30,000 years ago Bermuda was 300 square miles (775 km2) but now it has been reduced to 20.6 square miles (53.3km2) and Teddy Tucker predicts that if this trend in sea level rise continues Bermuda will eventually perish.
The BUEI and Canadian Geological scientists uncover a 7000 year old cedar stump found submerged at a depth of 10 metres in Bermuda’s waters providing stark evidence of sea level rise.
Part one. BIOS Education Officer JP Skinner explains how and why Bermuda’s flora and fauna have changed since humans first arrived in 1609 and introduces the BioNauts to the concepts of ‘endemic’, ‘native’, ‘introduced’ and ‘invasive’ species.
Part two. The BioNauts make use of the ‘roving diver technique’ to investigate coral diversity at three underwater sites; a recent ship grounding, a several hundred year old wreck and a pristine coral reef. Then it’s off to Nonsuch Island see what Bermuda looked like 400 years ago!
Part three . The BioNauts compare the species diversity at Nonsuch Island to that of the Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve and then, with the help of Alexander ‘Dready’ Hunter, begin the next phase of coastal restoration at the Nature Reserve. After that research scientist Jaret Bilewich leads the BioNauts on an expedition to survey the habitat range of a species of coral found in only one place in Bermuda.
Part four. Chris Flook from the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo and coordinator of the Bermuda Lionfish Project explains the threat posed by the indo-pacific lionfish to Bermuda’s reef system. The BioNauts learn how the lionfish probably reached Bermuda, what’s being done to study it, control it and even eat it!
Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences
Part one: The BioNauts are introduced to scientists who study and monitor three of Bermuda’s marine habitats: our seagrass meadows (with Kim Holzer), our coral reefs (with Dr. Alex Venn) and the deep ocean that surrounds the island (with Vivienne Lockhead).
Part two: The BioNauts set up a feeding experiment with the help of researcher Kali Douglas. Together, they deploy seagrass fronds in three different locations around the island (a seagrass meadow, a mangrove swamp and a coral reef) and return 24 hours later to collect them. What, if anything, will have eaten the seagrass?
Part three. The BioNauts take time out to go octopus hunting with Dr. James Wood — at night! The next day it’s back to work as the BioNauts go scuba diving with Dr. Alex Venn as part of the coral reef monitoring programme and learn how to control a remotely operated vehicle!
Part four. The BioNauts set sail upon the R/V HSBC Atlantic Explorer! With the help of marine technician Jonathon Whitefield they deploy a deep sea plankton tow to 800 metres (2,600 feet) and learn how the CTD rosette samples the water column on it’s way to the bottom of the ocean. Back on dry land the BioNauts begin work on the 100 year-long forest restoration project at Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve.
Part five. The BioNauts take another break to study a raft of Sargussum seaweed that has washed up at the BIOS dock. Then it’s onto the results of their experiments; what ate the seagrass and why? Why is it important to study our coral reefs? What can monitoring the deep ocean around Bermuda tell scientists about the global climate?
BIOS
Thirty years ago, John F. Kennedy observed that although 70 percent of the earth is covered by water, mankind lavished more money, energy and time on studying the surface of the moon than on learning about the oceans of our own planet.
And sadly, despite enormous improvements in technology, we still focus more on the stars above than on the seas around us.
The Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute can be a pioneer in redressing that lunatic imbalance. By focusing on everything from marine biology to the technology of underwater exploration and deep-ocean ecology, by offering the public glimpses of all the wonders beneath the surface, the Institute will foster a greater appreciation and understanding of this last critical frontier. . .
Bermuda Radio