Early AM data collection went well, and all students were not only on time but early! They did a good job with the data collection sheets and wrote down all their observations for the surface data sheets. (The only abbreviation they needed clarification on was “KD” … Kathleen Dudzinski 😂) We took a group photo with John’s new lens (see below) on arrival to Bailey’s Key. Neat fisheye view.
The dolphins were social with a bit of leaping across the lagoon. And a few of them made a point of checking out KD from the back angle … see below.
Breakfast followed data collection and was nourishing and delicious. We spent an hour and a half reviewing photo-identification and being introduced to the RIMS dolphins: their permanent marks and also social rake marks. The feature photo shows Sandy (lower left) and Georgie (top) checking out the MVA as KD collected data.
After learning the IDs, we headed to the snorkel boat (after getting our gear). Thank you to Captain Dean and John the divemaster for taking us to a neat reef in Moray Lagoon offshore from Lawson’s Rock. We saw 6 stingrays, several conch, many upside-down jellies, lots of fish, and generally had a relaxed and colorful snorkel. We worked up an appetite and enjoyed our lunch, if a tad bit late.
Jennifer shared with us an educational talk on sea turtles and we learned more than expected. A discussion about the space use data collection to begin tomorrow and a review of the activity level videos followed Jennifer. Then Shane wrapped up the afternoon sharing his experiences as a researcher, especially his work in Antarctica and the challenges of working in such an extreme location. Our blog notes are below.
Rebecca – I enjoyed learning about the nesting steps that sea turtles use, and I thought it was cool to learn that female turtles do not return to the next once the eggs are buried.
Aubrie – My main goal for this trip was to see a spotted eagle ray. So, seeing the stingrays this morning was a first step on that goal.
Riley B. – Today was my first day snorkeling on a reef off a boat. So, it was very interesting and very overwhelming with the amount of things you could see right way. I was not expecting that much diversity.
Kathryn – I really enjoyed being able to connect the Fish ID lecture to our snorkeling trip and being able to recognize the fish characteristics.
Katie – I thought it was very fascinating to learn there are places you could harvest sea turtle eggs. I never imagined it would be legal and why they do it and why it’s ok is fascinating.
Braydon – I found it really intriguing seeing a real word application of research, especially as an undergraduate.
Riley H. – I’ve always been fascinated by sea turtles so learning the different species and their characteristics was very cool.
Rafaela – I thought it was such a great experience to be involved with research the first time and see professionals working so closely with animals that are not common to be seen every day. It’s also wonderful to know that the smartest people in the room are still learning from the research that they do.
Quincy – I really enjoyed learning about the sea turtle conservation, and I was interested to learn that sea turtle eggs are a delicacy.
John – Good day to fly drones, times 2! A pair of highly skilled UAV pilots took off at 6:20 AM and knocked it out of the park (wink wink, ha ha).
Manon – After all these years I still really enjoy hearing about Shane’s experiences in Antarctica.
Shane – Really enjoyed the engagement of the students today and look forward to more of it the rest of the week. And John let me “fly” the drone. 😃
Cheers
CSU’s S.O.T. Jones (Saved our Trip Jones)