Monday July 5th, 2010 INTRODUCTION TO HARBOR BRANCH OCEONGRAPHIC INSTITUTE

7:00 – 8:00 AM: Breakfast

We Met in the Education Center for the opening breakfast.

8:00 – 8:30 am: Formal Welcome to FAU/HBOI

Presenters: Dr. Dennis Hanisak, Director; Mrs. Brandy Nelson, educator.

We were told about the history of the intuition, key personnel, and what to expect over the course of our next two weeks here.

8:30 – 10:30 am: Tour

We were shown around the HBOI campus, research vessel, and submarine facility.

10:45 – 12:00 pm: Freshwater and Marine Ecology

Presenter: Dr. Scott Haskell, Veterinary Technology Program, Yuba Community College

Haskel described the basics of watersheds, hydrology, tides, energetics, nutrient flows. He also discussed human uses of water and salt water intrusion. Haskel is a lot of fun and presents with tons of passion and energy.

12:00 pm: Lunch

While eating we were greeted by a Manatee!

1:00 – 3:00 pm: Freshwater and Marine Ecology (continued)

Haskel continued his discussion of the mixing of freshwater and saltwater, where it occurs globally and how salinity and temperatures are affected. He then outlined some of the major factors that structure the biodiversity of the estuarine, coastal and deeper water marine ecosystems from the equator to the poles.

3:00 – 4:00 pm: Water Quality and Microbial Ecology

Presenter: Dr. Andy Stamper, Disney Living Seas

Stamper gave a basic introduction to the complex relationships among aquatic microbes.

4:00 – 6:00 pm: Principles of Ecosystem Management

Presenter: Dr. Rebekah Gibble, US Fish and Wildlife Service

Gibble went over the history of the Everglades and their demise due to explosive population growth and agriculture in Southern Florida. She then described the ecological restoration project of the area.

6:00 – 7:00 pm: Dinner

They continue to feed us well at Envirovet. After being locked inside for much of the day we decided to eat outside but were attacked by midges…

Evening: Evaluations

I got together with a group of students to evaluate the first session of the course. When we were done we sat around and played on the internet until the wee hours of the morning.