University of New England

Coral Reef Biology Class' Trip to Belize

Annually, during Winter Break, students and faculty from the University of New England participate in a Coral Reef Biology Field Class held in Ambergris Caye, Belize.  Ambergris Caye is the largerst island in Belize, located approximately 3/4 of a mile offshore.  Along the entire 25-mile length of the island, runs the second largest barrier reef in the world.
In conjunction with the Green Reef Environmental Institute and led by Dr. Jeri Fox, fifteen to thirty students spend 8 days studying the coral reef community in both Bacalar Chico and Hol Chan National Park and Marine Reserve.  The student group, which normally consists of both junior and senior undergraduate students, studies a program of both Marine Biology and Aquaculture and Aquaruim Science.  Other topics of discussion include sustainable fisheries, marine protected areas and no-take zones, as well as some of the natural history of Belize.  In previous years, the students have also participated in an ongoing program to culture Nassau grouper in a collaborative effort between the University of New England, Green Reef Environmental Institute, Legacy Resort and Hotel, and the Lindbergh Foundation.

Belizean Links:

Hol Chan Marine Reserve
Hol Chan Marine Reserve (2)
Green Reef
Bacalar Chico
Legacy Resort
Lindbergh Foundation