Reef Fish of the Virgin Islands

  US Virgin Islands

St. John,  St. Thomas

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: see website for details

Description: Research Mission
Snorkel or dive Caribbean reefs to understand how climate change and other factors are affecting the health of coral reef fishes.

Situation Report
St. Thomas and St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands -- Coral reefs, those vibrant underwater cities of marine life, provide habitat for one-third of all marine fish and thousands of other sea creatures. With coral reefs in dramatic decline around the world, the colorful fish that rely on these calcareous structures for food and shelter are also at risk. While research has been done on growth, reproduction, mortality, and distribution of reef fish, relatively little is known about the role that parasites and disease play in their survival, and how a changing climate will affect these dynamics. Marine ecologists Paul Sikkel and Donna Nemeth are using Caribbean reef fishes such as surgeonfishes and damselfishes, and to explore host-parasite dynamics and their relationship to habitat. Sikkel and Nemeth work closely with local and federal agencies managing these reef systems.

Meals and Accommodations
On St. John, you'll stay at the Virgin Islands Environmental Resource Station (VIERS) in two-room, screened-in cabins with conventional bathing and toilet facilities. VIERS staff prepare meals, with standard American offerings like cereal, pancakes, sandwiches, chicken and fish dishes.

On St. Thomas, you'll stay in the Island View Guesthouse hotel, near the University of the Virgin Islands. Each room has two double beds, bathrooms with hot water, television, and phone. Breakfasts will usually be eaten at the hotel, lunches on the boat or at the lab, and dinners at other local eateries.

Highlights: Working on either St. John or St. Thomas, or, on some teams, splitting your time between the two islands, you will spend up to four hours a day diving or snorkeling in the pleasantly warm Caribbean waters. Your underwater tasks may include netting individual fish for parasite analysis, identifying fish shelter sites, and surveying coral and bottom cover at the research sites. Some night snorkeling or diving may be required, as some species are most easily collected in their nighttime shelter holes. For parasite studies, be prepared to handle live fish (gently) and return them to their reefs. In order to dive some deeper sites, diver certification may be required. When you are not in the water, you will help with preparing equipment, removing and counting parasites from fish, or entering data. In your recreational time, you may hike around the islands, visit local attractions, check out restaurants and shops, or relax and enjoy the islands' slow pace and beautiful beaches.

Qualifications: Earthwatch volunteers are enthusiastic to learn about the research topic and are willing to contribute their time and energy to support leading scientists in conducting field research. Volunteers will be trained upon arrival at the research site. Teams have a minimum age of 18, unless accompanied by parent or legal guardian, in which case the minimum age is 16.

Cost in US$: 2,746 - 3,046

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Earthwatch expeditions appeal to a variety of people: educators gain new knowledge and develop exciting lesson plans; students explore career options and build research skills; writers, photographers and artists contribute their skills and share their experiences through a variety of media; businessmen and women, doctors and nurses, engineers, homemakers, retirees . . . people from all walks of life choose to volunteer on research expeditions each year. Volunteers are actively engaged on a daily basis with the research project, develop global perspectives, and explore new cultures and environments.

Age Range: teen (16 - 18) and adult (18+) teams

This Program is open to World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to US Virgin Islands Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 6 - 12

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Earthwatch Institute's Mission Statement: Earthwatch Institute engages people worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment. Through a unique method of funding, the volunteers Share of Cost contributes directly to the support of the research projects. Earthwatch enables scientists to pursue research goals and members of the public to gain hands-on experience with science. Each year, over 4,000 people from 46 countries directly contribute to scientific research by working alongside scientists, local community members and other volunteers. Earthwatch volunteers can track sea turtles; join archaeological digs; observe animal behavior; collect rare plants, study dolphin behavior and more. The Earthwatch community also includes 20,000 global members, 4,000 eager volunteers each year, 50 collaborating conservation organizations, and 50 corporate partners, all of whom work together to make a difference. Below you will find out more about our leadership, employment opportunities, and contact information.

Year Founded: 1971