The Near Shore Snorkel

Day 6: February 28^th

Post by: Louis Caiola

This afternoon, we spent three hours on the boat. It was a beautiful day, although cool, with light blue water. I was on Joe’s boat, and we were determined to go snorkeling. The water was turbid (from the recent wind), so we decided to stop at a near shore snorkel site that was only 3-4 feet in depth. Our goal was to find specimens to bring back to the boat for closer inspection. Only three people decided to snorkel, myself being among them, as the water was cold. Nonetheless, we still managed to find many organisms. I was first to jump into the water and view the submerged marine life. I retrieved a net from the boat and began patrolling the water for organisms. Many interesting corals (small pieces that are colonizing) were visible in the hazy water. I saw many fan corals, which undulated in the water as the current flowed into their leafy-like structures. I also viewed other plants that had tree-like structures – mermaid’s shaving brushes. As I moved over this underwater world, I came across a dead juvenile urchin (identified by the black and white tipped spines) and an empty conch shell. I was extremely excited to share what I found with everyone else. Andrew also found an old net that he recovered from the marine floor.

Once the snorkel was over, the two boats tied together to explore our “treasures.” I was happy when we found multiple organisms in the conch shell, sponge and net. Some of the organisms discovered were: gastropods, decorator crab, channel crab, and two shrimp larvae. I feel that today, although not ideal for snorkeling due to the increased turbidity, was successful for the short period of time we spent in the water.