Students from the 10th Grade of the International School Manila went on an Ecology Field Trip to the De La Salle University’s Brother Alfred Shields Marine Station in Sitio Matuod, Lian, Batangas last 14-16 January 2011. The 46 students were divided into 2 groups. Each group stayed one night in the Bro. Shields Marine Station.
 Dr. Al Licuanan shows the fascinating world of marine life to the students. The Reef Check survey method was discussed, and how it can help in monitoring impacts of human activities (such as overfishing either for food or for the aquarium trade; and destructive fishing practices) on coral reefs and marine life.
The field trip participants learned how to identify certain species of fish and invertebrates. They also learned how to differentiate between hard and soft coral. For example, they learned that coral are colonies of thousands of tiny animals. Hard coral have tentacles that come in multiples of 6, while soft coral have only 8 tentacles.
 Using Reef Check hand signals to identify coral The first batch of students donned their snorkeling gear and did a Reef Check survey of the coral reef. On the next morning, it was raining a bit, so the water was not as calm and clear as it was for the first batch. So, the second batch explored mangrove forests and seagrass beds located nearby.
 Students explored a mangrove forest -- a vital component of the marine ecosystem. |
