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Eleven hard working Bermudian students were recently awarded LOM - Waterstart Marine Science Scholarships in recognition of their excellence in the classroom.

Waterstart students have the opportunity to snorkel, kayak, windsurf and scuba dive. They also hone their snorkel and scuba skills in order to access the underwater research sites. Students can earn dive qualifications during the programme, with some receiving an Underwater Naturalist specialty rating. During each two week-long programme, students live at the dorms on the BIOS campus, spending every waking moment immersed in the world of marine science. BIOS and Waterstart also offer a beginners' day camp in Marine Investigations for children ages ten to fourteen, which allow younger students to gain a foundation in marine science, and to participate in windsurfing and other water sports.

The Waterstart programme includes a detailed survey of sea grass beds, an experiment to investigate the rate of herbivory by reef fish, and a coral reef transect. Students also study plankton under the microscope, count fish species at several reef sites, conduct night snorkels to observe invertebrates and survey rare mollusks along the shoreline as well as octopus tagging. Activities also include a reforestation project at Cooper's Island. Each project is supervised by BIOS scientists.

Learning To Give Back To The Community

Each of this summer's Marine Science Internship programmes included an effort to give back to the community. Students conducted a beach clean up at Whalebone Bay, Ferry Reach, or spend an afternoon removing invasive casuarina seedlings from the shoreline.

"As an educational tool, this is without equal - a chance for local students to contribute to a part of their national heritage and preserve critical areas like Cooper's Island," Mr. JP Skinner, Waterstart Programme manager and BIOS Education Officer said. "The best contribution these students will make, though" said Mr. Skinner, "is that they are now ambassadors for the local and global marine environment."

Michelle and other students observe LOM employee Harrison Casling digging a hole in which a tree will be planted.

"On behalf of the students, staff and directors of Waterstart Ltd. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to LOM and the Bank of Bermuda Foundation. " Said Mr. Skinner. "These funds will give the program a huge boost and, I am pleased to report that our recent publicity through the Explorer programme at BIOS has led to a large increase in interest in the Waterstart summer sessions: students are now calling me directly to ask if they can be a part of the program. The demand for scholarships is therefore greater than ever, and while this presents a challenge, it is so encouraging to see these young people take an active interest in science and the marine environment."

BIOS is an independent marine science organization. It was founded in 1903 by scientists from Harvard and New York University to take advantage of Bermuda's ideal location for deep-ocean and coral reef research and education. BBSR is a Registered Bermuda Charity and a U.S. 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.

How To Play Shark Tail

On another occasion, LOM employee Matthew Earle spent the day with the Waterstart group.  The group played a game called Shark Tail which is deliberately setup so that students of all abilities can participate equally and have fun.