Biology Immersion Learning Experience to Belize #3
2023 Biology Immersion Learning Experience to Belize, Gallery 3, March 8-9
Wednesday featured a snorkeling visit to a location know as 'The Aquarium.' Photo of these soft corals by Justin To '23.
For obvious reasons, it got its name because it's a location where you are likely to see plenty of undersea activity, like these French Grunts. Photo by Justin To '23.
The variety of organisms is breathtaking, especially the Sea Plume Coral (center). Photo by Justin To '23.
Students look over some of The Aquarium's features. Sea Fans and Boulder Coral are among the species featured here. Photo by Justin To '23.
Yellowfin Grunts seem to love this Staghorn Coral. Photo by Justin To '23.
Smooth Star (left), Brain (center rear) and Sea Plume (front) Coral is featured here. Photo by Justin To '23.
What's visible on the sea bed is pretty impressive. Here, an Angelfish (bottom center) inspects the Brown Encrusting Octopus Sponge (right). Photo by Justin To '23.
This Great Star Coral sits in about 20 feet of water at The Aquarium. Photo by Justin To '23.
Wedenesday afternoon, students had the option to return to the patch reef or tidal pools to continue research for their trip presentations. Dr. Wetzel led the group back to the reef and took this photo.
Brain (right) and Fire Coral. Photo by Eric Wetzel
Even though this immersion trip is focused on invertebrates, it's tough in this environment to escape the presence of fish. Photo by Eric Wetzel
Thursday morning, the group snorkeled among the Mangroves in Twin Caye. There are four types of Mangrove: Red, Black, White, and Buttonwood.
As the students entered the Mangroves, our guide, Noble, said, 'Above and below there is life. The cool stuff is in the roots.'
Feather Duster worms, like this one, were prevalent.
With sponges like this, plenty of water filtration occurs in the Mangrove root structure.
Moving slowly, not to stir the sediment, there is much to see just below the water line.
Many reef fish grow and develop in the Mangroves before heading to open water.
Often, sponges provide a burst of color, like this Green Magic Sponge.
Twin Caye is a short boat ride from the IZE Belize Research Facility.
Before heading back to IZE Belize, the group stopped for more snorkeling at a location known as 'The Sinkhole.' Here Takashi Greiner '24 dives toward the fissure.
The Sinkhole is a relatively new formation, possibly formed due to earthquakes in the region.
Tour guide Noble watches as the students swim toward the boat.
Justin To climbs aboard.
Prior to lunch, students and Dr. Wetzel gather at IZE Belize for a casual conversation and a review of the morning activities.