Isla Mar Research Expeditions Field Course Basics | Page 6

MARINE FISH BIOLOGY & ECOLOGY
FISH IDENTIFICATION, DISSECTION & SAMPLING
Learn how to identify, dissect and
survey Caribbean reef fish.
Students spend the majority of their time in
the water. In this theme, students learn how to
survey fish communities and explore spatial
and temporal differences in these
communities. 
Dissection of lionfish provides an introduction
to the internal anatomy of fish while
discussing impacts of invasive fish species. 
Students will hone their skills using
underwater visual census to record fish
diversity and abundance. We will spend the
majority of our time in Rincon at the Tres
Palmas Marine Reserve, with visits to
Desecheo Island.
As a comparison for "fished reefs", students
will also survey and explore the seagrass,
mangrove and coral reefs of La Parguera. 
If using scuba diving, students will also use our
innovative fish ID teaching app, Artedi.