Like jumping feet first into the rabbit hole made famous in “Alice in Wonderland” by Lewis Carroll, the deeper you dive on a reef, the more things change in interesting ways. “Curiouser and curiouser,” mused Alice as she delved into
Over the past few decades there has been a rapid decline in the health of shallow water scleractinian corals (stony or hard corals). Simultaneously, there has been a steady increase in the number of coral diseases being reported. Many of
The Golden Shadow is back on the western shore of Great Inagua and the day has been packed with activity, as team members leave and arrive, new research projects are launched, and scientific surveys around Great Inagua continue. Early this
In 1997-1998, the marine equivalent of a massive and destructive forest fire overwhelmed numerous coral reefs around the world. Caribbean coral biologists still speak of the coral bleaching event of 1998 in reverential tones. A powerful El Niño season was
In surveying Hogsty Reef, the team aboard the Golden Shadow cannot help but notice at least two dramatic landmarks above the sea surface. Shipwrecks. The word summons images of high seas, blinding wind, adventurers, and a storied Caribbean history. Because
Early this morning, the Golden Shadow left its anchorage off Great Inagua and moved north to Hogsty Reef, one of only a few atolls in the Caribbean. The opportunity to survey such a rare Bahamian coral formation is a true
Elkhorn Coral (Acropora palmata) is an iconic species on Caribbean coral reefs. The yellow-brown, broad branches resemble elk antlers; and so the common name. These wide branches can grow to lengths reaching over 2 meters (~6 feet) and construct vital
Sunshine and calm seas greeted the Golden Shadow as she lay at anchor in Man of War Bay on the west side of Great Inagua. After a quick breakfast, the first researchers set off to start the day’s survey work.
At last we have reached the Inaguas! After a few days underway, the Golden Shadow is laying at anchor off the western shore of Great Inagua. Great Inagua is located between 20.9° to 21.4° North latitude and 73° to 73.9°
Each phase of the Global Reef Expedition is a serious undertaking, involving hundreds of logistical details and many, many hours of work, not to mention communications with scientists, educators and governments spread out around the globe. However, one of the
