Today was not a typical Saturday, however, it will become the norm for the next five weeks. We are starting to collect data for our research projects. My day started at 11:00am when I went on an hour dive with my research buddy to collect data for his project. We were surveying fish and looking for Diadema antillarum (long-spined sea urchin) along a 30 meter transect at a depth of 35 meters. We found a few urchins, which is the main focus of his study and he was really excited. The first day we collected data for his project, he didn't find any; hence, the excitement. We were able to completed one and half transects today.
We had an hour and a half surface interval to relax, rehydrate, and eat lunch before we went under again. At 1:15pm, we geared back up to be in the water again at 1:30pm. On this dive, we were collecting data for my project, which consists of rugosity (surface roughness) measurements, fish/invertebrate surveys, and photo points to estimate cover. We were able to get two groups of 3 blocks done today in an hour and twenty minutes. Collecting all this data made the time go by fast because it did not feel like we were in the water for as long as we were. However, my hands would tell a different story because they looked like prunes when I got out of the water.
Even though we did a lot of work today, it was still a very enjoyable day. It didn't even feel like work. How can it when I get to SCUBA dive? The recreational aspect of diving covers up the working aspect. All I know is that where ever I end up in the future I want to be doing something that doesn't feel like I am working.
That's the true key, work at a job where you'd be recreating off work anyway!
ReplyDeleteI agree! So glad you're having such a great time, Nakayla! I really enjoy reading your blog. :)
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoy it! It's an easy way to share my experience with others.
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