Marine Biology Night Snorkel

 

2-5 nights after the full moon of September is the time for the spawning of Elk Horn Corals (Acropora Palmata).  Mercedes, Clifton, Danny and Ms. Joni joined marine biologists Ellen McRae and Ali Cansino on a night snorkel of the North Cut Channel to observe and document this phenomena.  Though we didn't see any spawning, Ms. McRae showed us that Caye Caulker's elk horn population is doing well compared to other sites.  We also saw two squid, a nurse shark, lobsters, shrimp, many types of coral, and numerous fish whose colours were vibrant under the dive lights.

 

The Ocean Academy students have been invited to assist with fish I.D., conch and lobster surveys, mangrove restoration, and an eel grass project planned for the coming months. 

 

Thank you to Frenchie's Diving Services for their loan of equipment to Ocean Academy.