HufFIN’ and PufFIN’ for Dinner

Surprisingly, everyone was at breakfast at 7:30 after our late night. We missed breakfast on Thursday last week due to our diving boat trip, so the fried eggs were a surprise! Kayla now officially has the entire week’s menu (which we ask her about daily). 


We separated into our research groups to give a second attempt at data collection. Four of the five research groups walked to Graham’s Harbor to scope out the water. Even though the water was very cold this morning, it was clearer than yesterday, making it possible for us to get work done. Groups were successful in creating transects and collecting coral, sea fan, blue head wrasse and slippery dick abundance. The fifth group stayed back at the station to collect sediment samples to test for macrofauna and meiofauna. We used a sieve to separate sediment, and were able to find an isopod!


The Graham’s Harbor groups headed back to Gerace for lunch and an afternoon of working on our proposals, data collection, and figure analyses. After getting done what we needed to, there was free time- some folks headed back down to the beach after the sun came out, while some of those who stayed late at Short Stop last night took a much needed nap. 


Dinner was barbecue chicken with rice and beans, followed by a tasty marble cake. Before having our nightly class, there was a special lecture by local legend Kathy Gerace, the wife of the man who founded GRC (and one of the coolest old ladies we’ve ever met). She talked about the history of the island, from the indigenous inhabitants the Lucayans, to the landing of Columbus near Cockburn Town, up through the plantation era and to modern day.  

Following a hearty round of applause for Kathy Gerace, we made our way to lab 4 for figure analysis discussion. As per usual, we got a tad sidetracked, and ended up watching videos of lionfish hunting competitions for half an hour before finally getting work done. 



Despite the early hour, we are all exhausted from the day and ready to turn in. In the morning we’ll be headed back out for another day of data collection- some groups will be headed to Telephone Pole Reef, some back to Graham’s Harbor for a second day, and one group continuing with their data analysis. In the next few days most groups should have their data and be ready to start drafting proposals! There’s still a lot to do, but since quite a bit of it is snorkeling we can’t complain. 


Wishing you the best,

Chloe and Sarah


Comments

  1. AnonymousJanuary 20, 2023 at 8:01 AM

    Always fascinating to learn about the local history! Get some rest and enjoy your snorkeling!

    ReplyDelete

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