Of course, we began the day with data collection … and it was relatively quiet (maybe even a tad bit boring) for surface observations and space use data collection. Kathleen agreed, saying the underwater views were similarly quiet. There were numerous pair-swims and just slow swims among the group. Of course, Elli needed to critique Kathleen’s protocol technique and Ronnie and Buzz swam a few circles around her. The underwater visibility was awesome – more than 7+ m clear!
After breakfast, we had a chance to chat with Samir Galindo, GM of AKR. He shared with us some info about AKR’s history and other details. We were pleased to have time to ask him questions and hear a few stories from him. After this, we returned to Bailey’s Key to collect more space use data during a dolphin encounter and then a swim (where participants can snorkel with the dolphins). It was HOT but we persevered!
Following lunch, we learned about AKR’s/RIMS’ and the Roatan Marine Park’s coral restoration project – it’s history and the current plans. Their results gave us all hope for our oceans and our planet.
We spent time in the air-conditioned classroom (thank you!) in the afternoon after the coral talk with data entry and confirming Lat./Long. values for dolphins visible in the space use panoramic photos.
Our night snorkel was this evening and even though a couple of us were anxious, we all had a blast and saw numerous different marinelife on the reef including sea cucumbers, octopuses, squirrel fish, crabs, shrimps, and more. It was very fun! Our impressions from today follow:
Felice – Listening to the coral restoration talk today made me very hopeful for our future coral reefs and marine life around the Bay Islands.
Jose – Today was a great day of learning in many aspects and the coral restoration talk made me think about new possibilities for my career.
Alia – Learning more about the coral reefs has made me realize that there are a lot of intricate little things that tether together that make one big, beautiful ecosystem.
Sabrina – Just found out that I’m the official joke whisperer. Hopefully, I can now talk to the octopuses.
Sara – Today fear number 2 (swimming in the ocean when it’s dark) conquered. Tomorrow Fear #3.
Brie – My love for the ocean keeps increasing with each experience.
Erika – Water is cool; therefore, I will bring justice to Honduras.
Alicia – Roatan is a party even at night.
Nezi – If I was a fish, I would be part of that nightlife.
Mario – Data entry was tough in the heat, but my first night’s snorkel made up for it. Overall, I’d say tonight went very whale.
Tesa – So grateful for each and every experience and conversation. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings.
Charles – I had so much fun on my first night snorkel and I’m sad to see the trip coming to an end so soon.
Megan – I loved seeing the sea lions from Manon’s presentation and the reef restoration talk was amazing still.
Dallas – Shout out Dez.
Winter – Water good. Ocean good. Dolphin good. Heat baaaaddddd.
Melissa – Was really proud of everyone for going on the night snorkel and not being freaked out.
Heather – I appreciated Samir Galindo’s time to share his experiences about the resort and his life growing up on Roatan. And I thought the students asked him some really good questions to discover more about where they are staying.
Manon – Very good night snorkel with a tiny octopus and many tiny silver fishes.
Tomorrow is our last full day … we look forward to the morning data collection session and more!
Cheers
StMU M&Ms