Day 2: Barracuda Day
Hello from the Bahamas,
Today was amazing! The wind started to die down and the sun finally came out. We started off our day with 7:30 breakfast as usual. Then we went to two spots – Rocky Point and Lindsay’s Reef – in order to complete beach profiling. We learned how to complete the task this morning when we got to our first research area. Beach profiling is when you use leveling tools and meter sticks in order to determine the gradient (how quickly the beach slopes into the water). (See the picture to view my group completing beach profiling).
We recorded our data on whiteboards and then constructed an excel spreadsheet to analyze the data. I will hopefully be able to upload the data so that you too can analyze the data and tell me what it says about the shores we studied. Once all the data is analyzed the primary investigator of this trip, John, will put the data into a 3-D computer program which will make a simulation of the beach. This way he can compare the beach and how it is changing from year to year.
After lunch we did another identifying trip to a reef. The reefs we visited today were Telephone Poll and Snap Shot reef. It was unreal. We first snorkeled 500 meters from shore to a reef with hundreds of fish. There were schools passing right past me like I wasn’t even there. There were also hundreds of hard and soft coral, algae, and even an old anchor. The fish were every shape, color, and size. I have never seen anything quite like it. Then we decided to swim out another 400 meters and eventually came onto a sea wall. The coral cliff dropped off to a 6,000 ft abyss. There we saw a Nassau Grouper which is deep red and white striped and about 2 ft. It was so weird just floating over a 6,000 ft drop and not know what is swimming around below me, which I have to admit made me feel better than actually seeing the life below.
Finally on my way back, while fighting the current, I passed a large white/grey fish. I tried to yell at my group behind me to find out what it was and even hovered around it for a while. Later I found out it was a 5 ft Barracuda. Yes they bite. So again I was happy not to know that the thing I was so amazed with was looking at me as lunch.
Well tomorrow we hope that the weather will be somewhat more cooperative and get even sunnier and less windy so that we are able to begin some of the research in the water that we came here to do, such as looking at coral bleaching and the types of coral we see in the water with our PI Frames. I will keep you updated. Enjoy your week.
-Ms. Biersbach
posted by Ms. Biersbach @ 5:51 PM
103 Comments:
why do the reefs there have strange names?
why do the reefs there have strange names?
Why are the names of the reef so strange? Is there a reason why they are named after a "Telephone Poll" and "Snap Shot Reef"?
Your day seemed to be really fun. All of the different types of fish must have been really amazing to look at. And I'm surprised at how calmly you reacted to the barracuda; I probably would have freaked out and swam in the opposite direction >.<
luckily Mrs. Beirsbach was not lunch because they look huge. I did some research about them and this is what I got. They have a large mouth with powerful jaws, and fang like teeth. They are scavengers and they think that snorkelers are food, or lunch.
It sounds like you had a lot of fun! The school of fish reminded me of Finding Nemo when it was Nemo's first day of school and you saw all the little fish swiming around. I picture it so colorful like Finding Nemo where u are.
It's funny how barracudas eat meat (us) and we eat them. i researched some more about them, and found out that they swim by themselfs and in schools around reefs. So I was wondering if there were more around there, but just not seen. I also read that that way they catch their prey is by ambushnig or sitting and waiting. If they ambush, they can swim at a speed of 27 mph. I am so glad that he was probibly not hungry, becuase i like chemistry, and i like my chemistry teacher! lol. have fun.
Sounds fun! I don't think I have seen a barracuda in real life before.
Anyways, how do you record your data? Any units?
I have heard of the coral reef in San Salvador called the Rocky point but have never have heard of the Lindsay’s reef.
wow that seems very exciting. did you notice any changes in the type of fish as you swam out? How can the level of the sand affect the coral bleaching? Were you afraid when you saw the barracuda or did you just think it was a fish? Is the drop off a straight drop like in nemo or is it kind of gradual?
what do you guys do if the weather does not get better? Do you have to count every spot on the coral of do you have some thing that counts it for you? Is there a type of coral that is more likely to get bleached than another?
Wow, the names of the reefs are really unique. Telephone Poll and Snap Shot ? ;D So my question is, how do they name the reefs ?
So when the climate is not good the reserach could have some errors? what kind of climate would be best for the research?and how does the waters motion affect your reserch?
There are about 25 species of Barracuda founded so far, and grow up to 1.8 m (6 ft) long.
Is the Nassau Grouper an endangered fish?
while i was researching on coral reefs i found a small piece of information that caugth my attention, since this migth be the reason why the research is going on:
Coral reefs are very sensitive to chemical pollution and changes in temperature and are considered to be in danger from environmental stress.
What did u eat for breakfast and lunch?
brie harris~
which place was better lindsays reef or rockey point
brie harris~
which place was better lindsays reef or rockey point
where did the old anchor come from?
Ms. Biersbach i have a question:
For the vocabulary i couldn't find "Long Bay" or Georgr W."
Barracuda are scavengers and follow people thinking they are a bigger predator to scavenge off food. They can be attracted to shiny objects. also they remain still then can take off in quick burst of speed of 27mph.
how did you dive 400 meters if the suits are made to keep you afloat?
what kind of stuff did you guys did in barracuda day?
what kind of stuff did you guys did in barracuda day?
Hey Miss Biersbach- Im glad to see that the team is already going to work on the research. to me it seems that Rocky's point and Lindsay's Reef has a pretty interesting name to the spots- would you care to explain (if possible) the history pretaining to the names of the spots? I just wanted to know some info about these reefs. on the other hand, the 3-D computer program seems interesting- so if one were to mess up the data the simulation of the beach would go haywire? Would be easily reversible? Because it would stink if people from the research crew would mess up on the data and ultimately mess up on the visual in the end... As for the reefs: Telephone poll and Snap shot reef- why are they named that? I know there is at least some history that led to the funny name- and i would like to know why... lol it must be pretty cool to go see the reefs- could you give More specific examples onto what kinds of corals their are? And whats up with the old anchor? lol pirates? but anyway- this spot compared to frocky point seems a lot more interesting. The nassau grouper seems to be an interesting specimen- is it a rare fish to find? If so- THATS AWESOME. ANd the barracuda seems pretty awesome- are there any other types of fish that you encountered that are more dangerous than the barracuda? or is that the only common fish? anyway thanks for the update. Im looking foward to learn more about this sealife!
did u get bitten by the fish?
if u did sorry about it :[
I too do not know the reason why the names for the reefs are so awkward.. but to try to answer Sergio's and Steffany's question: the name might be based on the history of the area. For example- maybe the reason why telephone poll and snap shot reef have such unique names are probably the number of tourists there who take photos or the snapshots of the beach mainly for advertising and such. But this is just a wild answer it would be interesting if i had some other ideas from the people as well... care to answer anyone?
-Brian T.
Hey Ms. Biersbach! it sounds like your having such a wonderful time there, i noticed u used the word AMAZING a lot in your blogs... haha, as for your predator, well at least it was a barracuda and not a shark! dont you guys have like some sort of weapon for if a sea animal tries to attack you? and i still dont get why you guys cant do research when its too windy. Is it because the current will get too strong and take you to the sea and maybe drown you? Over here its raining a lot, so you went there around a good time...what kind of food do you guys get for lunch?
Hey Ms. Biersbach! it sounds like your having such a wonderful time there, i noticed u used the word AMAZING a lot in your blogs... haha, as for your predator, well at least it was a barracuda and not a shark! dont you guys have like some sort of weapon for if a sea animal tries to attack you? and i still dont get why you guys cant do research when its too windy. Is it because the current will get too strong and take you to the sea and maybe drown you? Over here its raining a lot, so you went there around a good time...what kind of food do you guys get for lunch?
Hey Ms Biersbach!
That's awesome that the weather finally cleared up for the first time. Is beach profiling hard to measure since there's a lot of land to cover on both Rocky Point and Lindsay's Reef? If you can, I want to see the 3-D beach that John made on the computer! Wow, I can't imagine diving into the ocean that far! Man, that would of been terrifying if you were bit by that barracuda. Do you know what type of barracuda it was? I'm glad that you has a terrific day out in the ocean, Ms Biersbach! I'll check with you exploration soon!
Hi,Ms.Biersbach. Can you tell me more about John's computer program? How does it work?
Hey Ms. Biersbach! Sorry for the late post; you don't have to put it on the website i just had a few questions:
What type of computer program does John use? Does he have to use a special type of computer? If we end up doing this here in La Jolla will you do the same thing?
I was also wondering about the names of the places you guys swim at, who got to name them? They're kinda funky :)
Wow, just did some research and I never knew that Baracudas were so big.
It sounds kool that you were able to see a barracuda that close. Ihave never seen one and Iwant to see one some day.
Is there a reason why the reefs have those names?
Is there a reason why the reefs have those names?
Is there a reason why the reefs have those names?
How does the Snap Shot Reef and the Telephone Poll work?
It sounds so kool that you were able to see a barracuda that close. I have never seen one but maybe some day I'm going to be able to see one.
I think that if I was that close to a barracuda I would be very scared.
Why do you use a very long meter stick if the sand slopes are so small?
Wow you must have some bravery to swimm above a 600 feet drop, and it might be fun at the same time.
hey ms. biersbach
it sounds like lots of fun.
What did you guys do when the weather is not the best?
Question :
Wow You saw a baracuda, watch out, those bite, i researched them and found out Barracudas occur both singly and in schools around reefs, i have a question, did you wear shiny objects that day, because they are known to be attracted by jewlery!?
why cant u guys go snokeling when its windy??
was the barrcuda 5ft long?
I saw the picture and i was wondering why exactly do u need to know the gradient of the beach?
Hey Ms. B! First day on the job, and already something's trying to eat you! Your first dive sounded real interesting, but perhaps more interesting were the places themselves! Rocky Point? Telephone Poll Reef? This is an open question to anyone, and a chance to get a posted response, but how in the world did those places get their names?
Your actual dive sounded too cool Ms. B. Schools of fish? A 6000 ft. abyss? And a barracuda? It was like having a Finding Nemo flashback! I can't wait to see your powerpoint! But I bet pictures can't justify the true feeling of swimming in a reef.
Brian talked about how interesting the barracuda was, and wondered what kind of common organisms are found in coral reefs. To answer your question Brian . . .
Response: The small spiny blenny lives inside coral, and occasionally pokes its head out to snatch nearby passing plankton and eats them. The parrot fish feeds on polyps, and is able to extract the living coral by chewing on them with its set of internal jaws. The crushed material is the sand at the bottom of the reef. Sea cucumbers are also commonly found in coral reefs, as they keep the ground clean by eating the sand and collecting algae and organic debris. One of the most interesting organisms to me is the ruffled sea slug. The ruffles on its back have tiny chlorplasts which use photosynthesis to give the slug energy, enabling to spend less time looking for food. Imagine thinking that you're hungry, and just stepping outside ot get full. Now that's cool!
Now I have a question for you bloggers. What kind of coral is most abundant in the world, and why do you think so?
Brian talked about how interesting the barracuda was, and wondered what kind of common organisms are found in coral reefs. To answer your question Brian . .
Response: The small spiny blenny lives inside coral, and occasionally pokes its head out to snatch nearby passing plankton and eat them. The parrot fish feeds on polyps, and is able to extract the living coral inside by chewing on them with its extra set of internal jaws. The crushed material is what makes up the sand at the bottom of the reef. Sea cucumbers are also commonly found in coral reefs, as they keep the ground clean by eating the sand and collecting algae and organic debris. One of the most interesting organisms to me is the ruffled sea slug. The ruffles on its back have tiny chloroplasts which use photosynthesis to give the slug energy, enabling it to spend less time looking for food. Imagine thinking that you're hungry, and just stepping outside to get full. Now that's cool!
Now I have a question for you bloggers. What kind of coral is most abundant in the world, and why do you think so?
Were you scared? Did u have any fish around you that you just panic?Hope you had fun:].
Why do you measure the sand slopes with meter sticks even though the sand slopes look so short?
That must be scarry.
A barracuda.
How do you prevent against creautres in the ocean, who think of people as lunch?
I did mmore info on the barracuda fish. Turns out that the best known barracuda is the Great Barracuda which can grow to 1.8 meters. Baracudas have a large mouth w/ teeth like tiny daggers. Barracudas are given the name "Tiger of the Sea". They have to seperate dorsol fins and no eyelids. Also, they move slower when asleep
6,00ft!?! I would've bailed out.
Would have it been okay to take a glow stick and drop it down to see what was down there? Or would you have to swim down there? Aren't those fish that have like sharp scary teeth and like a light over it's head, don't they live down there?
HEY MS BIERSBACH
I CANT BELIEVE THAT U BARELY GOT SOME SUN OVER THERE! BUT IT HAS BEEN CLOUDY OVER HERE...
DID THE BARACUDA TRY TO ATTACK YOU AND UR GROUP WHEN U GOT CLOSE TO IT?
Wow! i wish i was over there, it seems really fun and interesting..
Good thing you didnt get close to that big fish right? I know you gave a whole bunch of measurements in this blog but i just got really confused...hehe. well how deep down did you guys snorkel? what is the safest distance that you guys can go deep before you get that oh i forgot, i saw it in discovery channel...When the divers go to deep and then they get this thing where the water pressure makes them pass out and kinda feel drunk? i know i heard it! Oh and what was the average water temperature while you were over there?
Just to put this up there.
I would have probably been dead cold at sight of a barracuda, I saw one in Mexico, the thing was massive! Well compared to me.
How was it like working with the 3-D computer program?
How many different types of fishes did you see?
It would be an unpleasant experience falling the 6,000 ft drop
Whoa, a 5ft barracuda, that sounds so cool
Breakfast was at 7:30 that is very early for me
Why is it important to know how quickly the beach slopes into the water?
how do you know it was 6,0000 ft deep?
when you said the word abyss i didnt know what it meant so i searched it up and it turns out that it means means a subterranean ocean or a space that is unmeasurable. When you said that there was hundreds of fish did they all crowd around you? and you also meantioned that they were in many different colors which made me think how pretty it must have looked.
when you said that you saw fake corral reef were they in the ocean and are they considered fake because there are other things in the ocean that look like them but arent really them or are they just like plastic corral reefs?
the 3-d thing sounds awesome, i bet it was really cool to see the beach on the computer that way
i was wondering,is there a specific process for picking out names for these reefs? aslo how does the weather affect the research done under water?
Wow this reminds me of finding nemo... hey we can watch this during chemistry. It will definately be very educational, letting us know what's in the ocean. :)
How does the beach change from year to year? What makes it change?
How much does the beach profiling contribute to the research or what role does it play in the research?
In fact the Nassau Grouper is an endangered fish right now.
The main threat right now for the Nassau Grouper is the harvesting of them. Right now it is not allowed to fish them since they have been over fished and the reproduction is not occurring as much.
Is there a reason why rocky point and LIndsay's reef are named the way they are
So the project and all the data your getting is to determine how the water changes over time?
Wow ms. biers Bach I would be sad if u got bit =[
Jk. Not that I would want u to get bit im just saying I shouldn’t have said that not jk as in I would want u to get bit or I would be happy…
never mind…
It was interesting to me how we eat barracudas, when they are carnivours and eat humans. I would like to see a barracuda in real life. Were there anymore around there? Is there anything else I should know about the Lindsay’s reef?
I wonder why these reefs have such weird names, too. Where do all these strange names come from? What's their origin? Is there any story or meaning behind them?
It would be really hard and tiring if you had to count every spot on the coral. I guess you guys had something to count them for you. If you did, what was it that you used? If not, how did you deal with this?
what the heck is Nassau Grouper?
Wow!
a five feet barracuda!
that's really big
how big was his teeth?
I wouldn't want that five foot barracuda to bite my favorite teacher. I'm so glad ur not harmed.
The trenches and bottoms of seas change every year its just that we cant notice it because tectonic plates in the earth's crust shift very slowley...umm sorry for blogging the last day at the last minute. :P
Im wondering, why Rocky's point and Lindsay's Reef? Were those the area points in the water with the most coral structures?
what is a sea wall?
it sounds like it was a lot of fun! it is amazing that schools of fish were passing by you like nothing!
The names of the reefs seemed unusual but very creative!
That must have been really freaky to find out you were swimming next to a Barrucuda!!! 6,000 ft would have made me really nervous.
for: Marlene Escobedo who didn't understand the word abyss
as far as i know and abyss is a never ending whole or somewhere it's almost impossible to get out of.
Was it a scary experience going out there with all types of creatures surrounding you or was it really cool?
Ms. Biersbach, wow you must be tough to be swimming with the barracudas without freaking out instantly!
WHY DO YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE gradientTHINGY? WHAT DOES THAT DO?
Wow, baracudas sound like scary creatures. Can they really eat a human though? because if they can thats just really weird...
Can't beleive you saw a barricuda. Those things are huge, but also dangerous. :]
Barricuda, i researched about those and they are huge!
How is it possible that barricuda's live in these waters?
why do the reefs have such random names? I like them though(telephone poll and snapshot reef). Do the names stand for something specific about the reef?
Reflection
The sun the warmth and ebergy giving thing that gives everything life what a wonder. the breakfast was at 7:30 as usaual you mean you had a schedule wow!!! i wish i had a 3-d program so i could do cool stuff with it i would make anything and everything. sa sa sa six thousand feet whoa i would die out of being scared but still i could swim at least so i would never drown. i have the weirdest idea of a current. is a barracuda deadly or what. as lunch ha ha hahahahahahahahahahaha
Reflection
The sun the warmth and ebergy giving thing that gives everything life what a wonder. the breakfast was at 7:30 as usaual you mean you had a schedule wow!!! i wish i had a 3-d program so i could do cool stuff with it i would make anything and everything. sa sa sa six thousand feet whoa i would die out of being scared but still i could swim at least so i would never drown. i have the weirdest idea of a current. is a barracuda deadly or what. as lunch ha ha hahahahahahahahahahaha
ooooooohhhh barracuda!!! hahah
thats pretty cool all that you guys ge to do. but wait so this is like a special place where there are varieties of computers and stuff so that you guys can do your info.that 3D program thingy that sounds cool. TOTALLY awsome you guys have lunch. what do you guys eat?!
Great barracuda eat other fish. And they like eating ms.biersbachs. just kidding.
Adult great barracudas live in and around the edges of coral reefs.
They are long, skinny, have bluish or brownish backs, silvery sides and a mouth full of pointed teeth.
link thingys:
http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Sphyraena_barracuda.html
WOW! did you take any pictures of the 5 ft Barracuda? & were you scared seeing it?
How far down the drop would you have to go to get crushed by the pressure?
Which one of the reef's coral is sicker?
Can Barracudas kill you?
Why are they attracting to shiny stuff? ADD? (just kidding)
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