week 2 and still going!

Hi all.

Just wanted to do a quick post today of my adventures. Don’t really have the time to put some pictures but wanted to give an update.

So all in all we are getting into the routine of running the base camp and kitting up for our dives, cleaning up, eating, sleeping, studying and doing base duty.

We have started doing “spot dives” that is where Heather (local marine biologist) or one of the other staff take us on a dive and point to coral and then we have to write down what we think it is and then show them and they either give the “ok” for correct or point on their slate to the correct name. This has really helped bring what we have been seeing in the books to live.

A few days ago we were presented our research goals and the techniques we will use to gather the information. There are two main methods: use of a pvc square about 2m by 2m and the other is a 50m tape measure. And how are these used specifically you might ask. The square is used by randomly placing it on the area of the reef you want to study. Specific corals inside this area are then inventoried for size and if damage is present. We are looking for new growth so we will inventory only those corals smaller than 5cm. As for the tape measure what we do is take the end of the tape and weight it down to the sea floor. We then swim out in a relatively straight line until we hit the 50m mark. We then swim back to the starting point looking for any critters which eat the new growth. These can be sea urchins, sea cucumbers, snails etc. We also look for squid/octopus and lobsters. The quantities of these critters are then recorded and submitted to their agencies. Basically looking for the overall health of the reef.

Type at you soon!

-Larry }:->

Week 1 from the seychelles!

Hi all.

Well I have made it safe and sound here in the Seychelles. It really is the beautiful tropical paradise that everyone claims it to be!

My fist week has really been a blast but also fill with tons of studying, classroom and scuba diving skill dives. Major items this week have been completing my Advanced Open Water diver certification. Due to weather we had to push a few dives into this next week but two more dives and that cert will be added to my list.

Also we completed our Emergency First Responder class and hands on work. This is essentially the Euro version of the US community first aid and adult CPR. Interesting that there are a few different techniques taught here than in the states.

In between these items has also been out intro to coral reef classes as well as specific coral grouping. What this entails is that we have to memorize the genus/specie names of corals as well as be able to identify them both in the water and out. Later next week will be the start of our testing on this. If we don't successfully pass these we will not be able to participate in the research dives so the whip is cracking to buckle down and study our corals.

This is very much island living. The locals here are really laid back and speak similar to Jamaican english (dats right mon, no worries).

Well that is about it for now. I will be able to get into town on Sat or Sun so I will try to keep the blog up to date at these points in time.

Take care all......

-Larry }:->



Amazing sunset over the bay.



View of "home" for next bit of weeks. Picutre of our base from the dorm balcony.



Dive kit drying area for out "skins"



Shot of bay while walking to the bus stop.



Shot of out base area during a hike

Getting ready for the next adventure!

Hi all.


I hope everyone's new year is starting out on the right foot.

As for me I am less than a week from departing again. This time it will be to the Seychelle islands which are off the east coast of Africa. Check out the general map off the following link:

http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/Africa/sc.htm

For Seychelle stats and general stuff check out:

http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/6268.htm

I will be spending the bulk of my time on the island Mahe which is also where the capital of Victoria is located. Our research facility is located off the North West corner of the island near
Cap Ternay.

The organization I am volunteering for is Global Vision International. Their web site with specific expedition information is located at:

http://www.gvi.co.uk/pages/expeditionDetail.asp?expedition=57


With this organization I will be involved in marine conservation research by assisting project staff with gathering data on fish, coral, turtles, whale sharks and other critters. What this means is I will be SCUBA diving 5-6 days a week on the pristine reefs of the Seychelles!



My plan is to remain with the project for 10 weeks which brings me back state side at the start of April.

My hope is that I will be able to update my blog every few weeks with interesting tidbits, photos and the like.

Type at you soon!

-Larry };->