Activities
Reef Fish: Hawaii's astounding number of endemic species makes it a perfect spot for looking at reef fish ecology. During this lecture we will take a look at the many species that we will be seeing on our snorkels and dives. Looking first at the general biology of fish, and then more specifically at the families that make up the Hawaiian population. Through understanding the different families of fish and their life histories, our time underwater will change from that of passive observers to active researchers.
Invertebrates: Reef fish are the most prevalent fauna upon first entering the water, but invertebrates compose the majority of biomass on the reef. This class will cover the different invertebrate phyla found in Hawaii, along with their specific life histories and characteristics. As we explore the reefs, discovering new and exciting creatures, we will also be studying the roll of invertebrates within the reef ecosystem.
Coral Reef Ecology: Coral is the building block of the ecosystem in Hawaii. During this lecture we will look at what coral is, how it grows and what it needs to survive. Along with the life history of coral, we will also discuss the major species in Hawaii and why they are suited for life in Hawaiian waters. Finally, we will dive into the topics of reef bleaching, coral disease and the repercussions that coral destruction has upon the ecosystem. This is the topic we are most interested in, and we'll be observing first hand during our Reef Check dives.
Hiking: Hawaii's volcanic beginning has created a rich diversity on land as well as in the sea. During our trips we will take time to explore the starkly different microclimates that exist on each island. From a sunrise hike a top 10,000 ft Haleakala to exploring the waterfalls of northern Maui we'll have the chance to discover how Hawaii's geology has shaped it's diversity.
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