Marine Expedition Base Camp Week 5 – final week

Week five on the Marine Conservation Project was all about practicing the monitoring procedure to start collecting data. It was at this point that many of us that signed on for the five week project, came to realize that it was unlikely that our efforts would achieve data collection that would be sent on to the Amigos de Sian Ka’an, A.C. (ASK) and the University of Quintana Roo. This was due to the strict guidelines in order to ensure the collation of data was accurate. Knowing this was a little disappointing, however after discussions with staff and a conclusion lecture about what our 5 weeks meant assured us that we didn’t waste our time. Incidental sightings of mega fauna, like turtles, sharks and rays that we collected that would be sent on. Also we recorded any sighting of lionfish, as their numbers have become a big problem in the Caribbean. It was explained that our project is the only group that participates in bird monitoring in the whole of Mexico’s state Quintana Roo. We also did weekly beach cleans that we collected information on different types of rubbish and quantities. This information was all sent onto different relevant bodies.

I can safely say though, if nothing else, my diving has improved so much that I am now very confident at depths over 20 metres, am using less air while diving and almost perfect buoyancy which means that I am unlikely to damage any coral while diving due to touching or grazing the reef. Other skills of setting up our own gear daily, using compressors to fill the tanks, and being on the base radio were all great skills to have. Above everything else, it is absolutely wonderful to know now what kinds of fish species I am looking at when I’m diving. It makes it so much more exciting when you know it’s something rare that you are seeing.

On the Wednesday of week 5, I had my 50th dive. A friend of mine, Charissa Scott from Wales, also had her 50th dive a week before but didn’t get the chance to celebrate it. So we took it upon ourselves to celebrate it by doing a naked dive! Now this in itself was also a chance to improve our skills underwater. We got into the water with a bikini and all of our SCUBA gear on, then descended to 12 metres where one at a time, disconnected our BC (Buoyancy Control) vests so we could remove our bikini. Then holding our purpose made signs strategically placed, we took photos. Stylin!

The remainder of the week was fun diving and I had some beautiful dives in which I saw a Scrawled Cow Fish and some African Pompano. Very cool to see!

The last day or two was bitter sweet, knowing that I would be now moving on to do some solitary traveling and starting my own adventures, but leaving behind a great group of people and some great friends I have made while on the project.

On the whole I thought the project was fantastic and all the staff were inspiring in different ways. I am very impressed with GVI as a well-run international company with a fantastic philosophy and amazing partnerships.

See more pictures at....
Bridgette’s Flickerstream of Punta Gruesa