Water on Columbus' Isle: 22 Years of “Going with the Flow” At the Gerace Research Centre (Formerly the Bahamian Field Station)

On January 2, 1986, Alfred student Rob Johnson and I arrived on Columbus' Isle on the twice-a-week Bahamasair flight, and were greeted by Don Gerace. Thus began a 22-year San Salvador journey.

The first years involved long days, and my “detention” for breaking and entering-the Gerace house!. In 1989, Davis and Johnson presented the first model of the islands' hydrology. It has stood both the test of time, and my forced “vacation” from academia, which Don was instrumental in both starting, and ending. Club Med's arrival made study of the islands' fresh water resources imperative. Kim Clarke discovered that many island wells had sharp haloclines. Shannon Pociu, wrote a paper outlining management strategies. The Geraces arranged an island town meeting to discuss the water situation. Work on a GIS for the island, begun by Howard Korsu, was finished by Matt Robinson. He used it for his study of land use capability. A new landfill was built at a site Matt recommended. The Geraces financed his efforts. Recently we've begun to fill holes in the original model. Cara Gentry solved the riddle of fresh water wetlands. Stephanie Beda began work on what constitutes a conduit. Now, Michael Gaughan is looking at changes at the Line Hole Well Field following its closure in December, 2006. There also were “side” studies. One, with Paul Godfrey, used mangrove succession to estimate sea level rise since 1929; another, by Jon Slusher looked at the way soil water salinity has influenced the spread of the invasive Brazilian Pepper Tree.

It has been a fantastic journey featuring wonderful people, including islanders, fellow faculty, and students; some adventures; much learning; and tons of science. The Geraces presided over everything-interested, knowledgeable enough to make important suggestions, actively encouraging students, me, and everyone on the island. Thank you!