Our days have a pattern – morning data collection at Bailey’s Key followed by a lecture or conversation. Today was no different.
The underwater visibility was spectacular, though Kathleen was slightly delayed getting in the water due to a “SD card error” in the top-mounted GoPro. So, we removed the card, replaced it and switched the back-facing GoPro for the front-facing one. Unfortunately, though it showed a red light, it did not record. But the forward-looking camera recorded some neat behaviors. It was a touchy-feely day between the dolphins as you can see from the photos below and in the featured photo.
After breakfast, we spent the morning in the classroom. Shane finished speaking about the similarities and differences between sharks and dolphins (i.e., ecto- and endotherms) and then we reviewed the morning video from the data collection session. Lunch followed and then we had a conversation that covered many topics. I.e., we each gave a written question that guided the direction of our conversation. The rest of the afternoon was back in the classroom to watch AKR’s sustainability video and then listen to Jen K. about coral restoration; her presentation was revised and very interesting as she shared what RIMS/AKR and the Marine Park are doing to preserve and restore the reefs along Roatan.
(Snorkel Orientation to left)
We had a bit of free time to don our bathing suits in prep for the Night Snorkel. We had a blast and saw many different critters including several lobsters, squids, porcupine fish, a moray eel, burrfish, two scorpionfish, 2-3 octopus, banded shrimps, a blue eel. It was our longest snorkel as we were in the water for more than an hour!
(Squid to left)
Avery – Night snorkeling was even better than I imagined it would be because I did not expect to see as many different species as we did.
Savanna -I really enjoyed all of the discussions we had together as a group that Dr. Kanatous led us through.
Evelyn – Lobsters are a lot scarier looking underwater than you’d think.
Katie – It was fascinating learning about the different techniques used in coral restoration.
Olivia – Night snorkeling was the best game of I-spy that I’ve ever played.
Anna – I got slapped in the face by a fish tonight.
Sarah – I really enjoyed discussing the fundamentals of physiology and being able to apply it in real world situations.
Megan – I faced my fear of getting in the ocean at night and was happily surprised to see a blue eel.
Dominick – I saw more octopus and a squid … so best day ever!
Don – Learned a lot about corals today.
Manon – I liked listening to the new version of the Coral Restoration talk from Jen.
Shane – Appreciated the thought-provoking questions from the students and then stimulating conversations that followed.
Tomorrow is a big day as we will meet the dolphins in person, and not just for data collection!
Cheers
The CSU nonuplets