Data collection brought excellent underwater visibility and very social dolphins. Kathleen was greeted even before she got in the water to record the dolphin behavior. You can see them below waiting for her to get in!
There was LOTS to record as the dolphins were VERY active – even Manon had difficulty writing everything down for the surface observations. Gracie did a few high jumps and Lightning was chased all around the lagoon. There were socio-sexual interactions between the young males and Poli, Kami and Bailey, Georgie checked out the MVA and Kathleen.
After data collection, we had a swift breakfast in order to make the snorkel boat. We went towards West Bay but there was a ground swell that would have made it very difficult to get into or out of the water from the boat. So, we shifted to Blue Channel, which was inside the reef and offered a neat view of a feeding spotted eagle ray. It was mixing up the sand and feeding on something. The sand made it hard for the camera to capture the action.
After returning from the snorkel, we met with Shane to learn more about our project criteria – a PSA or research project. Then lunch was very welcome and followed by our one-on-one meetings with Shane, Kathleen, and Manon to confirm which type of project each of us would complete: 7 PSAs and 2 research projects!
The afternoon was ours to pack, roam around Anthony’s Key, maybe visit the gift shop, and then come to dinner. It was a great week and the camaraderie we developed will stay with us for a while.
Braydon – This trip was an incredible experience. I really enjoyed meeting everybody and doing all the activities and learning more about research.
Rafaela – This has been one of the most insightful and moving trips that I have ever been on. And I wish I could do it again.
Katie – I thoroughly enjoyed this entire week and all of the different things we learned and different species we got to see. It was a week full of new experiences I will treasure forever.
Katerina – I really enjoyed getting time to explore Anthonys Key and it was really cool getting to see a trumpet fish on our snorkel this morning.
Quincy – I am so grateful for this experience and all the new information I’ve learned this week. This was one of the best weeks of my life. And I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity.
Rebecca – I’m glad I got to spend my last field course day with my friends.
Riley H. – I really enjoyed the last snorkel we did today. It was a perfect way to wrap up the week. I had lots of fun with all the people on the trip and all the memories made.
Riley B. – Seeing the spotted eagle ray on the snorkel today might beat swimming with the dolphins yesterday. This trip was super fun and I’m so grateful that I got to have this experience.
Aubrie – Today, I fulfilled my main goal of the trip to see a spotted eagle ray. I couldn’t have had more fun and I’m so grateful for this experience.
John – Great visibility today. Towards the end of the last flight, saw some really great dolphin activity.
Manon – It’s been 3 great weeks and safe travel home to everybody tomorrow.
Shane – Rough start, great ending to a good trip.
Cheers
CSU’s S.O.T. Jones