Everyone was early for data collection this morning, meeting at the water taxi for our trek to Bailey’s Key. The underwater visibility was improved, and there was a slight current. The dolphins were quite social and spread out throughout the main lagoon … we did not see the nurse shark and think it might have moved on! Mr. French was VERY interested in the MVA and rubbing on the rope near platform 2. Kami and Bailey’s calf also leaped a few times while Gracie and Alita shared several bouts of pectoral fin contact.
After a yummy breakfast, our morning was spent in the classroom first asking questions about the papers we were required to read for the class and then learning about DCP. Both Kathleen and Manon shared a bit of their backgrounds and more about DCP’s research projects. We also reviewed the surface observation data form and were introduced to the RIMS dolphins and their permanent ID marks and dorsal fin and fluke shapes.
After lunch, we reviewed the space use data sheet and watched examples of the dolphin activity levels. These levels range from 1 to 5 and are a way to represent their behavior in an overview for the space use data. This session was followed by watching some of the early AM video data. While watching the video the sun appeared! The sky cleared a bit and we grabbed our gear and a boat ride to Bailey’s Key to snorkel on the reef. Before dinner, we attended the fish ID talk and learned a bit more about the critters we snorkeled with earlier in the day. Lively dinner conversation, including a discussion about dog (i.e., Rotisserie!) and cat names, was completed by a song – Happy Birthday to Jackson! What follows are our personal impressions of the day.
Harry – I enjoyed learning about echoic eavesdropping and how dolphins could potentially pick up on other dolphins in certain conditions.
Aradely – Today was humbling I will say. I struggled snorkeling but Shane saved the day!
Isabelle – I enjoyed learning about how dolphin echolocation works. Also, Hi Mom and Dad!
Zack – It was interesting to learn how all the dolphins look extremely unique, and you can ID individual dolphins from a glance. They look very different from each other.
Delaeni – I never knew that dolphins have concave skulls and on top of their skull is their melon. That’s cool and Hi Mom and Dad.
Jaelynn – I can identify one dolphin but only from the left side of the body – Gizmo!
Jackson – I’ve always wanted to snorkel on a coral reef and I’m glad at least one of my dreams came true today.
Nicole – If I was an animal, I’d be a seahorse because they have to eat all the time to survive.
Camille – Learning about the different ways a dolphin can be identified has given me a different perspective on how dolphins can be studied.
Tori – I learned that dolphins have unique calls called signature whistles, sort of like humans.
Don – John is a great drone pilot and Happy Birthday, Jackson!
John – Another successful drone flight by Dolphin Air!
Manon – I’m glad the rain stopped for the drone to fly.
Shane – Supremely impressed by the student participation today.
Tomorrow is another morning data collection session and a day spent in the water at Maya Key.
Cheers
The CSU 2025 January RAMS Abroad Group
P.S. Ronnie was assessing the group while Shane walked everyone around the lagoon perimeter
