Where am I?

Toto (Zipper), we are not in Kansas anymore!

This morning we dove on the south west side of the island. We were collecting different kinds of data. Some of us used what looked like large PVC squares with a grid inside made from string. We dropped it over the reef( 20-30 times) and identified what was located at each intersection of the strings. Quantitative data extravaganza! Gretchen would love this part of the project. We looked for hard coral, soft coral, sponge, rock, sand, algae and other. We had to drop this plastic quadrant many, many times and try and record the data. It is not difficult to write in a lab book on the table in front of you at school but when you are bobbing and being pulled by the currents and pushed by the wind it can be pretty hilarious. The water was pretty choppy and it made data collection difficult. The other group set a transect line underwater and tried to record everything that was one meter on either side. The currents moved the lines and again the various movements of the water had us all drinking in our fair share of salt water. They also tested the temperature, water for pH, turbidity (look it up) and the temperature on the beach. Why do you think we needed all those different measurements? One teacher saw a 6-foot eel; I saw a barracuda and lots of fish I do not know how to identify.



The most important part of collecting data is to be accurate, so last night we had a class complete with slides and a quiz at the end to see if we could learn the types we were going to be seeing today. There is nothing more ridiculous than a group of teachers trying to learn something. I will have a newfound respect for you-all upon my return. Once we “passed the test” we were good to go for data collection. Remember- it is not easy to get here and not a place you can run back to if you forgot some information so every test needs to be checked and rechecked. Also you want the most accurate data so when you formulate a conclusion you have data to support your ideas.