Category: Blog & Field Reports

Our last full day began like the others – with dolphin data collection and observations. What was very different to the other days was the very strong winds and also the strong current. Dr. D was only able to collect about 20 min of underwater video. Still the dolphins were fun to watch and to see them play in the choppy waves. We also had an informal discussion with Samir Galindo, General Manager of AKR. It was educational to learn a bit more about the resort and facility history and to hear about the sustainable conservation programs ongoing here.

Dolphins in the morning: data collection and review and learning about RQ from Manon. We also practiced recognizing different dolphins and then began our personal chats with Dr. K and Dr. D – we have to either draft a research proposal examining a behavioral indicator of physiology or create a PSA using something we learned on this course to teach folks in CO. We also had an early afternoon lecture from Jen about coral reef restoration (way cool that scientists have identified a way to grow coral swiftly – maybe letting us repopulate some of the damaged reefs). And our evening wrapped up with a nighttime boat snorkel followed by dinner.

The students are getting more proficient at the space use data collection and the surface logs. The underwater visibility was better and the dolphins more social. Gracie and Trixie and Elli with Gizmo spent much time circle swimming Kathleen. Stan had some tight circles and vocalizations. After a quick breakfast, we spent a couple hours on the snorkel boat and in the water – two snorkels were had and provided glorious views of several fishes, one small shipwreck and several statues. It was quite fun!

Data collection was BUSY today! The dolphins were active and playful. The underwater vis was a bit better. Kathleen observed Tilly try a few attempts at removing the remora floating over Sandy’s belly and back – with no success! Sandy and Rocky chased each other a few times and played a round of “mouth game” – on their sides, jawing at each other while seemingly trying to see whose mouth was bigger!

Today was a jam-packed day! We had early morning data collection followed by a yummy breakfast and open discussion about any topic. Then we went to Maya Key for a morning snorkel on a south-side reef, viewed rescued animals, had a delightful lunch and toured the Mayan ruins on the island. Our late afternoon was spent with the RIMS trainers and dolphins getting to know them all a bit better. Thank you to Eldon, Teri, Denry, Elyork, Cain, Antony, Jason, Gerald, Archie, Kenly, and the dolphins for your time this afternoon!

Our first day of data collection had us heading to Bailey’s Key at 6 AM! Rupert was early to collect us and waited patiently in the giant AKR chair! We’ll have to see about getting a group photo at this chair sometime this week … but we digress. Our first session this morning went well with surface activity apparently but underwater visibility lacking. We had a few lectures/discussions in the classroom and on the key followed by a snorkel visit to Bailey’s Key. It was a full but fun day!

In two groups we arrived to Roatan. One from Denver and one from Miami. And we spent a bit of time in the very very long immigration line. But, it was worth the early hour arrival to the airport and the wait. Below are the tired first impressions from our student field course group. You can see their smiling faces after our on-site orientation this afternoon in the photo.

*SHIPPING ALERT: Due to field schedules, print adoption kits received from 24 May – 11 June will be shipping on or about 13 June.

DCP will be joined by a Colorado State University (CSU) student group tomorrow afternoon at Anthony’s Key Resort (AKR) and The Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences (RIMS)! I like to think the dolphins are awaiting our return (maybe with attitude?!) … as evidenced from Tank and Sandy here!

Thursday had feelings of excitement and sadness over our final full day in Bimini. After breakfast, we headed to a nearby clinic for our scheduled COVID tests, which are required to get back into the US by plane. But, a neighbor popped his out and told us the nurse was flying in from Nassau and the flight was delayed. He nicely texted her for us and we rescheduled for noon. We’re learning the island speed….when things don’t work out on the first try, you just relax and remember it will work out eventually. Brie & Sophia went to the Straw Market to get some braids in their hair. We all had such nice conversations with the shop keepers, who today called out, “Oh, the girls are back!” when we returned.