Four science teachers and four Aquarium personnel were exposed to Bermuda's unique marine ecology during an intensive course offered recently.

Since last Sunday the group -- which included one local and three visiting teachers -- has observed different ecological environments such as coral reefs, rocky and sandy shores, shoreline habitats, and saltwater ponds.

Guided by Dr. Martin Thomas, professor Emeritus in Biology at the University of New Brunswick, the participants participated in field work by visiting sites such as Nonsuch Island, North Rock and Paget Marsh in an effort to learn more about Bermuda's natural history.

Those attending the course, which ended on Saturday, told The Royal Gazette they were excited about what they had learned.

"The course was highly educational and has taught me so much about marine ecology,'' Chabienauth Samaroo, from the Cayman Islands said. "I hope to use what I have grasped from the course to help preserve the biological world of the Caymans and to educate the young ones.'' Lynda Varlack, of the British Virgin Islands, said although she found the course exhausting she felt that she had learned a lot.

"I've done more this week than I usually do in a month,'' she said. "It's been intensive but extremely educational.'' "By the time we're finished we will know more about Bermuda than most Bermudians,'' Ms Varlack added.

" The course had opened my eyes to what Bermuda had to offer educationally,'' said George Rodrigues of Bermuda High School for Girls.

"It was especially interesting to see the endemic species, those unique to Bermuda, such as maidenhead fern,'' he said. "Everyone, especially teachers, should take the course as it is extremely rewarding.'' Mr. Rodrigues was the only Bermudian teacher who took advantage of the course, but the event's organisers hope more will sign-up next year.

"We would like to encourage more Bermudian science teachers to come next year,'' membership coordinator Yvona Vujacic said. "They should know that Dolphin Quest is giving financial support to teachers.'' The other participants in the course were science teacher Jasmattie Yamraj from the British Virgin Islands (BVI), Sarah Manuel of Agriculture and Fisheries, Aquarium education co-ordinator Mary Winchell, and Bobbii Cartwright and Judie Clee who will be conducting an interpretive tour programme at the Aquarium.

All of the teachers received sponsorship for the course. The organisations which gave financial support were Ocean Conversion BVI Ltd., Bank of Bermuda (Cayman) Ltd., and Dolphin Quest, and Bermuda Biological Station for Research.

The course, which is in its third year, is designed to give secondary school science teachers from Bermuda, the Caribbean, and the US grounding in the marine ecology of Bermuda to enable them to develop their own courses for students.

The Bermuda Aquarium is the sponsor of the course through the "Friends of the Bermuda Aquarium''. The course is accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association.