Coral Reefs
The coral reef systems of the Bahamas are some of most diverse in the world, offering students a chance to observe and identify a variety of hard and soft coral species, as well as learn about the complex interactions between reef-dwelling species. Study topics involving coral reefs can include symbiosis, parasitic interactions, predator-prey interactions, territoriality, reef fish morphology, reproduction and life history studies to name just a few! Coral habitats are easily accessible using both scuba and snorkeling, and can be studied using underwater transects, which make quantitative comparison between different reef environments straightforward. Coral reefs cover only 1% of Earth's surface, but contain about 25% of the world's marine life, making reefs a critical natural resource in need of observation and protection, especially with recent concerns about the effects of global climate change on coral health. Get your students involved and excited about the multi-colored wonders of the underwater world, and help conserve one of our planets most critically endangered resources!

Mangroves
Mangroves are an essential part of sub-tropical coastal ecosystems, allowing for the formation of islands via their roots' ability to take up and hold sand together to form land masses. One of the hardiest coastal plants, mangroves can literally grow in the water column, and different species of mangroves have evolved unique ways of coping with their salty surroundings while maintaining the fresh water and nutrients they require. Mangroves also serve an important role in fisheries ecosystems, acting as shallow, well protected nurseries for juvenile reef fish until they are strong enough to face predators on the reef. Possible mangrove study options include salt uptake and excretion, juvenile fish counts, mangrove reproduction, and life cycle research. Mangrove ecology is crucial to obtaining a comprehensive view of the subtropical Bahamian ecosystem.

Coastal Ecosystems and Beaches
The beaches of the Bahamas are unrivaled in their beauty and tranquility. They are perfect for relaxing with a beach towel during the day and besides a bonfire at night. However, the beaches you encounter on a Blackbeard's trip can be used for geological studies of island formation and erosion, as well as offering a place to conduct shore-side lectures and lessons prior to doing a land based project. While using a beach as your field site, take advantage of the unique tropical terrestrial animals and do some shallow water snorkeling to discover impressive species diversity accessible to students of all levels of water comfort. And, after a long day learning about beach and coastal ecology, go ahead and light up a bonfire, and enjoy the island life!

Shipwrecks
Underwater archeology enthusiasts will find much to be excited about while diving and snorkeling the Bahamas' many shipwrecks. From well preserved wrecks from hundreds of years ago to the almost yearly addition of a newly sunken cargo ship, there are all kinds of nautical debris under the sea for students of all age groups to explore. Maritime history buffs, this is your chance to teach your students about the perils of traveling by sea in the days before GPS systems and marine radios! Classes can also observe how wrecks act as artificial reefs, providing a hard substrate on which coral species can form, bringing habitat replenishment to a threatened ecosystem. Research can be conducted on the succession and community structure of newly sunken wrecks. Shipwrecks are one of the most awe-inspiring ways to understand the allure of the ocean that has captivated sailors for centuries!