Times of the Islands Winter 2020/21
Presents the "soul of the Turks & Caicos Islands" with in-depth features about local people, culture, history, environment, real estate, businesses, resorts, restaurants and activities.
Presents the "soul of the Turks & Caicos Islands" with in-depth features about local people, culture, history, environment, real estate, businesses, resorts, restaurants and activities.
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green pages newsletter <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> department <strong>of</strong> environment & coastal resources<br />
Students at The School for Field Studies in South Caicos employ SCUBA diving to do data collection and research that ultimately helps to<br />
sustainably manage <strong>the</strong> local ecosystem.<br />
The best time to go diving is . . . well, all <strong>the</strong> time.<br />
While late summer months bring calmer seas and better<br />
visibility, hurricane season is a factor. During this time,<br />
water temperatures peak at 86ºF (30ºC), but <strong>the</strong>y drop to<br />
about 75ºF (24ºC) in January when sea conditions can be<br />
a bit choppier.<br />
At The School for Field Studies’ Center for Marine<br />
Resource Studies on South Caicos, university students<br />
participate in an exploration <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir own. They have <strong>the</strong><br />
opportunity to become PADI Open Water and Advanced<br />
Open Water certified divers. We aim to equip <strong>the</strong>m with<br />
<strong>the</strong> necessary skills to meld SCUBA diving into <strong>the</strong>ir recreational<br />
and scientific endeavors.<br />
Here on <strong>the</strong> “Big South,” we are lucky to have exciting<br />
dive sites along <strong>the</strong> wall, one <strong>of</strong> which contains wing<br />
wreckage from an old airplane. SCUBA has become an<br />
important tool for our young scientists to collect data,<br />
and many <strong>of</strong> our long-term projects would not have been<br />
possible without <strong>the</strong> necessary training and equipment.<br />
Some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se projects include coral monitoring and fish<br />
surveys. Students use SCUBA to assess coral diversity,<br />
bleaching status and disease progression as well as identify<br />
and tally reef fish abundance. This data is used to help<br />
<strong>the</strong> community identify and implement tools to sustainably<br />
manage <strong>the</strong> local ecosystem. Snorkeling has been<br />
equally as important in data collection and an excellent<br />
way to get out and see <strong>the</strong> wonders below <strong>the</strong> surface.<br />
If you would like to participate in your own ocean<br />
exploration, <strong>the</strong>re are a few things to consider. Read up<br />
on <strong>the</strong> health risks associated with SCUBA diving and<br />
consult your doctor to make sure you are fit for such an<br />
activity. Underlying respiratory and cardiac illnesses are<br />
<strong>of</strong>ten barriers to diving but will not necessarily hold you<br />
back from snorkeling. Always be aware <strong>of</strong> surrounding<br />
ocean conditions and be sure to participate in <strong>the</strong> necessary<br />
training before attempting any new dives. There are<br />
a variety <strong>of</strong> centers certified to teach diving or lead snorkeling<br />
trips scattered across <strong>the</strong> Turks & Caicos <strong>Islands</strong>,<br />
and <strong>the</strong>y can always help refresh or advance your skills<br />
if you have been previously certified. If you own your<br />
own gear, be sure to keep up on maintenance or have it<br />
checked prior to use if it has been sitting for a while.<br />
As <strong>the</strong> fa<strong>the</strong>r <strong>of</strong> modern SCUBA, Jacques-Yves<br />
Cousteau, once said: “The sea, once it casts its spell,<br />
holds one in its net <strong>of</strong> wonder forever.” So, what will you<br />
discover beneath <strong>the</strong> waves? a<br />
<strong>Times</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> <strong>Winter</strong> <strong>2020</strong>-<strong>21</strong> 35