Volume 42, Issue 3

Macon State College’s Award-Winnning Student Newspaper

September 13, 2010maconstatement.com

Department of Humanities gets more than a facelift By Carrie GinestStaff Writer

The fall term began with major changes for the Department of Humanities.

Robert Kelly, Ph.D., former dean of the department, retired after the spring semester. Since then, the humanities department has been undergoing some reconstruction.

Ron Williams, Ph.D., the new dean of humanities, is excited to help Macon State reach toward new opportunities for its students.

Since July 1, Williams has been overseeing the division of the Department of Humanities into two new departments: the English department and the media, culture and the arts (MCA) department.

“Humanities had reached a large level that needed to be divided into manageable pieces,” said Williams.

With new departments come new department chairs: Debra Matthews, Ph.D. for the English department, and Mary Wearn, Ph.D. for the MCA department.

MCA will have two bachelor’s degrees: a Bachelor of Science in Communications and Information Technology

(CIT), and either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies. MCA also has several transfer programs and associate degrees such as art, foreign language, journalism and mass communications.

Although the departments have already made the split, it will be a while before students notice a difference. According to Williams, the departments will continue to work very closely for the next few years. “Eventually [the English and MCA departments] will separate, but for now they will be joined at the hip,” said Williams.

“The restructuring of the humanities department offers an exciting new opportunity for students in the English department and in the department of media, culture, and the arts,” said Matthews.

Students can expect the basic courses offered to remain the same for now. If there are any questions the best place to go is to an advisor.

Amy Berke, Ph.D. is now the advising coordinator for the English department, while

According to the website, timeanddate.com, September 19 is International Talk Like A Pirate Day. Show your fellow students you are in the know with a hearty greeting of “Arrrrr”!

September is significant for other important dates, besides Sept. 22 being the first day of autumn. The following are some of the more noteworthy days to be celebrated as listed on the About.com: Family Crafts website:

National Chicken MonthNational Farm Animals

Awareness Week (3rd week of the month)

National Roller Skating Week (4th week of the month)

Sept. 13 - National Peanut Day

Sept. 16 – Collect Rocks Day

SIGNIFICANT BIRTHDAYS:

Sept. 3 was Uncle Sam’s Birthday

Sept. 13 is Scooby Doo’s BIRTHDAY!!

Sept. 27 is Johnny Appleseed’s Birthday

Celebrate September

See Page 7

Voting for SGA senators begin Sept. 13 Staff Reports

Student government elections for senator begin Sept. 13 at 8 a.m. through Friday, Sept. 17 at noon.

To vote, go to the Macon State College website, click on Student Life, click on the Student Organizations and look for the Student Government Association listing. Click on the link, review the candidates, and vote for your choice. Remember to have your valid student I.D. number.

Your 2010-2011 candidates for SGA Senate are:

SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

Matthew Felty – Matthew is a returning senator from last year, majoring in Public Service. Matthew hopes to continue representing the student body and presenting new ideas and feedback to the Macon State College administration. He also hopes to establish clearer lines of communication between students, SGA, and the administration. Matthew also hopes to implement dialogues between department chairs and deans and the students in their disciplines.

Camesha Fuller – Camesha is seeking a degree in Criminal Justice. Camesha was active in her high school student government association and hopes to get more

involved at Macon State, helping others as well. Camesha truly wants to help make this world a better environment for all.

Summer Leverett – Majoring in history, Summer would like to be more involved in student organizations. She also recognizes that being an SGA senator will require leadership while allowing her to set an example for other students to follow. Summer’s goals include serving the needs of the student body, increasing student engagement and community service, and increasing the number of microwave available to students on campus.

Indya Tisdol – Indya is pursuing a degree in Political

Science. Indya was also active in her high school student government association and wants to help those who wish to help themselves by staying focused on college. Indya believes that all students should have the privilege of interacting with one another, stating ideas and opinions for everyone, especially those who may not be comfortable speaking in public. Her goal s an SGA senator would be to help any student in need of any assistance in order to benefit the individual as well as the campus community as a whole.

STATEMENTn acon MThe

SGA Elections continued on page 6

Humanities Dept.continued on page 3

Photos submitted by Ocmulgee National MonumentNative American Celebration begins Sept. 18th at Ocmulgee National Monument (see story on page 8).

The Macon Statement maconstatement.com September 13, 20102

Editor-in-Chief: Norma Jean PerkinsManaging Editor: Summer LeverettCopy Editor: Tracey BakerCopy Editor: Marian G. Brewer

Photo Editor: Kimberly WaddeltonLayout Editor: Chris Gray Webmaster: Harry UnderwoodStaff Writer: Brittany Spornhauer

Staff Writer: Carrie GinestStaff Writer: Chateaux-Capri Sirmans

e-mail us at statement@maconstate.edu

staff478-757-3605 FAx 478-757-2626 OFFicE: SLC-120 www.maconstatement.com

Letters PoLicy: The editor of the Macon Statement will try to print all letters received. Letters should be, at maximum, 250 to 300 words long. The writer must include: full name, professional title if a Macon State employee or Georgia resident, or year and major if a student. An address and phone number are required with all letters sent, but this personal information will not be published. The

student newspaper reserves the right to edit letters for style, possible libel, or length. The newspaper will not, under any circumstance, withhold names. Please address all correspondence to Letter to the Editor at editor@maconstatement.com. Where current events are concerned, priority will be given to those letters written by students, faculty, and staff of Macon State College.

DiscLaimer: The Macon Statement is the registered student newspaper of Macon State College and is published biweekly (Mondays) during fall and spring semesters. Opinions and ideas expressed in The Macon Statement are those of the individual artists, authors, and student editors, and are not those of Macon State College, its Board of Regents, the student body, or the advertisers. The Macon Statement is paid for, in part, through student activity fees.

&EDitOriAlS OpiniOnS

September is ‘be kind to editors/writers’ monthBy Norma Jean PerkinsEditor-in-Chief

According to the University of South Carolina’s School of Journalism & Mass Communications website, Doug Fisher, senior instructor writes that September is “be kind to editors and writers month.”

For those of us that desire to write for a living whether it is books, magazines or newspapers, there are times when a little empathy from others gives us that

surge of energy to our batteries.Doug Fisher also writes

“many among us, as editors and educators, suffer from PGSS – Post Grammatic Stress Syndrome.”

Unfortunately, Fisher is correct. As you read this newspaper, or any newspaper, don’t be too harsh in your frustration when you read a sentence that leaves you guessing. It could be the result of too many late nights interviewing for stories, writing stories, editing stories, and just too much caffeine.

Mr.

Fuz

z

Elisha Faulks

The Macon Statement maconstatement.com September 13, 2010 3On cAmpuS

By Marian G. BrewerCopy Editor

Macon State will host a crime awareness seminar for female students, faculty, staff and community residents Sept. 16 from 2pm to 4pm in room 212 of the Professional Science & Conference Center.

The seminar will be led by crime analysis expert Betsy Ramsey, and addressed domestic violence, stalking and security awareness. Learning the signs of an unhealthy relationship and tips on staying aware of your surroundings will also be discussed.

Ramsey is the Coordinator of the Victim/Witness Assistance Program for the DeKalb

Solicitor-General’s Office in Decatur. She is also a Credentialed Advocate (CA) at the Advanced Level with a Comprehensive Victim National Advocate Credentialing program (NACP).

Chief Shawn Douglas, Director of Public Safety, said the discussion will give female participants a better perspective on how to avoid becoming a victim of crime. When asked if there were any reports of violence against women at Macon State Douglas said, “Macon State College is ranked as one of the safest educational institutions in the University System. This seminar is being presented as an information session and was not prompted by any

acts on campus.” The seminar is funded

by the Public Safety Training and Awareness Grant, which is supported by an award from the Office of Violence Against Women and administered by the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council. Douglas said the seminar has received positive feedback at other educational institutions.

According to www.betsyramsey.com, Betsy Ramsey has given numerous conferences on stalking, domestic violence, workplace security and crisis intervention since 1996. Ramsey was on hand to assist victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in Virginia, as well as other victims of violence.

Macon State will hold a crime awareness seminar for females

What do you know about the following topics? Domestic Violence Stalking Security Awareness Students, Faculty, Staff and Community Residents are invited to attend this 2 hour Training Seminar taught by Crime Analysis Expert Betsy Ramsey.

Crime Awareness Seminar for Females

Attend the class and learn signs that may indicate an un-healthy relationship and tips on staying aware of your sur-roundings. As you earn your degree, this class will help you establish a healthy relationship foundation that will be with you throughout your career and your life.

When: 9/16/2010

2PM to 4PM Where: Professional Science & Conference Center (PSC) Room: 212

This project is supported by an award by the Office on Violence Against Women and administered by the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council Sponsored by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, Safety & Security Division

SCHOOL OF BUSINESSAmanda Pfannkuche –

Amanda is majoring in Business and Information Technology and is interested in being an SGA senator to build a strong foundation of leadership skills. Further, she would like to represent the Warner Robins Campus, in addition to being a voice for the LGBT population on campus. She also hopes to bring her analytical and networking skills to SGA. Further, Amanda hopes to encourage students to speak up and share their ideas and thoughts in addition to increasing student involvement in student life events and activities at the Warner Robins Campus.

SCHOOL OF EDUCATIONKiamber Simmons – Kiamber

is an early childhood education

major and would like to bring her previous experience as an SGA senator at Middle Georgia College to our campus. She sees SGA’s link between the student body and administrators, making sure the student body’s voices are heard. Some of her goals and ideas include a shuttle service, more intramurals, and more events happening at different times to allow more students the opportunity to participate.

SCHOOL OF NURSINGEboni Spann – Eboni is

pursuing a degree in Nursing. Eboni hopes to bring her many ideas and experience as secretary for her high school Student Council to Macon State’s SGA. Eboni’s goals include adding more interesting events to the calendar, research parking issues, and discuss the creation of fraternities and sororities.

The current SGA senate

structure allows for five “at-large” senators to be appointed at the recommendation of the SGA president, with the approval of the SGA Executive Committee, along with five senators from each of the following schools:

-School of Arts-School of Business-School of Education-School of Nursing and Health

Sciences-School of Information

Technology

QUALIFICATIONS FOR VOTING

Any currently enrolled Macon State College student is eligible to vote. Only votes that include a valid Macon State College Student I.D. number (starting with 926) will be counted as valid votes. Any ballot without a valid Macon State College Student I.D. number will be invalid. Only votes cast

during the specified election dates (Monday, Sept. 13 beginning at 8 a.m. through Friday, Sept. 17 ending at noon) will be valid.

Students will have the opportunity to vote for candidates or to cast write-in votes. Students receiving write-in votes must still meet eligibility requirements and be willing to accept the position, should they receive the majority number of votes.

In order to run as a senate candidate, you must:

•Be currently enrolled and taking a minimum of 6 credit hours.

•Agree to comply with the “Campaign Instructions”.

•Plan to be enrolled during the term of service.

•Have a minimum 2.5 GPA.•Be in good standing with

Academic Affairs and Student Affairs.

•Must have completed any Learning Support requirements.

SGA Elections continued from front page

Only six games left in Baseball Club fall scheduleStaff Reports

There are only six games in the Macon State Baseball Club’s fall schedule.

-Georgia Tech, Atlanta, GA Sept. 26 @ 1 p.m. & 4 p.m.-GSU, Statesboro, GA Oct. 19 @ 1 p.m & 4 p.m.-UGA, Athens, GA Oct. 23 @ 1 p.m. & 4 p.m.

MSC Baseball Club 2011 RosterAustin Duckworth

Jake PostonBrandon Byram Jake WoodCash Barnhart Kodi PatrickClae Mathis Kurt ThornburgCourtney Brown Michael HerringDaniel Daniels Michael WellsDevon Crouse Patrick GoodmanDillon Mitchell Patrick Reeves

Harry Lastinger Shane SmithJ. P. Mitchell Travis GrimesTyler Sailors

Coaching StaffHead Coach: J. P. MitchellAssistant Coach: Steve WallaceAssistant Coach: Jeremy AikinAssistant Coach: James Hagler Photos by Norma Jean Perkins

MS Baseball Club practicing at the Ed DeFore Sports Complex field on Sept. 4.

The Macon Statement maconstatement.com September 13, 20104 FEAturE

Club Rush activities on the Macon campus featured 32 clubs

Macon Campus had 32 clubs, 7 vendors, and 9 college related tables.

Photos by Norma Jean Perkins

The Macon Statement maconstatement.com September 13, 2010 5FEAturE

Students get involved on campus thanks to Club RushBy Chateaux-Capri Sirmans Staff Writer

Macon State’s annual club fair, held on Aug. 31 and Sept.1, brought out several students who were determined to find an organization or two that fit their interests and goals.

This event involved multiple organizations, most of which displayed visual aids providing information for prospective members. Representatives of the clubs succeeded in being helpful and knowledgeable to students. Milton Johnson, the student life program coordinator said, “Club Rush is an opportunity for student organizations on campus to get out and represent what the club is about. Normally [Club Rush] will give [the student organization] an opportunity to engage the student right there on the spot and tell them what [the organization is] about. So it’s just an opportunity to help get students involved.”

Club Rush activities on the WR campus featured 12 clubs

WR campus had 12 clubs, 6 vendors, and 3 college related tables.

Photos by Chateaux-Capri Sirmans

Photos by Norma Jean Perkins

Staff photo The Education Technology building was the first of the three to be demolished in early August 2009. Contractors recycled/salvaged much of the building material

Staff photo By the end of August 2009, the Information Technology Building was the last to be demolished.

The Macon Statement maconstatement.com September 13, 20106 On cAmpuS

By Brittany SpornhauerStaff Writer

Macon State students participated in a campus wide pool tournament Aug. 24 and 25.

Students of all skill levels were welcomed in the tournament. Beginners and experts alike took part in the tournament in hopes to claim the prize.

The tournament attracted a variety of participants throughout the college. Some students who competed revealed that they had been playing pool for approximately five years, while others had only been playing a few weeks. Although the competition accumulated a wide range of players, the main goal was to have fun.

Many students who participated had never entered a tournament

prior to the one held at Macon State. For student Stuart Spears it was a way to occupy his time while he waited for his sister to get out of class. Spears stated that he likes playing pool, and plays frequently after classes. Spears also said the prizes did not matter

to him, “I’m just here to have a good time.”

Prashad Pitchford, a student majoring in marketing, explained that he had entered pool tournaments before in Warner Robins. He admitted that he entered the one held at Macon

State for some extra practice. Pitchford also said he would not mind winning the prize and gaining some recognition.

Student Life Program Coordinator Milton Johnson said, with a smile, that the winner of the tournament would get a plaque to be hung in the game room “for bragging rights.” He also said that the winner would receive a $10 gift card to the college cafeteria as an extra incentive.

After two days of playing pool, Courtney Rumph claimed this year’s prize. “I was more relaxed than I usually am,” said Rumph. “I felt centered more than anything and I think this is what helped me win.” Rumph’s plaque will soon be on display in the game room for all students to view.

Staff Reports

Student Support Services are using the iPad/iPod Touch for academic success.

Petty said, “on Aug. 30, Students Support Services along with Educational Technology Center (ETC) participated in the students training of utilizing the iPad and iPod Touch.”

The ETC staff carefully went over the functions of the iPad and the iPod discussing applications available to assist students in their academic studies. This event was a hands-on workshop giving the students the opportunity to learn by practice under the direction of instructors.

Completion of five workshops along with

a follow-up on their academic plans is part of the requirements to receive these devices for use during fall semester. “Only eligible TRIO Student Support Services students can participate,” said Yolanda Petty, Director of Student Support Services.

According to Petty, the devices allow students to research projects save them and send to their e-mails. Additional benefits are: access to the Web, as well as podcasts that teachers have made for students.

A person can also create art and use different multimedia applications. Petty was clear in the type of applications that were available to the students

and what they need to enhance their education such as: Dictionary, Khan Academy, Language Translator and the Alpha Exam.

Students Support Services is a TRIO

Program federally funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Their main goal is to help students succeed and to graduate from college. The Education Technology Center teaches students

how to use technology to their advantage while in school.

If you would like to know more about the iPad and the iPod Touch, you can contact or visit Student Support Services, located on the second floor of the Student Life Center in room 223, or call 478-471-5356.

Student Support Services using the iPad/iPod Touch for academic success

Tournament lets Macon State students stroke it

Gerald Lucas, Ph.D. has taken over as the CIT advising coordinator. As of yet, there is no advising coordinator for the interdisciplinary studies program.

For English majors, having a personal advisor might be something new, but the time is coming. “In the future, we plan to implement an advising practice where students will be assigned to a particular advisor,” said Berke.

According to Wearn, the departments are trying to get the lists of students together and assign them to an individual advisor; the goal is to have the program in place by early open enrollment.

Advisors are not all that English majors can expect. These changes bring “greater opportunities to participate in undergraduate scholarship, including an international honor society in English, as well as other initiatives that promote professional attitudes and activities from which English

majors may benefit throughout their careers,” said Matthews.

According to Wearn, the CIT curriculum is also being reassessed. “We want to make all our programs, programs for 21st century students living in a global society; dealing with the needs that they have and dealing with the education that they need in the work place today,” said Wearn.

Those who are undecided in a major are also welcomed, according to Wearn, to explore their options through

Interdisciplinary Studies.With all the changes taking place

through this division, students can be assured that any of their questions and concerns will be addressed. Do not hesitate to contact a professor to help you through this transition.

“We look forward to a productive year as we transition into two departments. We believe that these changes will ultimately benefit our majors in each department,” said Berke.

Humanities Dept. continued from front page

Courtney Rumph is relaxed after winning the two-day Macon State Pool TournamentPhoto by Summer Leverett

The Macon Statement maconstatement.com September 13, 2010 7cOmmunity

By Brittany SpornhauerStaff Writer

A student parking survey was conducted the week of Aug. 31 to give students a better perspective on how neighboring colleges regulate parking on campus. The following information was gathered from each college’s official website:

Macon State - As stated in the student handbook, “students operating any type of motorized vehicle on campus must abide by student parking regulations and must properly display a current Macon State College parking decal on their vehicle. Students must present a valid student identification card, license plate number and the name of the automobile insurance company in

order to receive a Macon State College free parking decal. Vehicles parked in unauthorized areas will be subject to ticketing and/or removal at the owner’s expense. Failure to abide by parking regulations may result in the placement of an administrative hold on the involved student’s records.”

Mercer University - According to the student handbook, “the Mercer Police are responsible for parking enforcement at Mercer University. All vehicles must be registered each year and each vehicle must display a parking decal. Decals are provided at no cost. Vehicles should be registered no later than Aug. 20. You can register vehicles 24 hours a day, seven days a week at the Mercer Police Department. You must

provide your tag number to obtain a decal. If your car or tag number changes, you must notify Mercer Police the next business day. ALL DECALS MUST BE PLACED ON THE LOWER FRONT WINDSHIELD ON THE DRIVER’S SIDE.”

Georgia State University - According to the Georgia State’s resident’s guide, “there is a capacity of 770 parking spaces in the University Commons deck. Commons residents are given priority for parking. Parking at the Commons is $400 per semester and is billed each semester with housing fees and tuition on your student account. Motorcycle spaces in are also available at the Commons upon request and are billed at half the rate of a car space. Residents pick up the

parking decal at move-in from the Community Desk. Georgia State Housing Parking Regulations require that every vehicle parked at the Commons must be registered and have a current parking decal properly displayed in the vehicles rear window on the driver’s side.” Motorcycle parking at other school lots are $18 per month. Parking for faculty/staff is $55 per month. Parking is free at Turner Field’s Blue lot for registered vehicles with a valid parking permit.

Georgia Southern University - According to their website, the cost at this campus varies

among students depending on what kind of parking is needed: For students who stay in Residence Hall, the cost is $128, for students as

well as faculty/staff who carpool the cost is $85 and for commuters parking costs $146. A parking decal is required for each lot. These costs also change based on the semester. Faculty/staff parking is $90.

Middle Georgia Technical College - As stated in the student handbook, “student parking decals are mandatory and may be obtained free of charge in the Admissions Office. The decal must be displayed on all student vehicles parked on campus either on the right rear bumper or right rear window. Adequate parking is available in all parking lots. Only persons designated to park in marked parking spaces may park in those spaces.”

Comparison of student parking costs survey

THE CONSTITUTION AS YOU SEE IT – SURVEY1. As you read and understand the Bill of Rights, which of these do YOU consider most important to

you? Amend. 1 = 67%; Amend. 2 = 22%; Amend. 6 = 11%

2. Which would YOU think is most important to the rest of the citizens of the United States? Amend. 1 = 89%; Amend. 2 = 22%; Amend. 6 = 11%

3. Of the other 17 Amendments to the Constitution, which three are most important to YOU, in order of importance?

1.Amends. 1, 14, 17, 22,26 = 11% each; Amend. 13 = 44% 2.Amends. 13, 16, 21 = 11% each; Amend. 14 = 44%; Amend. 19 = 22%

3.Amends. 17, 24 = 11% each; Amend. 15 = 44%; Amend. 19 = 22%

4. In order of importance, what three are most important to the rest of the citizens of the United States? 1.Amends. 10, 14, 16, 17 & 19 = 11% each; Amend. 13 = 38%

2.Amends. 2, 16, 17 = 13%; Amend. 14 = 25%; Amend. 21 = 38% 3.Amends. 1, 14 = 13%; Amends. 15, 19 = 25%

Constitution Day designated as Sept. 17By Tracey BakerCopy Editor

In 2004, Robert Byrd (D), U. S. senator from West Virginia was responsible for the official designation of Constitution Day being established permanently as Sept. 17.

According to the U. S. Senate website, www.senate.gov/artandhistory/, Byrd “included key provisions in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of Fiscal Year 2005 designating September 17th of each year as Constitution Day and requiring public schools and government offices to provide educational programs to promote a better understanding of the Constitution.”

Macon State plans for Constitution Day include activities for the main campus and the Warner Robins campus.

Julie Lester, Ph.D., assistant professor of political science at Macon State, said, “this year Constitution Day events will be at 12:30 to 2:30 on Sept. 15 for the Warner Robins campus, and 12:30 to 2:30 Sept. 16 on the Macon campus.”

Lester said, “attendees will have an opportunity to showcase their knowledge of the Constitution and American government. There will be some prizes awarded and all participates will receive a pocket-size Constitution. In addition, voter registration forms will be available.”

Macon State is required by law to implement an educational program relating to the U. S. Constitution on Sept. 17 because it is an institution that receives federal funds from the Department of Education.

The Macon Statement maconstatement.com September 13, 20108 miScEllAny

By Angela BatesOcmulgee National Monument

Ocmulgee National Monument will host the Annual Ocmulgee Indian Celebration September 18 and 19. This cultural experience provides an opportunity to interact with people from all of the Southeastern Native cultures plus representatives of other tribes from throughout the nation. Over 300 Native People, artist, dancers, storytellers, musicians and historic lifestyle demonstrators, will share their culture with the visiting

public. The Celebration is open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. both

days. The cost is $5 for adults and $2 for both children 6 to 12 and active duty military, children under 6 are free.

This year’s Celebration will feature many of the popular artist, dancers, and storytellers returning from past years. Plus with their popularity from last year at the dance arena there will be “Two Warriors on Horseback” which is a choreographed dance on horseback symbolic of two

warriors fighting. Native foods such as Indian tacos, fry bread, buffalo burgers and roasted corn

will be available along with drinks, ice cream and hot dogs.

Superintendent Jim David stated “this is a great opportunity for people to come out to interact and learn from the people whose ancestors were on this site for thousands of years before the city of Macon was founded. It is an event that all members of the family can enjoy” said David.

For more information visit their website at www.nps.gov/ocmu/ or contact Jim David at 478-752-8257.

Ocmulgee National Monument to hold annual Indian Celebration

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By Summer LeverettManaging Editor

Thomas Sawicki, Ph.D., associate biology professor at Macon State, participated in a private research project at the USS Monitor, a Civil War-era ironclad warship, shipwreck site off the coast of North Carolina.

The purpose of the research was to investigate a population of red lionfish (Pterois volitans), which are native to the Indo Pacific region. According to Sawicki the research will be long-term and could take up to five years to collect sufficient data.

Sawicki was one of the first people to notice the presence of red lionfish in the Atlantic and he says that since then they have flourished.

The research was conducted this summer and no red lionfish were

found at the wreck site. The absence of red lionfish altered the scope of the research to include more native fish populations. The research will also be conducted at differing wreck sites where there are established populations of red lionfish.

There are many

possibilities for the departure of the red lionfish from the wreck site. The temperature of the wreck site was considerably lower than in the tropics, which is the native habitat for the fish. The temperature of Cape Hatteras is also affected by its positioning between

two opposing currents.Sawicki notes that

despite the absence of red lionfish the research was still useful. “It was just as interesting because the question is if they weren’t there, and all indications are that they weren’t there, then where did they go?”

The red lionfish populate the remains of wreck sites as an alternative to coral reefs, because there no coral reefs located off the coast of North Carolina.

An interesting aspect to the introduction of red lionfish into the ecosystem of the Atlantic is that there are no predators to offset the exotic population. Apprehension has been raised on the impact the red lionfish might have on the native reef fish population in the area.

The introduction of red lionfish to the Atlantic Ocean is believed to have been from people who

attempted to keep them as pets. Red lionfish are predators and their spines are poisonous making them extremely difficult to care for.

Future research will also be conducted at different wreck sites. Sawicki noted, “there are hundreds and hundreds of wrecks sites out there in the Atlantic, it’s notorious for ship wrecks.”

The USS Monitor wreck site is a popular location for scientific research and tourism, but the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) strictly regulate it.

The Monitor left New York in January 1862 as one of the earliest iron ships, at a time when most were made of wood. On December 31, 1962 the USS Monitor sank into the Atlantic Ocean at Cape Hatteras, off the coast of North Carolina.

The USS Monitor wreck site is home to research dive

Photo by Norma Jean Perkins