Chagos 2016 - Day 4

Scientists from TRCC and GTOPP are at sea in the Indian Ocean with the Bertarelli Foundation's Chagos Archipelago Science Expedition 2016.  Dr Heather Koldewey, Chief Scientist of the Expedition, wrote:
 

Day 4 highlights – 8th April 2, Peros Banhos Turtle Team

• Today saw one turtle track on Vache Marine

• Aerial surveys completed in southwest of Peros Banhos atoll

• Signs (bottom) that the donkey is alive and well!

• Thanks Benoit and Lukas for continuing the turtle (and donkey!) research!

Coral Reef Team

• A busy day of surveys inside the lagoon (Bernards Knoll) and on the seaward side of Ile Poule.
• Ile Poule site had abundant reef fish populations.

Coral Health - Peros Banhos Reflection
• Past 3 days surveyed north, west & south
– Reef seems healthier in southern Peros Banhos
• But here at critical time
– Southern Peros Banhos sites showing early signs of bleaching

• –  Very worrying as large amount of damage to coral likely
  
• –  However, large numbers of juvenile corals on reef that appear less affected – so potential good recovery
  
• 
  
• 
  
  
  
  
  
• 
  

Lagoonal twilight zone reefs

• Continued twilight reef exploration (deeper than 30m) with the ROV in Peros Banhos lagoon:

• –  Interesting mix of corals and large fleshy algae not seen on shallow reefs
  
• –  3 grey & 1 black-tip reef sharks hanging out under VAVA II
  
• –  ‘Flattened’ corals adapted to deep reefs
  

Tagging and Array team

All hydrophones (except one which will be done early tomorrow) in Peros Banhos serviced

Great achievement by the Array Team and a huge amount of work!

Tagging team
• An exciting and very busy day for the tagging team:

• –  13 sharks tagged (grey reef sharks and silvertips)
  
• –  First camera tag deployed on grey reef shark
  
• –  First new generation tag deployed on grey reef shark
  

New Generation Pop Up Satellite Tag on Grey Reef Shark

A stunning end to another busy and productive day. Thanks everyone!