Conducting a research expedition in the Bahamas during hurricane season (June 1 – November 30) can be a risky venture. One never knows where or when a tropical storm (which is a low pressure system) will develop. Depending on the
Prior to beginning our research at Little Inagua, we knew there was some “weather” occurring in the eastern Caribbean that we had to keep our eyes on. At first, we thought we could leave one day early, transit back to
Throughout most of the Caribbean, there are species of coral that are common and easily spotted on a dive, and those that are rare corals and difficult to locate. Experienced divers can usually characterize a reef fairly quickly based on
Have you ever wondered if reef fish communicate, sleep or defend a territory? Scientific divers, Ken Marks and Dave Grenda, are on our team to survey and observe Caribbean reef fish in a quest to better understand how they contribute
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
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°
Science Without Borders ® is a critical component of the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation’s Global Reef Expedition. The founder, His Royal Highness Prince Khaled bin Sultan of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, was inspired by the well-known organization,
Yesterday you were presented with a number of scenarios for the Golden Shadow to avoid Tropical Storm Emily. Hopefully you spent some time considering the ship’s options for dodging the storm and steering clear of its predicted path. Assuredly, the
Clear skies and sunshine greeted the Golden Shadow this morning as drowsy research team members congregated over breakfast. The conversation soon turned to the storm gathering and organizing in the southeastern Caribbean. Many onboard wondered if the approaching tropical storm
The screech of plane wheels, a jolt as the plane touches down, a muggy wait in line through Customs, a taxi ride to the cruise ship pier and a first glimpse of the Golden Shadow at the dock; in a
