Start of Research

Yesterday we started doing our first research project. My group of 3 went snorkeling in Paradise Beach to take pictures of the reef along the beach. We set down a square "quadrat" at intervals along the reef, took a picture of it, and counted the invertebrates. There weren't many in Paradise. A lot of the coral was bleached and overgrown with algae. Today we're going to Five Fingers Beach, where we are promised there will be more life. I'm hoping to see a lot of sea urchins and cucumbers. It's pretty cold this morning. I'm not looking forward to taking those first steps into the water. Once the wetsuit fills up it's not that bad but for a little while its freezing. Last night I tried curry for the first time. Even loaded with chili powder I didn't care for it. Tonight is pizza night so that should be good. I scheduled a whale shark tour for Tuesday morning, bright and early. We get to see them from the boat, but also swim with them. We aren't allowed to get close to them because when they swim they create so much force that it could hurt people. I'm ready for an adventure!