Rain greeted us just before sunrise ... leading to a delayed research data collection session. I entered the water at about 7:40 this AM and had a good 30 min session observing the dolphins. The calves were receiving much attention from almost all of the dolphins. Of course, Mac, Lenca and Champ still thought my fins were the best toy available!
I was able to record Gracie and Alita on several occasions and we confirmed which calf went with each mom on viewing the video this afternoon. The dolphins were quite vocal and very social with one another.
We finally had a break in the rain! It poured all last night! There was some thunder and wind thrown in and we woke to a gloomy looking sky and drizzles. But, the morning dried a bit and some blue sky showed through … enough so that we could collect data at about 12:30 for about 30 – 35 minutes! The visibility was ok in some spots and “silty” in others.
Rather than show you the gray, gloomy skies that were often dropping heaps of rain drops upon us today, I am sharing with you a photo of Elli and Callie. Elli is showing her scuffed up rostrum as she tries to photo bomb Callie.
Two data collection sessions today made me a happy camper! Two to three dives today made most of our eco-tour team happy! We all got very wet today! Not just from entering the water for data collection or diving but from the rain deluge that visited us a few times today. That’s what the front photo depicts – rain viewed from underwater! The dolphins and divers did not seem to mind the rain.
Our first day of data collection for this session began well! One hour of video collected and Ronnie was not as curious about me as in previous years! He was the first to greet me (as this image can attest), but it was more Lenca, Champ and Mac (the three young boys) who spent time trying to rough-house around me during both my early morning and second morning sessions!
We had really good underwater visibility at ~6:40 AM when the first session began. I was able to view most of the 23 dolphins underwater at least once.
Most of us arrived on one of three flights from the USA - via Miami, Houston or Atlanta. It was wonderful to arrive to Roatan and to be reminded as we deplaned of the warm tropical weather and breeze! Once we were checked in at Anthony's Key Resort, I was able to get weights for me, the MVA2 and the SM2M.
October 20, 2016
Saturday begins DCP’s 2016 Eco-tour to Anthony’s Key Resort (AKR) and the Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences (RIMS). This DCP eco-tour trip is unique for several reasons, not the least of which is that it represents the largest trip to-date. Not only to RIMS/AKR but of any DCP eco-tour since we began in 2000! We have several “repeat offenders” – some who’ve been DCP supporters since 1992! We have a few individuals new to the DCP-RIMS eco-tour, but not new to DCP.
Due to upcoming field schedules and access to email, e-kit adoption orders received between 21 - 31 October may not be filled until 1 November.
Humble Bundle has just launched its End of Summer Sale! DCP has the opportunity to benefit until the sale ends on September 22nd. Simply head to Humble Bumble and 5% of your purchase will support DCP!
There are thousands of games offered on the Humble Store with sales happening every day. And, when you buy a cross-platform game, you get a version for each available OS. Buy. Support DCP. Play.
The vaquita porpoise (Phocoena sinus) is considered by many to be the rarest and most-endangered species of marine mammal in the world. in May 2016, the population size of the vaquita is considered to be 60, based on the results of a 2015 vessel survey and acoustic study. It is the smallest of only seven species of true porpoises, and is the only one that lives in warm waters of the eastern Pacific Ocean.