prior snorkeling experience but this was not a problem since this is part of the purpose for SSS, ie to get even none swimmers to fall in love with the sea.
Day 2: Coral Reefs of Tobago Presentation, Mangrove Trek, Coral Gardens and Nylon Pool
Mr. Barry Lovelace, SSS Coordinator, presented on coral reefs of Tobago. We discussed the economic value of reefs to the economy of Trinidad and Tobago and also looked at threats to the reef and what we can to to protect it.
At about 10am we boarded the SSS bus and headed to Buccoo. There we made a trek into the Buccoo/Bon Accord mangrove (the largest mangrove community on the island) where Mr. Lovelace gave us a talk while standing high on a mangrove prop root. He pointed out the various adaptations that enable mangroves to grow in the harsh conditions that they do. He also pointed out the goods and services the these ecosystem provide. After that rather interesting presentation we took a long stroll on the white sandy Buccoo Beach in the hot sun (after all it's sea SUN and science), but we did find a cool shaded spot to have some lunch while we waited on a reef boat.
We waited and waited but no reef boat insight. I could see Mr. Lovelace on his cell, probably calling the reef boat captain, trying to find out whats taking him so long. At about 2pm a boat eventually came and we quickly boarded and headed out to the reef, trying to make up for lost time. We first went to the Coral Gardens where we saw a variety of corals and fishes. Having had our snorkeling training the day before, most of us were now confident enough to put on our mask /snorkel and fins and get in the 10-15 feet deep water and explore. It was such an empowering experience. On our way back to land we stopped off on the famous Nylon Pool for a leisurely swim then a quick spin into the Bon Accord Lagoon - a very peaceful and scenic area.
Day 3: Visit to Jacob's Fish Processing facility and presentation on Sea Turtles
Day 4: Seine Pull at Turtle Beach and fish broth cook out
Day 5: SCUBA!!! Breathing under water for the first time!!
Day 6: Hike over the Courland Watershed then Sailing in the evening's Sunset
