Hello loyal followers; it’s time for a long-awaited and long-overdue update!
The past couple of weeks have been quite eventful, especially with the arrival of our supervisor Debbie. Recently we have improved our methodologies and are now feeling very confident in achieving our aims.
Firstly, let’s talk about our three dive projects, two of which have been adapted and improved thanks to Debbie. Jamie and Maria’s projects, respectively, focused on carnivorous and herbivorous fish species abundances, so both had the same alterations. We introduced a non-biased component to the data collection: this involves pre-selecting random bearings and fin kicks with the use of a random number generator to determine the location and direction of our transects, making them more scientifically reliable. To save time during the transect, a two-minute wait that was initially used to allow fish to settle, has been replaced with a 4-metre swim.
Two days ago, 4 members of our team were very lucky to have experienced one of nature’s wonders. During the surface interval of one of our dive days, they spotted and swam with, an 8-metre long Whale shark! Truly breath-taking. And unforgettable (picture can be seen above).
Our beach project was also modified – instead of picking up plastic litter in certain parts of the beach, we now collect microplastic samples from the sand at random pre-deposed GPS co-ordinates of the beach. Now we can tackle the sun in respectable portions and not suffer from heat exhaustion!
After 10 days of advice and help, our beloved project supervisor, Debbie, will be departing us tonight. We have really appreciated her help and that she has a safe journey home. Bye Debbie, love you lots!
