Category: Blog & Field Reports

We spent LOTS of time in the water today. We had our dolphin encounter and swim – see our thoughts below! It was a blast for all of us! The afternoon was a presentation by Dr. K about our projects and water and a brief intro to physiology that we will continue tomorrow.

Our morning was bright and early – and thankfully not raining! We did a full space use data collection along with the surface observations while Kathleen collected data with the MVA4. There was much activity – you can see Tilly and Sandy together in the cover photo. After data observations, then we had breakfast and then prepared for our day at Maya Key. We lucked out with good weather and really good visibility for our snorkel off the reef near Maya Key.

Our first full day at Anthony’s Key Resort – and it began with dolphin observations. (In the cover photo, we are learning about the dock’s flexibility!) Both French and Sandy were in leaping moods this morning! French even greeted the students with a spinning spy hop! Of course, we also saw the moms and calves; here, Bailey is with Calli and her calf.

A hearty breakfast got us ready for a classroom session in which we learned about DCP’s history and research, with RIMS and elsewhere.

Today was a day of transition – CSU Group 1 departed for home while CSU Group 2 jetted south to Roatan. We also had two students from the University of Bologna Master Course in Large Marine Vertebrates (MCLMV) join us.

We had our last data collection session with group 1 and about 2/3 of the way through the session it poured rain! (See the cover photo for the rainy sky.) Kathleen did not notice as she was underwater but the rest of us ran for cover on to the platform or the palapa.

The bad news is that we are leaving. The good news is that we get to go home! It was another full, exciting day here at AKR. It began with our second-to-last data collection session on the dolphins at Bailey’s Key. The underwater vis was not great and the dolphins were quiet, but it was still a good morning! After breakfast, we received a talk from Samir Galindo, General Manager and one of the proprietors of AKR. We learned a bit about the history of AKR, as well as their conservation and education programs.

Today was a full day of activities! We started the day with dolphin data collection followed by breakfast and then a talk about acoustics. But the next morning activity was the best – we had our dolphin encounter and swim! Half of us met Tilly and Carl and the other half met Maury and Kenly.

The swim provided much dolphin play and good underwater visibility. Lunch was a delicious feast! We then listened to Jennifer tell us about coral reef restoration and the coral nursery they have here off AKR.

Another very packed day was had by all of us! Our boat was waiting for us at 6:15 AM for our aquatic trek to Bailey’s Key. The dolphins were waiting.

The forgotten title was something good … but we are a bit tired from all the activity today!

Our day was full! We started with good surface activity and space use data collection, as well as observing Kathleen with the dolphins. We were able to collect activity levels and panoramic photos, too. After breakfast, Dr. K gave his physiology lecture and regaled the students with fun tidbits that were engaging and educational.

After our second dolphin observation session, we had a yummy breakfast and then a brief informal discussion about sampling protocols. Then, we boarded a shuttle bus followed by a boat for a trip to Maya Key. The island is part of AKR and has rescue/rehabilitated animals.

This morning was our first dolphin observation session – we met the dolphins at Bailey’s Key for the first time. We also learned how to recognize the individual dolphins and spent time snorkeling with the fish and learned how to ID many species of fishes. It was a busy day … and we share our recollections and impressions below.

Camille – I found the fish ID talk very interesting and I’m looking forward to using some of the techniques in observations he talked about to look for different behaviors in the fish when we are snorkeling.