As I write this, our first week is sadly coming to an end. I am amazed at how much I have learned in such a small period of time, although it was a very overwhelming amount of information. Over the past three days we have spent most of our waking moments snorkeling to collect different organisms for our wet lab collections and have attempted to identify over eighty different species present in the Discovery Bay coral reef. Identifying an organism takes some patience and a good eye! It is so interesting to see how one detail or description can separate two species from one another. It has been a fascinating learning experience to see and touch a variety of species that can be found in just a few feet underwater and even just a few inches from the dock. To be able to swim with this fish is such an exhilarating experience. I have seen a Blue Tang (Dory), but I won’t be able to find Nemo, as clownfish are not found here (sad face). But seeing a sea turtle will hopefully make up for that!

I can’t believe it has almost been a week since we arrived at Discovery Bay Marine Lab. Oh how the time flies. The fun continues as we are beginning our research projects, which I am super excited about. I can’t give too much away at this very moment, but stay tuned! Until next time….

A Blue Tang (Acanthurus coeruleus)

Me attempting to catch a fish!

Waving Hello on our collection snorkel.  

-Abby