Students and staff enjoy a short break during the diving in Egypt.
STUDENTS from Falmouth Marine School have just returned from an action-packed, sun-drenched week in Egypt.
First and second year students studying marine biology and ecology spent a week in Dahab, Egypt, last week, diving, snorkelling and conducting scientific research as part of their studies. They were also joined by students from the Plymouth University awarded marine science degree from Falmouth Marine School.
Marine science student Dephiny Cesarano said: “I’ve had such an amazing time. The whole trip was fantastic but I especially enjoyed diving at Dahab’s famous Blue Hole and seeing first-hand the amazing species, it was such an unforgettable experience. I will be starting my top-up year in ocean science at Plymouth University this September and feel that the skills and knowledge I have gained this week and indeed throughout my course will be invaluable.”
The core purpose of the field trip was to study the coral reef environment and its diversity of marine life. Students also had a unique environment to develop their diving skills and enjoyed 12 dives or snorkels at nine locations along the Red Sea, one of which is the famous Blue Hole.
Zoe Jennings, 17, from Falmouth, saw her first sea turtle while snorkelling.
She said: “To snorkel in clear warm waters with species that I’ve only ever seen photographs of was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The sea turtle was so close that I could almost touch it. It was a wonderful opportunity to carry out research in a contrasting habitat. To be able to observe the diversity of species in pristine environments was amazing.”
