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During the time the group spent on St. John they were to conduct a scientific experiment. Working in pairs, the students explored a topic of interest and presented their findings on the final night of the trip. Bleow are abstracts of the student experiments.

Click here to view experiments from the current Study.

Behavioral Study of Marine Crab Reorientation
Marcy Burke and Wendy Eaton
A behavioral study was performed using the Red Reef Hermit (Pagururistes cadenati), the Orangeclaw Hermit (Calcinus tibicen), and the Red-Stripe Hermit (Phimochirus holthuisi) to determine what compels these organisms found in the shallow bays of St. John, U.S.V.I. to orient themselves in the direction of the ocean. When removing these marine crabs from the water and orienting them away from the ocean, the majority of the crabs repositioned themselves in the direction of the ocean. These conclusions make one wonder what adaptations or instincts are employed to allow them to interpret their surroundings and orient or move toward the ocean. A more comprehensive study of the crabs that would determine the mechanism for their orients would greatly benefit this preliminary study.

Territorial Behaviors of Hermit Crabs
Megan Melick and Abby Sears
A behavioral study was conducted on land hermit crabs, of St. John in the Virgin Islands, to test their territorial behavior as it relates to food. The procedures of the experiment involved placing food bait at two sites of the "E" cabins, in the Maho Bay camp area. This went on for three nights at the same time each day. The bait placed at each site consisted of crackers, rice, pears, and water. One the first night of this experiment the hermit crabs were numbered tape. This made it possible to see if the same hermit crabs returned. Our results concluded that the hermit crabs were indeed territorial, but not necessarily in relation to food.

Eating Habits of Hermit Crabs
Sarah Harlan and Julie Dunkleburger
An experiment was conducted to test eating habits of Hermit Crabs resided at St. Johns. Hermit Crabs were utilized from the area of cabin E25 at Maho Bay camp. Ten different foods and liquids were used to see which of these nutrients would attracted the most hermit crabs in the time of six minutes. We found that the hermit crabs responded to the liquids such as milk and tomato sauce or to starch that absorbed a significant amount of water such as cracker, and noodles. Peanut Butter on the other hand also attracted a great number of hermit crabs. The hermit crabs are attracted to moister and foods that have high carbolic juices.

A Comparison of Dive Success Rates of Feeding Pelicans on St. John

A study on the feeding behavior of pelicans resident to the island of St. John was conducted to determine the success rate of dives in catching fish. Observations were made and recorded in both Brown Bay and Little Maho Bay during the early afternoon. As each dive took place, it was tallied along with whether or not the dive was successful in catching a fish. The tallies were then put together as ratios of fish caught to dives taken in each bay. When the ratios were compared, it was found that pelicans in Little Maho had a much better success rate. This may be due to the greater abundancy of fish in Little Maho or the relative shallow water found in the bay in comparison with Brown Bay. This is important in providing a better understanding of the environments required by pelicans of St. John. In addition, knowing this may help in educating people on the importance of preserving areas such as that of Little Maho, in order to maintain the population of this species.

Dietary Requirements of Hermit Crabs

An experiment was conducted to determine the dietary requirements of hermit crabs resident on the westward side of the island, St. John. Hermit crabs were utilized from the area of cabin E25 at Maho Bay camp. The use of ten various foods and liquids were used to find out which substances hermit crabs like most. After the substance sat on the ground for a duration of six minutes, the hermit crabs were counted within a foot radius of the food. This experiment showed that the hermit crabs liked liquids such as milk and tomato sauce. It also showed that they liked starches that absorb a significant amount of water such as a cracker or noodles. This study enabled the realization that crabs enjoy food with moisture the most to occur. By conduction this experiment on mollusks, a conclusion came to mind. Detecting which entities hermit crabs consume most permits people to either keep alive or destroy a population of hermit crabs.

The Affect of Yellow and White light on Tropical Insects
Jen Johnson and Rose Hollander
An extensive study was conducted on the attraction of tropical flying insects on St. John to white and yellow wavelengths of light. In conducting the experiment two 60 watt bulbs of each color were used in order to see the amount of and species of insects which were attracted to each light. After two hours the white light had attracted various insects such as: coleoptera, diptera, hymenoptera, lepidoptera, and orthoptera. On the other hand the yellow light only attracted a few diptera. This shows us that for some reason, presently unknown, that the insects in this tropical region are attracted to white wavelengths of light significantly more to yellow wavelengths of light.

Effects of Individual Coral Heads on Water Temperature
Jason Lamontagne and Andrew Brodbeck
An experiment was conducted to show the difference in water temperature around individual coral heads in the fringing bays of St. John, USVI. Using a thermometer, temperatures were taken next to corals ranging from 2-4 feet in diameter. Temperatures were then taken 6-10 feet away from the individual coral heads. A GPS was used to mark the horizontal shore point equivalent to the coral head so that further research at the point could be conducted. The experiment showed that there was a 2-3 degree C rise in temperature near the individual coral heads compared to the open sea area 6-10 feet away. With these results, numerous conclusions could be drawn. Further research could show that coral chose to grow in warm pockets found in the ocean. This would be a demonstration of a biological instinct adopted by the coral and a showing of instinctive mannerisms in ocean creatures.

Predator attraction to prey movement
Pat Bogard and Dave Chawstyk
A predatory study was conducted on the eating habits of the anolese lizards found in the wet forests of the island of St. John to ascertain whether prey movement was a factor in food selection. These lizards are found on trees or on the ground and they are very common. The captured lizards were introduced into a controlled environment. This environment contained three insects and some flora. The insects were a katydid, a grasshopper, and a stunned beetle. Once the lizards were placed into this environment, we turned the lights out to better simulate the nocturnal conditions of the wild. When this study was complete, the only insect that was eaten was the grasshopper. It is believed that this is due to the motion of the insect. The grasshopper was the only active insect; the other two stood in place to try to camouflage themselves. This is important in the maintaining of the species and also where the species will reside. The lizards need to be around insects that are in motion, they cannot "see" an insect that is standing still. Their insect to hunt is set off by the motion of the prey, not the scent, or the looks. If the lizard were to reside in an area with very stealthy insects, it would not be able to survive, due to the fact that it could not eat its prey.

Color Patterns of Fish and the Influence it has on Their Habitat
Stephanie Davis and Jocelyn Gaspar
A habitat preference study of fish was conducted to reveal their association with the coral reefs and sandy bottoms in shallow fringing reef zones, off the coasts of the tropical U.S. Virgin Island of St. John. A fish census was preformed while snorkeling in the areas of Leinster and Brown Bay. Tropical fish and coral identification manuals were used in identifying the different types of fish observed and their corresponding habitats. The habitat -seeking behavior of the fish was greatly impacted by their coloration or camouflage patterns. The overall significance of the study indicated that fringing marine fish utilize color patterns for survival.

Distributional Study of Brittle Stars
Pat Callan, Barry Helverson, Jeff Ziegler
A distributional study of brittle stars in an inter-tidal, fringing reef zone of the bays of St. John U.S.V.I. was conducted. In this study a count was made of the Ophinereis Reticulata, Ophiocoma Echinata, and Ophioderma Appressus species of brittle stars in three different substrates. These substrates were sandy bottom, mixed bottom, and rocky/coral bottom. It was found that brittle stars are distributed more heavily in areas with a rock and coral filled substrate, as opposed to the sandy, smooth substrate. Reasons for this include tidal variances, changes in water temperature, and environmental conditions. Brittle stars favor the rocky substrate because during low tide water pools under the rock and coral debris. Also during low tide the temperature of the water rises creating an environment that is too hot for the brittle stars to live in. The pools that form under the rocks and corals help to shelter the brittle stars from the higher temperatures and also protects them from possible predators. During low tide the sandy substrate was completely exposed and all the water had receded from the area. The mixed substrate, which was composed of a mixture of sand and rock, did not have as many brittle stars in it because during low tide it was too shallow to support the brittle stars. This study shows how the tidal and temperature variances affects the population density of the brittle stars. This allows for a better understanding of the needs of the brittle stars and shows the type of environment that best supports them.

Bird Census at Predetermined Sites

An island bird census was conducted at predetermined sites at St. John, USVI, during various weather conditions. The study showed that birds are particular in their site selection as it applies to weather conditions. Sightings of birds were more frequent during periods of warm and calm weather. Environments that do not meet these requirements present a barrier to bird presence. Birds included in the census were: Tyrannus dominicensis (Gray Kingbird), Loxigilla noctis (Lesser Antilles Bullfinch), Eulampis holosericeus (Green Throated Carib), Columba Squamosa (Scaly-naped Pigeon), Coereba flaueola (Bananaquit), and Margarops fuscatus (Pearly-eyed Thrasher). Preservation of bird diversity necessitates an understanding of the habitat and environmental conditions necessary for bird survival.

Preferred Terrain Study of Hermit Crabs
Rick Roberts and Mike Jefferson
An experiment was conducted on St. John, U.S.V.I., to show what type of habitat was preferred by the native hermit crabs. In using a plastic tub and enough twigs, leaves, dirt, and shredded paper towel for a dry environment, it could be established which environment the crabs preferred. First, three crabs were obtained. The crabs were then placed into the plastic tub, the bottom of which was divided into two habitats. All four habitats were used against the other three. These results can provide assistance in further studies and research done on these crustaceans. The importance is to better understand where these animals live.

Mangrove Crab Holes
Brenden Meyers and Charles Bache
An experiment dealing with Mangrove crabs in St. John USVI was conducted to find the size, depth, and angle of the burrows. This study was done in the sandy banks off the road next to Leinster Bay. The average size of the crab holes was 3 1\2 inches and the average angle of the holes was 30 degrees. Also by placing a long stick down these holes and measuring the length of the stick that disappeared concluded that the holes were at an average of 2 to 2 1\2 feet deep. Finding the diameter, depth and angle of the holes helps people find out about burrow information and the habitat that the crabs live in.

Substrate Preferences of Various Algal Species

A study was conducted regarding the substrate preferences of various algal species. The bays of St. John, USVI, hold a great number and variety of algae. It is therefore necessary to determine the distribution of these species in order to find the substrate preferences of the algal colonies. During the course of this experiment a survey was made of several of St. John's Bays, including Brown Bay, Lamisher Bay, and Little and Big Maho Bays. However, the primary survey area was Leinster Bay, as it possesses three different bottom substrates, as well as a thriving algal community. During snorkeling, algae were observed, collected, and identified, and their position in each bay was recorded. It was determined that several algal species seem to possess distinct preferences for particular bottom compositions. This information could be vital in the determination of algal survivability in bay floors with shifting silt concentrations, as well as the future of algae near islands that have a rapidly changing marine biome.

Effectiveness of Bug Repellent on Tropical Flying Insects
Kara Place and Nathan Hahn
A study of flying tropical insects' responses to light wavelengths and bug repellent was performed upon orally on the island of St. John. The experiment was conducted to determine how many and what kinds of bugs were attracted to light wavelengths under different conditions and test the effectiveness of "OFF!" bug spray. The bug repellent was sprayed on a screen around a white light bulb. Another white light bulb was set up without bug spray. The results were not as suspected. The insects did not have any affinity to either. The same number of bugs, and types, were attracted to each side. The kinds of bugs that were attracted to each environment were then studied. Coleoptera, diptera, hymenoptera, lepidoptera and orthoptera were found. The "OFF!" bug spray seemed to have no effect on the bugs attracted to the light wavelengths. The light seemed to overcome the bugs sense of the bug repellent present.

Crown Retraction of Christmas Tree Worms
Katie Skow and Melody Mumbauer
A comprehensive study of crown retraction of Christmas Tree Worms, Spirobranchus giganteus, was preformed on the fringing reefs of the Northwest bays of St. John. A stopwatch was used to determine the amount of time required by Christmas Tree Worms to extend and reopen their crowns after retraction. The average time required for crown reopening was calculated to be approximately 27 seconds after observing 12 different Christmas Tree Worms located at various bays surrounding the island of St. John. From this important study, it is possible to understand more about the unique tubeworms and how they react to human contact.

A Study of Fringing Brain Coral
Kyle Trauger and Nick Peacock
A study of Diplora Strigosa (symmetrical brain coral) was performed at the fringing reef of Francis, Brown and Leinster Bays to determine which bay on average had the oldest brain coral. The growth rate of a brain coral is one centimeter a year. To determine the age, a string was used to find the diameter and it was then measured. From this, the age of the brain coral was determined. This was repeated ten times in each bay to compile a large, accurate pool of data. After the ages were averaged together, it was determined that Brown Bay�s brain coral were on the average older than those of Leinster and Francis Bays. This data is important due to the fact that it demonstrates how Brown Bay has seen substantially less human traffic because of its relatively secluded location on the island�s shore. Also it is on the leeward side of the island, so the hurricanes that hit Brown Bay were less severe than when they hit Leinster and Francis Bays.

All material © 2000-2003 Chad D. Hauze. All rights reserved. No part of this site may be copied, modified, linked to, or reproduced without written consent from Chad Hauze and the Palisades High School AP Biology Program.


Student Experiments
Welcome Page About Us Photo Gallery Daily Log Student Experiments Materials and Resources Credits Current Study		During the time the group spent on St. John they were to conduct a scientific experiment. Working in pairs, the students explored a topic of interest and presented their findings on the final night of the trip. Bleow are abstracts of the student experiments. Click here to view experiments from the current Study. Behavioral Study of Marine Crab Reorientation Marcy Burke and Wendy Eaton A behavioral study was performed using the Red Reef Hermit (Pagururistes cadenati), the Orangeclaw Hermit (Calcinus tibicen), and the Red-Stripe Hermit (Phimochirus holthuisi) to determine what compels these organisms found in the shallow bays of St. John, U.S.V.I. to orient themselves in the direction of the ocean. When removing these marine crabs from the water and orienting them away from the ocean, the majority of the crabs repositioned themselves in the direction of the ocean. These conclusions make one wonder what adaptations or instincts are employed to allow them to interpret their surroundings and orient or move toward the ocean. A more comprehensive study of the crabs that would determine the mechanism for their orients would greatly benefit this preliminary study. Territorial Behaviors of Hermit Crabs Megan Melick and Abby Sears A behavioral study was conducted on land hermit crabs, of St. John in the Virgin Islands, to test their territorial behavior as it relates to food. The procedures of the experiment involved placing food bait at two sites of the "E" cabins, in the Maho Bay camp area. This went on for three nights at the same time each day. The bait placed at each site consisted of crackers, rice, pears, and water. One the first night of this experiment the hermit crabs were numbered tape. This made it possible to see if the same hermit crabs returned. Our results concluded that the hermit crabs were indeed territorial, but not necessarily in relation to food. Eating Habits of Hermit Crabs Sarah Harlan and Julie Dunkleburger An experiment was conducted to test eating habits of Hermit Crabs resided at St. Johns. Hermit Crabs were utilized from the area of cabin E25 at Maho Bay camp. Ten different foods and liquids were used to see which of these nutrients would attracted the most hermit crabs in the time of six minutes. We found that the hermit crabs responded to the liquids such as milk and tomato sauce or to starch that absorbed a significant amount of water such as cracker, and noodles. Peanut Butter on the other hand also attracted a great number of hermit crabs. The hermit crabs are attracted to moister and foods that have high carbolic juices. A Comparison of Dive Success Rates of Feeding Pelicans on St. John A study on the feeding behavior of pelicans resident to the island of St. John was conducted to determine the success rate of dives in catching fish. Observations were made and recorded in both Brown Bay and Little Maho Bay during the early afternoon. As each dive took place, it was tallied along with whether or not the dive was successful in catching a fish. The tallies were then put together as ratios of fish caught to dives taken in each bay. When the ratios were compared, it was found that pelicans in Little Maho had a much better success rate. This may be due to the greater abundancy of fish in Little Maho or the relative shallow water found in the bay in comparison with Brown Bay. This is important in providing a better understanding of the environments required by pelicans of St. John. In addition, knowing this may help in educating people on the importance of preserving areas such as that of Little Maho, in order to maintain the population of this species. Dietary Requirements of Hermit Crabs An experiment was conducted to determine the dietary requirements of hermit crabs resident on the westward side of the island, St. John. Hermit crabs were utilized from the area of cabin E25 at Maho Bay camp. The use of ten various foods and liquids were used to find out which substances hermit crabs like most. After the substance sat on the ground for a duration of six minutes, the hermit crabs were counted within a foot radius of the food. This experiment showed that the hermit crabs liked liquids such as milk and tomato sauce. It also showed that they liked starches that absorb a significant amount of water such as a cracker or noodles. This study enabled the realization that crabs enjoy food with moisture the most to occur. By conduction this experiment on mollusks, a conclusion came to mind. Detecting which entities hermit crabs consume most permits people to either keep alive or destroy a population of hermit crabs. The Affect of Yellow and White light on Tropical Insects Jen Johnson and Rose Hollander An extensive study was conducted on the attraction of tropical flying insects on St. John to white and yellow wavelengths of light. In conducting the experiment two 60 watt bulbs of each color were used in order to see the amount of and species of insects which were attracted to each light. After two hours the white light had attracted various insects such as: coleoptera, diptera, hymenoptera, lepidoptera, and orthoptera. On the other hand the yellow light only attracted a few diptera. This shows us that for some reason, presently unknown, that the insects in this tropical region are attracted to white wavelengths of light significantly more to yellow wavelengths of light. Effects of Individual Coral Heads on Water Temperature Jason Lamontagne and Andrew Brodbeck An experiment was conducted to show the difference in water temperature around individual coral heads in the fringing bays of St. John, USVI. Using a thermometer, temperatures were taken next to corals ranging from 2-4 feet in diameter. Temperatures were then taken 6-10 feet away from the individual coral heads. A GPS was used to mark the horizontal shore point equivalent to the coral head so that further research at the point could be conducted. The experiment showed that there was a 2-3 degree C rise in temperature near the individual coral heads compared to the open sea area 6-10 feet away. With these results, numerous conclusions could be drawn. Further research could show that coral chose to grow in warm pockets found in the ocean. This would be a demonstration of a biological instinct adopted by the coral and a showing of instinctive mannerisms in ocean creatures. Predator attraction to prey movement Pat Bogard and Dave Chawstyk A predatory study was conducted on the eating habits of the anolese lizards found in the wet forests of the island of St. John to ascertain whether prey movement was a factor in food selection. These lizards are found on trees or on the ground and they are very common. The captured lizards were introduced into a controlled environment. This environment contained three insects and some flora. The insects were a katydid, a grasshopper, and a stunned beetle. Once the lizards were placed into this environment, we turned the lights out to better simulate the nocturnal conditions of the wild. When this study was complete, the only insect that was eaten was the grasshopper. It is believed that this is due to the motion of the insect. The grasshopper was the only active insect; the other two stood in place to try to camouflage themselves. This is important in the maintaining of the species and also where the species will reside. The lizards need to be around insects that are in motion, they cannot "see" an insect that is standing still. Their insect to hunt is set off by the motion of the prey, not the scent, or the looks. If the lizard were to reside in an area with very stealthy insects, it would not be able to survive, due to the fact that it could not eat its prey. Color Patterns of Fish and the Influence it has on Their Habitat Stephanie Davis and Jocelyn Gaspar A habitat preference study of fish was conducted to reveal their association with the coral reefs and sandy bottoms in shallow fringing reef zones, off the coasts of the tropical U.S. Virgin Island of St. John. A fish census was preformed while snorkeling in the areas of Leinster and Brown Bay. Tropical fish and coral identification manuals were used in identifying the different types of fish observed and their corresponding habitats. The habitat -seeking behavior of the fish was greatly impacted by their coloration or camouflage patterns. The overall significance of the study indicated that fringing marine fish utilize color patterns for survival. Distributional Study of Brittle Stars Pat Callan, Barry Helverson, Jeff Ziegler A distributional study of brittle stars in an inter-tidal, fringing reef zone of the bays of St. John U.S.V.I. was conducted. In this study a count was made of the Ophinereis Reticulata, Ophiocoma Echinata, and Ophioderma Appressus species of brittle stars in three different substrates. These substrates were sandy bottom, mixed bottom, and rocky/coral bottom. It was found that brittle stars are distributed more heavily in areas with a rock and coral filled substrate, as opposed to the sandy, smooth substrate. Reasons for this include tidal variances, changes in water temperature, and environmental conditions. Brittle stars favor the rocky substrate because during low tide water pools under the rock and coral debris. Also during low tide the temperature of the water rises creating an environment that is too hot for the brittle stars to live in. The pools that form under the rocks and corals help to shelter the brittle stars from the higher temperatures and also protects them from possible predators. During low tide the sandy substrate was completely exposed and all the water had receded from the area. The mixed substrate, which was composed of a mixture of sand and rock, did not have as many brittle stars in it because during low tide it was too shallow to support the brittle stars. This study shows how the tidal and temperature variances affects the population density of the brittle stars. This allows for a better understanding of the needs of the brittle stars and shows the type of environment that best supports them. Bird Census at Predetermined Sites An island bird census was conducted at predetermined sites at St. John, USVI, during various weather conditions. The study showed that birds are particular in their site selection as it applies to weather conditions. Sightings of birds were more frequent during periods of warm and calm weather. Environments that do not meet these requirements present a barrier to bird presence. Birds included in the census were: Tyrannus dominicensis (Gray Kingbird), Loxigilla noctis (Lesser Antilles Bullfinch), Eulampis holosericeus (Green Throated Carib), Columba Squamosa (Scaly-naped Pigeon), Coereba flaueola (Bananaquit), and Margarops fuscatus (Pearly-eyed Thrasher). Preservation of bird diversity necessitates an understanding of the habitat and environmental conditions necessary for bird survival. Preferred Terrain Study of Hermit Crabs Rick Roberts and Mike Jefferson An experiment was conducted on St. John, U.S.V.I., to show what type of habitat was preferred by the native hermit crabs. In using a plastic tub and enough twigs, leaves, dirt, and shredded paper towel for a dry environment, it could be established which environment the crabs preferred. First, three crabs were obtained. The crabs were then placed into the plastic tub, the bottom of which was divided into two habitats. All four habitats were used against the other three. These results can provide assistance in further studies and research done on these crustaceans. The importance is to better understand where these animals live. Mangrove Crab Holes Brenden Meyers and Charles Bache An experiment dealing with Mangrove crabs in St. John USVI was conducted to find the size, depth, and angle of the burrows. This study was done in the sandy banks off the road next to Leinster Bay. The average size of the crab holes was 3 1\2 inches and the average angle of the holes was 30 degrees. Also by placing a long stick down these holes and measuring the length of the stick that disappeared concluded that the holes were at an average of 2 to 2 1\2 feet deep. Finding the diameter, depth and angle of the holes helps people find out about burrow information and the habitat that the crabs live in. Substrate Preferences of Various Algal Species A study was conducted regarding the substrate preferences of various algal species. The bays of St. John, USVI, hold a great number and variety of algae. It is therefore necessary to determine the distribution of these species in order to find the substrate preferences of the algal colonies. During the course of this experiment a survey was made of several of St. John's Bays, including Brown Bay, Lamisher Bay, and Little and Big Maho Bays. However, the primary survey area was Leinster Bay, as it possesses three different bottom substrates, as well as a thriving algal community. During snorkeling, algae were observed, collected, and identified, and their position in each bay was recorded. It was determined that several algal species seem to possess distinct preferences for particular bottom compositions. This information could be vital in the determination of algal survivability in bay floors with shifting silt concentrations, as well as the future of algae near islands that have a rapidly changing marine biome. Effectiveness of Bug Repellent on Tropical Flying Insects Kara Place and Nathan Hahn A study of flying tropical insects' responses to light wavelengths and bug repellent was performed upon orally on the island of St. John. The experiment was conducted to determine how many and what kinds of bugs were attracted to light wavelengths under different conditions and test the effectiveness of "OFF!" bug spray. The bug repellent was sprayed on a screen around a white light bulb. Another white light bulb was set up without bug spray. The results were not as suspected. The insects did not have any affinity to either. The same number of bugs, and types, were attracted to each side. The kinds of bugs that were attracted to each environment were then studied. Coleoptera, diptera, hymenoptera, lepidoptera and orthoptera were found. The "OFF!" bug spray seemed to have no effect on the bugs attracted to the light wavelengths. The light seemed to overcome the bugs sense of the bug repellent present. Crown Retraction of Christmas Tree Worms Katie Skow and Melody Mumbauer A comprehensive study of crown retraction of Christmas Tree Worms, Spirobranchus giganteus, was preformed on the fringing reefs of the Northwest bays of St. John. A stopwatch was used to determine the amount of time required by Christmas Tree Worms to extend and reopen their crowns after retraction. The average time required for crown reopening was calculated to be approximately 27 seconds after observing 12 different Christmas Tree Worms located at various bays surrounding the island of St. John. From this important study, it is possible to understand more about the unique tubeworms and how they react to human contact. A Study of Fringing Brain Coral Kyle Trauger and Nick Peacock A study of Diplora Strigosa (symmetrical brain coral) was performed at the fringing reef of Francis, Brown and Leinster Bays to determine which bay on average had the oldest brain coral. The growth rate of a brain coral is one centimeter a year. To determine the age, a string was used to find the diameter and it was then measured. From this, the age of the brain coral was determined. This was repeated ten times in each bay to compile a large, accurate pool of data. After the ages were averaged together, it was determined that Brown Bay�s brain coral were on the average older than those of Leinster and Francis Bays. This data is important due to the fact that it demonstrates how Brown Bay has seen substantially less human traffic because of its relatively secluded location on the island�s shore. Also it is on the leeward side of the island, so the hurricanes that hit Brown Bay were less severe than when they hit Leinster and Francis Bays.