LITTLE BAY – The team of 12 scientists working to collect data from more than 100 sites around the island are making fascinating discoveries as noted in the latest update and the images they are sharing via the Waitt Institute and Waitt Foundation pages.
The final week of research has begun and according to Waitt’s Science Manager, Andy Estep they have covered an “incredible amount of ground” and are “collecting a massive amount of data.”
“Much of the sites we have visited were sand and seagrass. We are also continuing to encounter an amazing level of sponge diversity, the likes of which none of us have ever seen.
“The team visited a very exceptional site (last Wednesday) off of the northeast coast. It was full of large barracuda, sharks, jacks, groupers, snappers, coral, and an amazing diversity of sponges (more so than anywhere else). This site seems well known by fishermen as there were numerous fish pots on it as well.
“Of all of the sites we have observed, this one is very special and important. We look forward to sharing the photos and data gathered there!” Estep noted.
The scientists are diving each day from about 7:30 each morning until 4:00 in the afternoon.
The Waitt Institute is funding the project which will provide data about the ocean resources around the island. The data will be used to develop policies and laws which identifies key actions and zoning restrictions for fishing and recreational activity to maintain a healthy ecosystem.
View more incredible images from below the sea on their Instagram account by clicking here http://bit.ly/1NpCWSU
