We had a great day that began with data collection at Bailey’s Key. We did our first space use data collection and got better at the surface observations. The dolphins were more calm at the beginning of the session but then ramped up their activity near the end of the 25-30 min observation session. There was some jousting and also several cross swims underwater (see just below) and Buzz also did some nursing.
After breakfast, we had a classroom session to learn about DCP and the research and education programs completed by Kathleen, Manon, and other DCP associates and students. From the classroom, we went back to Bailey’s Key (with our snorkel gear) to do a shore snorkel (aka shnorkel!). We saw lots of fish and picked up relatively few (because we did not see lots) bits of trash. It was a good snorkel session, and you can see us posing after the snorkel on the beach in the feature photo.
Lunch was filling and fun and followed by watching the sustainability video that John created for DCP and AKR and then he and Manon shared an archive of photos of AKR – some from the last 1960s through current day, including photos John took of the cabins and resort in the mid-1990s. Things definitely have changed! After these sharing images, Shane discussed the dive response and answered student questions. The image below is in the classroom between topics.
There was about 55 min of free time and several of us did some paddleboarding. All in all, it was a productive, fun, learning day! We share our thoughts below.
Rebecca – I had fun doing the first space use data collection and learning why we use the panoramic photos instead of taking video.
Riley B. – Todays shore snorkel (aka shnorkel) allowed me to go identify the fish I saw more accurately.
Aubrie – I was really surprised by the physiology lecture because by the end of it I felt like I connected all the dots od information I learned and I was really excited to understands the dive response.
Katerina – On the shnorkel (shore snorkel) today, I was able to see a sea urchin with my snorkel buddy and then I was able to go paddle boarding for the first time later in the day.
Katie – During the shnorkel, I thought it was insane the sheer cliff as you got farther out. It was shallow and then a sheer cliff. (But I stayed in the shallow area and safe.)
Riley H. – I thought it was super cool that I got to do space use data collection (scan sampling) because I knew the exact reason for it and how important it was to stay focused and on time with our observations.
Braydon – I really enjoyed seeing the coral up close in the wild. It makes you really appreciate the coral reefs we still have around.
Rafaela – I was really amazed by the care that is take for the coral reef and how little trash there was in the water. And also the data collecting went a lot more smoothly and fast today.
Quincy – This morning when we did the space use data collection, my job was a scanner and ay first it was really stressful and overwhelmed. But as we did more, I got more comfy with it and it was neat to see how before and after the scans there was lots going on but not during the scan for the dolphins.
John – The entire UAV squadron returned from a successful dolphin spy mission.
Manon – I was pleased with the student attentiveness and engagement during the physiology talk.
Shane – Very nice interaction with the students during the sustainability and dive response talks. Fiesta tomorrow night!
Cheers
CSU’s S.O.T. Jones