Belize Reef ResearchThe Good, the Bad, & the Ugly

Summer 2009Betty Bowles

The Good

• Too numerous to count !• Highlights:

– Ocean & reef– Excursions– Faculty– Island accommodations & staff– Team spirit

Ocean & Reef

Excursions

Faculty

Island Accommodations & Staff

Team Spirit

What I Learned:

• Respect & Awe for the:– Ocean reef– Ocean species

• Importance of:– Stewardship– Conservation

The Bad (discomforts & inconveniences)• Overpacking• Limited access to:

– Coffee– Water– Ice– Towels

• Uncomfortable seating:– Restaurant– Classroom– Boats

The Ugly

• Absolutely nothing !

Recommendations for next year:

• Seating– Bring seat cushions or inflatable chairs

• Coffee– Bring coffee pot & coffee for dorms

• Water / Ice– Request ample water & ice in dorms

What to bring:• What I brought & used:

– Bathing suits (2)– Nylon shorts & synthetic t-shirts (2)– Sandals, water shoes– Wide-brimmed hat & visor– Long sleeves & pants for snorkeling– Sunscreen (85 SPF)– Scopolamine patches– Insect repellant patches– Underwater camera– Snorkel equipment– Waterproof watch– Water bottle– Kayak gloves (bike gloves)– Team flag, bandanas, etc.– First Aid Kit– Shampoo, hair brush, toothbrush, toothpaste, moisturizer, chapstick.

• What I brought but did NOT use:

– Other clothes, underwear & shoes– Bathing suit cover-ups– Snacks (ample provided by resort)– Flashlights– Binoculars– Beach mats & towels– Fan / mister– Other insect repellants,

sun screens, burn lotions– Rain gear, umbrella– Jacket– Swimmer’s ear, ear-plugs– Make-up & hair care products.

If more students are in the dorms, there won’t be room for a lot of extra stuff. Everything (except snorkel equipment) should fit in a small backpack.

• Thanks, Dr. Terrell, for a great class !!