Here are some photos from Biology 314 Biology of West Indian Coral Reef Biology.

1999-2000 San Salvador, Bahamas trip!

Here is the group, seated: Cheryl Swackhamer, Kristy Clark, Rob Sentz, Haggis (the dog), Sherrie Yancey, and Lindsay Treon. Standing: Dr. Anderson, Amanda Noyes, Eric Diestler, Willa Suter, Bradley Easterlin, Tatum Webb, Neal Dancey, Carolyn Ponte, and Michelle Delamarter (Dr. Benson is taking the photo)

The next several photos were taken while we toured Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, in Fort Pierce, FL. 

 Ross Longley tells us about the discovery of a new chemotherapy drug (Discodermalide) in the lab. Discodermalide was found in a deep sea sponge. They are currently examining other sponges for chemicals with potential as chemotherapy drugs.

Neal and Bradley try out a research submersible.

Some other students look at real research submersibles.

The group looks out from Dixon Hill Lighthouse. Dixon Hill Lighthouse is an important navigational landmark and provides an excellent view of the island's many inland saline lakes.

Adjacent to the lighthouse is a cave that is well-known for interesting geological formations. Dr. Panuska, from Mississippi State University, led a tour of the cave.

Lindsay gets a hand out of a tight spot from sympathetic Sherrie.

Group photo in the water chamber.

 Here is our mode of transportation on the island.

Waiting for lunch.

Wrapping up lunch.

Students spent most of the daylight (and some evening) hours snorkeling in different habitats and coral reefs around the island.

Off to work we go...

This is a typical reef site.

Collecting data

Cheryl is taking notes on coral reef biology.

Kristy diving to look at something more closely.

We saw many interesting organisms:

A sea turtle.

Some bar jacks in a turtle grass bed.

Some blue chromis around a coral buttress.

Checking out a snapper.

Fire coral.

Going to school.

A sponge.

Southern Stingray.

Queen Triggerfish

Yellow Stingray.

A trumpetfish.

We also did some snorkeling at night:

If you look carefully, you might see the golden-spotted eel stretching from the top

to the bottom of this photo.

A honeycomb cowfish.

When we became chilled swimming, we explored the intertidal zone...

Lindsay shows us a brittle star.

The group examines the features of a clam.

Mapping intertidal zonation.

Examining the mangroves.

Neal looking at the blowhole on an incoming tide.

Neal was closer than he expected!

We visited Watling's castle. Watling was a pirate who chose a strategic position above French

Bay for his lair.

Relaxing before the final exam on the last day...