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Bug Count Begins
Saba’s insects to be inventoried

 
©Photo & story courtesy Suzanne Nielsen, St.Maarten Daily Herald

SABA—Three inspect specialists – entomologists – are spending the week on Saba looking for ants, spiders, and beetles.

This latest study to be sponsored by Conservation International (CI) will be the first comprehensive listing of these insect species on Saba. The work is being conducted by Derek Sikes, Curator of the University of Alaska Museum, Gary D. Alpert from the Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoology, and Joey Slowik, research associate from the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. 

CI has recognized the Caribbean as a “hot spot” because of its tremendous biodiversity, which is under documented and at risk. Nearly three-quarters of the world’s most threatened birds, amphibians, and mammals and over half of all the world’s plants live in just a tiny fraction of the Earth's surface – the biodiversity hotspots. CI previously sponsored a biodiversity study of the Saba Bank, an inventory of Saba’s flora, and now the current insect study.

 With the support of the Saba Conservation Foundation, the three scientists are collecting their specimens from various spots on the island. During the day, Sikes and Slowik collect species by holding a “beating sheet” under a tree and then beat the branches to dislodge insects into the sheet. The sheet is a piece of white cloth stretched on a square frame. After discarding the larger pieces of debris, they can separate out the sometimes minuscule insects, which are put into a small glass vial with alcohol. Alpert pointed to a tiny ant small enough to go through the eye of a sewing needle. They will also be collecting at night.

Beetle expert Sikes said that beetles are actually the biggest family of life on earth, with 60,000 species making one out of every four animals is a beetle. Over 2,000 new species are found every year and there are over two million beetles yet to be described yet. Sikes is anxious to see whether he will discover a new beetle species during the Saba expedition.


Anchors Away!
Is One Goal of the
Saba Bank Project


©Photo & story courtesy Suzanne Nielsen, St. Maarten Daily Herald

SABA—An impressive video of anchor damage to the delicate underwater seabed of the Saba Bank provoked animated discussion at Wednesday evening’s 2007 Sea and Learn lecture.

check out the video on U-Tube!

The situation of the huge underwater atoll, which is considered a biodiversity hotspot, concerned attendees who made suggestions about what could be done to prohibit tankers from anchoring on the Bank. Tanker anchors and anchor chains cause extensive damage to coral reefs that can take from decades to hundreds of years to recover.  

Saba Bank study scientists Wes Toller and Shelley Lundvall described the ongoing Saba Bank Study to a packed house at the Brigadoon Restaurant. They illustrated their presentation with still shots and video footage taken by a remote controlled vehicle, which can go to a depth of over 200 meters. 

Toller said that the study will be completed at the end of this year when funding by the government of the Netherlands Antilles and by USONA comes to an end. The study will have two major outputs. The first is a management plan that will address long-tem fisheries monitoring, the Red Hind spawning area, redfish management, enforcement of specific legislation, and the possibility of creating a Queen Conch reserve. The second output would use the information from the Management Plan to seek the creation of protected status for specific areas of the Bank or even the entire Bank. 

The Saba Bank study focuses on learning more about the actual habitats on the Bank to create base line information that will allow scientists to begin to monitor changes in the various underwater environments and gain information about their health. The researchers are also conducting port surveys to determine the heath and amount of fish and lobster that local fishermen bring in. The Saba Bank is a major contributor to the Saba economy and is considered of extreme value as a nursery for fish which are carried on currents to populate the entire Caribbean.


New trash bins for Saba’s trails

 
©Photo & story courtesy Suzanne Nielsen, St. Maarten Daily Herald

SABA—Six new trash bins purchased by the Saba Conservation Foundation (SCF) were put into position Monday, announced SCF Manager Jan den Dulk. The trash bins were paid for from community business donations collected during International “Earth Day” earlier this year. 

SCF Trail Manager James Johnson and new employee Junior Ranger Ray Simmons spent the morning traveling between six trailheads to put the new bins in place. Gloria Johnson put the SCF logo on each bin, and Head of Sanitation Reid Barnes is cooperating in getting the sanitation truck to where the new bins have been placed. The six bins are located at the trailheads at either end of Sandy Cruz, the Sulphur Mine trailhead, Mt. Scenery at Rendez-Vous, Crispeen Track, and the Trail Shop in Windwardside. 

Den Dulk said that the bins should encourage hikers to keep Saba’s popular trails free of litter. He said, “We encourage hikers to bring out even more than they pack in.” He proposed that everyone pick up trash wherever they see it so that Saba lives up to its name, “The unspoiled queen.” 

The money for the six trash bins was donated from the proceeds from seven participating island restaurants on Sunday April 22, which had been declared Earth Day by the United Nations. Tourists and Sabans dining out that day were made aware of their contribution to keeping Saba’s environment clean. The donor restaurants volunteered what they could towards the specific project of supplying the trash bins. Den Dulk said that SCF would undoubtedly celebrate Earth Day next year in a similar fashion, which money being collected for a specific need.


August 2007
Hurricane Dean Misses Saba

"Dean", the 4th named Atlantic storm of the 2007 season, gave Saba a miss.  At its closest point, Dean, then a Category 1 Hurricane, was more than 400 miles south of Saba.  However, with the uncertainty of a forecast when it's 3-4 days out, Saban boat owners took precautions with all boats either taken out of the water either on Saba or in St. Maarten, or taken to a safe harbor on St. Maarten.  As Saba has no safe anchorage, depending on the size of a vessel, it either comes out of the water on Saba with a trailer and pick up truck or must head to St. Maarten for safety. 

As Sea Saba's comfortable boats are too large to come out of the water on Saba or travel underneath the St. Maarten drawbridge, we were forced to depart Saba at day break Thursday for a storm forecasted to be at its worst late Friday or early Saturday.  Our divers missed one day of diving due to our boat departure, two days due to poor sea conditions.  The weather for the next 2 weeks was unbelievably calm and clear.


Prins Bernhard Cultuurfonds supports Sea and Learn


©Photo & story courtesy Suzanne Nielsen, St. Maarten Daily Herald

SABA—Lt. Governor Syndey Sorton presented a check for over NAf. 12,000 from the Prins Bernhard Cultuurfonds Netherland Antilles and Aruba (PBCNAA) to Lynn Costenaro, President of the Sea and Learn Foundation. 

Sorton, who represents the PBCNAA on Saba,  said that he had had the privilege to visit the Prins Bernhard Cultuurfonds in the Netherlands when her majesty Queen Beatrix was giving out awards to individuals. He said the Fonds’ objective is to promote culture, art, literature, history, nature, music, and science.  

Sea and Learn invites international natural scientists to Saba during the month of October to participate in public lectures and work with island school children in the classroom and on field trips. Many of these scientists are from internationally renowned museums, zoos, and scientific institutions and use their time on Saba to conduct research projects, which are then published. Sea and Learn has been sponsored by PBCNAA and other organizations since its beginning as a Foundation. 

Sorton asked that the Foundation do its utmost to inform the public of the various activities so that the community at large can take advantage of the opportunity to participate in the events.


Sea & Learn More
Bug Research Wins School Contests and National Award


©Photo courtesy Dr. David Bass

In October of 2006, Dr. David Bass of the University of Oklahoma returned to Saba as a Sea & Learn guest lecturer.  For this special trip, his wife Donna and his 16-year old daughter, Courtney, accompanied him. 

Courntey has exhibited a keen sense for science and nature since her early years when The Bass family lived on the island of Barbados where David finished his fellowship on fresh water invertebrates.   Courtney took advantage of the time on Saba to put together a research project of her own to augment a high school biology project. 

While hiking Saba's trails, Courtney collected samples from a total of 52 different Heliconia inflorescences from various areas of Saba.  Each sample requires about 20 hours to process so the work is still ongoing.  In the winter months, she completed 15 samples collected along the Mount Scenery Trail.  Her preliminary findings indicate an average of almost 450 individuals and as many as nine species may occur in a single Heliconia inflorescence.  Altogether, she has found 14 species in the Heliconia samples.

Courtney reported these results at the Oklahoma Junior Academy of Science Meeting. She gave an excellet presentation and received several awards for her work including:  Best Natural History Paper, Best Field Study and Second Place in the Zoology Division.  Her paper was also selected to be published on the Academy's web site later this year.  She has also been selected to present her research at the Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science next year in Boston, the largest scientific meeting in the world. 

Her research was directly lined with her participation in the Sea & Learn program in 2006.  Join the fun and Sea & Learn what this program is doing for Saba's youth and the environmental awareness of many.


Saba Herbarium Now On Line

 

After months of hiking, cataloguing and documenting, the Virtual Saba Herbarium is launched.  Link here to read the full story on the Latest News page of this site. 

 


Spider Detective investigates
Windward Islands
 Special spider to be catalogued for the Caribbean


 

©Photos & story courtesy Suzanne Nielsen, 
St. Maarten Daily Herald

SABA—No stone was left unturned as American scientist Sarah Crews searched Saba for the illusive Selenops spider. In the great expanse of the Spring Bay Trail, it looked like searching for a needle in a haystack, but Crews knows exactly what she is looking for, but – in the end – didn’t find it.

Crews is on an extensive research trip of the Caribbean as a spider detective. Crew is a doctorate candidate from the University of California, Berkeley, trying to locate Selenops -- the subject of her dissertation entitled “Biogeography of the spider genus Selenops (Araneae; Selenopidae) in the Caribbean.” She will graduate next year with a PhD in Biology.

 

Crews is technically an arachnologist, but quickly became known as the “spider lady” on Saba, where folks love to give nicknames. She had contacted Saba Conservation Foundation Manager Jan den Dulk well in advance for the appropriate permissions and permits. She also sought advice on where to find the environment most expected to yield her subject since it was her first time to the island.

She spent Saturday with den Dulk and his wife Shelley searching the nooks and crannies on Sandy Cruz, All Too Far, and Sulfur Mine trails. On Sunday, Stewart Chipka of the Saba Orchid Research Center took Crews part way down the Spring Bay Trail, where she was especially interested in the dry woodland area. She turned over rocks, looked under piles of dead leaves, and pulled back dead tree bark. Selenops did not come to the party, although the spider would be easy to spot if present—it is about the size of a 25-cent American coin. The spider is active at night, and unusual in that it is as fast as a cockroach. The spider eats termites and ants and in turn is the prey for lizards and frogs. 

Scientists once thought that the spider genus Selenops in the Caribbean occurred on all islands in the Greater Antilles, but only in Dominica in the Lesser Antilles. Crews is disproving this theory, since she found Selenops on St. Maarten and south down the Lesser Antilles on Guadeloupe and other islands. Although not yet found on Saba and St. Eustatius, her quick survey does not mean Selenops is not elsewhere in the Windwards or present at other times of year.  

Crews always uses her time to see what else might be there. Other specimens were gathered and gently put into small vials for later identification back at the Berkeley laboratory. When Crews located one such sample, she could identify the species – on the trail without a microscope – and see it was a “penultimate male.” Crews could tell by the sex organs that the specimen was not a fully developed male and had one more growth phase before it was mature. 

Crews has already collected more than a dozen undocumented spiders on her various trips to the region. Not much is known about spiders in the Caribbean, and Crews will add to the literature by publishing monographs on her findings with biological drawings. She said that about 40,000 Arachnid species have been identified in the world, but scientists believe there could actually be 100,000-400,000. 

Crews came about her own interest in spiders in an interesting way. “I always hated bugs and spiders,” she admitted. She took a spider course at her local community college and was “bitten” so to speak. She said that when she saw others handle the creatures, she said, “why not me” and her academic career was launched. She received a Master’s Degree in Evolutionary Biology from San Diego State and then continued on to work on her doctorate. An interesting hobby is teaching scientific topics at the college program at San Quentin State Prison. 

Crews may be returning later this year--she was directed to speak to Lynn Costenaro of the Sea and Learn Foundation, which brings natural scientists to Saba in the month of October to give community lectures and conduct research in their specialty. Crews is very interested in returning and working with the youth of Saba. She has already proposed the idea of putting together a public exhibition case of the Spiders of Saba. She could also continue her search with a longer stay and camping out on Mount Scenery.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Turtles Nesting on Saba


Karen Eckert is the Director of WIDECAST, the known successful turtle monitoring program in the Caribbean.  She's just one of the interesting guest speakers at this years Sea & Learn on Saba 2006

SABA—Volunteers from the Saba Conservations Foundation (SCF) have posted a sign near a new turtle nesting area discovered recently on the Cove Bay Beach.   


Photo & story courtesy Suzanne Nielsen, 
St. Maarten Daily Herald
 

SCF staff member Sue Hurrell said that the rocky Cove Bay shore, which is a popular recreation area for Sabans, has long been known as a favorite spot for the returning Hawksbill turtle, which is one of the four sea-going turtles found in the Caribbean. All four species are on the endangered list. The mature Hawksbill female always returns to the same nesting area where she was born to lay her own eggs.

Hurrell said that the drag marks showing where the turtle coming ashore where less than a meter wide, which pointed to a Hawksbill. Last year the turtles appeared later in the year, in the month of October. If any of the turtles were unsuccessful, they should return in 9-11 days for another attempt.

Hurrell noted that it is important that the turtle be able to find its beach readily. Pollution, coastal development, and bright lights can make this difficult. The SCF normally places a warning sign and continues to monitor the area so that the animals can nest quietly.


John Couldn't Believe His Eyes!
Cuba Tree Frog Found on Saba


©photo courtesy John Magor; story courtesy Suzanne Nielsen & St. Maarten Daily Herald

SABA-An unusual frog not known on Saba was found by Saba business owner John Magor in the courtyard of his Windwardside business.  Magor, an amateur naturalist and photographer, identified the critter as a Cuban tree frog (Osteopilus septentrionalis).  The frog is not native and presumably "hitch hiked" somehow to the island.

Magor immediately contacted amphibian expert Robert Powell.  The frog is found on St. Maarten and Powell wrote about it in The Reptiles and Amphibians of the Dutch Caribbean, Ste. Eustatius, Saba and St. Maarten.  Sightings of the frog are reported to the U.S. Geological Survey, which is mapping the distribution of this species to determine its expanding range.

The Cuban tree frog has a warty skin, and varies its colour to match its environment.  It has characteristic sticky pads on the bottom of its large toes.  It is often used as a household pet at a terrarium, although owners are cutioned not to rub their eyes after handling the animal as they might react to the frog's skin secretions.  The skin on its head is fused to the top of the skull and won't move, a characteristic that helps to identify it.  The frog is a voracious cannibal and eats other frogs, toads, and lizards, insects, spiders, even mice and hatchling birds.

Cuban tree frogs invaded Florida eighty years ago and have been so successful at taking over the habitat that they are considered an invasive exotic (non-native) species and a threat to the biodiversity of native ecosystems.

The presence of the frog on Saba needs to be monitored to determine whether it is an isolated "stray" or perhaps an invasion of a potentially dangerous predatory species that would upset the island's natural balance.

Some biologists recommend destroying the frog because of its destructive nature.  Magor has decided to contain the animal in a makeshift terrarium as it can be used as an example during the 2006 October Sea & Learn nature studies activities.  He has put out water, a few moths and bits of mango to tempt the appetite of the frog.  He reports that it is doing well.  


Saba Images & Beyond
Why Saba's Cloud Forest 
is Worth the Hike

Something we haven't addressed in a while on this website is not only Saba's wonderful variety of hiking trails, but specifically Mount Scenery and why it is so special.  The new area of our website, Saba Images & Beyond, takes a new focus looking at Saba's nature from a photographic standpoint, mixed with a bit of science and some fun anecdotes from John and Lynn of Sea Saba.  So have a look at the latest addition to this area of the website, Saba's Cloud Forest and don't forget to pack your hiking shoes!


Martinique Conference
Scientists verify traditional medicines

 Story by Suzanne Nielsen who attended the conference and has also, co-authored w/Dr. Peter Schnabel a soon-to-be-published book on Saba's  plants and their traditional medicinal uses.

SABA—Two dozen scientists representing 17 Caribbean countries came together at St. Anne, Martinique, for four days to verify the scientific validity of more than a dozen plants that are actively used through the region in families practicing traditional medicine. The Saba Association of Caribbean States (SACS) represented Saba at the workshop

The umbrella organization for the work is TRAMIL, a pan-Caribbean network of pharmacists, chemists, medical doctors, pathologists, botanists, and laboratory workers, formed in the early 1980s. Its task is to document by survey the natural remedies used by housewives, determine by laboratory work the active components and possible toxicity, and to return this information back to the general public by way of its published works and community workshops. 

TRAMIL coordinator Lionel Germosén-Robineau led the scientists through all the observations made during the initial investigations and subsequent scientific investigation. Since participants were Spanish, English, and French-speaking, simultaneous translators were on hand to facilitate the deliberations. When all the information had been scrutinized, the group decided whether to approve the documentation about the plant, or conduct additional research. If approved, information about the plant and its usages is published in a monograph and made available to the general public.

All TRAMIL workers are volunteers and believe in the social and cultural value of promoting the use of herbal plants to sustain good health. These scientists are not looking for a cure for cancer or HIV/AIDS, but want to make sure that nature’s potency is properly harvested and no harm in done by inappropriate use of traditional medicines. TRAMIL does the scientific work only and is not involved in setting up cottage industries of herbal products, although they are happy to see this spin off.

As part of its public outreach, the scientists toured an exposition of Martinique-produced natural plant products in the St. Ann town hall. They then held a public meeting to explain their work and answer questions from the public. About 30 from the community of St. Anne, including the Mayor, participated in the lively discussion about the future of traditional Caribbean medicine. 


Saba Conservation Foundation Takes New Step:
Special Police Agents Sworn In


©photo & story courtesy Suzanne Nielsen 
and The St. Maarten Daily Herald

SABA—Lt. Governor Antoine Solagnier sworn in two special police agents working with the Saba Conservation Foundation earlier this week. 

Saba Trail Manager James Johnson and Saba National Marine Park Ranger Stan Peterson took the oath of office read by Personnel Office Head Marva Donker. The oath contained the normal three elements of a civil servant oath 1) the office was not gained by favors, 2) nor will be maintained by favors, and, 3) loyalty will be observed. A forth element, which Solagnier noted should be added to the standard oath, is that the new officers pledge to observe all confidentially when working with their cases. 

The new agents are now able to stop people in the act of contravening laws or ordinances. Examples of such infractions would be the removal of endangered species, such as turtles, from the Marine Park or orchids taken from the trail system. 

The agent will take down information on the individual or individuals caught in violation, cite the relevant ordinances that were flouted, and go directly to the prosecutor with the information for his assessment of warning, fine or possible detention.

Saba Conservation Foundation (SCF) Director Janine LeSueur said that the new approach had been sought after for a long time, and she was delighted that the two employees were now able to enforce behaviors to preserve Saba’s fragile ecology.

LeSueur said that both men had performed exceptionally well during the four-week prepatory course that they attended on St. Eustatius, which was financed by the SCF. The course was approved by Minister of Justice David Dick and was attended by the two from Saba and as well as members of Stenapa and the Voluntary Corps of St. Eustatius. 

Johnson and Peterson said that were glad they were now empowered to be in a more authoritative position to protect Saba’s environment.


What is Muck Diving?

Diving in the "muck" may not sound like your cup of tea, but the different critters to spot sure are interesting.  John of Sea Saba has always been fascinated with the more unusual critters found underwater.  His photographic presentation of Saba and other muck diving areas in the world  will be just one of many interesting evenings offered throughout the month of October during what we hope to be the first annual Sea & Learn on Saba.  

Sea & Learn On Saba
Enhance Your Environmental Awareness

 



Sea & Learn About Saba's Octopus
Dr. Roger Hanlon Reports 5 Species of Octopus


©photo & story courtesy of Suzanne Nielsen & St. Maarten Daily Herald

SABA —Marine biologist and octopus expert Dr. Roger Hanlon used local and visiting divers for his octopus research on Saba ’s reefs last week.  

Hanlon, who is senior scientist at the Woods Hole Marine Biological Laboratory, gave two public lectures during his week on Saba , his first time to the island. His research is sponsored by the Sea and Learn Foundation through an AMFO grant.

The purpose of the research was to document camouflage behaviors of octopus and flounders in shallow water. Hanlon made over a dozen dives, with each dive lasting almost two hours in the shallow environment of Tent Reef to the west of Fort Bay and harbor mooring sites to the east.

He showed guests Saturday night at the Swinging Doors sensational footage of a small defilippi octopus quickly burying itself completely in the sand in the mooring area. He said the segment was good enough to be shown on television nature show.

Hanlon found four species of diurnal octopuses. One sighting caused special excitement. The octopus showed “mimic” behavior, as it tried to get away with flounder-like movements. Hanlon said that more documentation would be necessary, such as a video. If it were true mimic behavior, it would be the first observation of this outside Pacific diving sites.

Hanlon has asked local dive masters to keep track of octopus sightings, observe and document behaviors, and to take videos whenever possible. He plans to return to Saba next near to follow up on the study.

More of the Sea Saba Difference:
Creature Features
.....................

May 2008
NEWSLINE

the last few months...

Apr '08

Herbarium Improved;
Insect Inventory Continues

Mar '08

The Bug Count Begins

Feb '08

Nature Alliance Plan for Parks;
Bleaching Report Presented

Jan '08

More Moorings

 
From 2007
Dec '07

More about Coral IDs

Nov '07

Official Press Release on New Saba Gorgonian Species

Oct '07

Anchors Away! @ The Bank

Sep '07

SCF Trail Additions

Aug '07

Didn't Make the Dean's List

Jul '07

Sea & Learn has a Prince as a Pal

Jun '07

Saba Bank Project Begins

Apr '07

Saba Fresh Water Bug Research Wins

Mar '07

Saba Herbarium is News

Feb '07

Spider Lady On Saba

Jan '07

Iguana sightings easily arranged

From 2006
Dec '06

Not to be taken for granted:  arrow crabs

Nov '06

Flying Gurnards--
did you know??

Oct '06

Shark Guy and More @ 4th Annual Sea & Learn on Saba

Sep '06

Turtle Nest Found & Coastal Cleanup

Aug '06

Cuban frog on Saba?

Jul '06

New Cloudforest Page

Jun '06

The count is up to 7!

May '06

A Seahorse Spa??

Apr '06

Humpback sightings!

Mar '06

Traditional Meds Conference
attended by Suzanne

Feb '06

Nature Police Appointed;
World Coverage of New Species @ Saba Banks

Jan '06

Conservation International 
Studies Saba Bank

Dec '05

Red Hind Study a win/win/win

And for the best of 2002-2005

Saba insect inventory continues

 

SABA—The Saba Conservation Foundation (SCF) cleaned out five insect traps on April 1 left by entomologists of Conservation International (CI).

SCF Manager Jan den Dulk said that five traps were sequestered on Saba at different elevations and in different types of habitat. CI requested that the trapped specimens be collected on April 1 and again on May 1. The CI insect team is expected to return to Saba for a second expedition in the month of May. SCF ranger James Johnson collected from three traps and Tom van’t Hof from the Ecolodge was responsible for the fifth trap. 

The very effective trap is constructed of simple materials. A shallow trough is hollowed out on the ground and covered with a sturdy clear plastic sheet. A gallon of special antifreeze is poured into the trench to catch and preserve the insects that fall down after being caught in sheet of netting suspended vertically above the trench. A clear plastic sheet is spread tent-like over the netting like a “roof” to prevent rainwater from diluting the antifreeze. Den Dulk said that the special green antifreeze, which the scientists brought with them from the United States, was not toxic to animals, such as any Saba goats that might be foraging in the area. The antifreeze contains propylene glycol rather than the normal ethylene glycol. At all locations the empty gallon bottle has been left behind so that animal owners can assure themselves that it is a safe product from the packaging label. 

Den Dulk used two recycled plastic yogurt containers to collect. One served as a scoop to collect the antifreeze and pour it through the second container, which had been fitted with a screen. The antifreeze dripped through, back into the trough, but the insects were captured against the container screen. Den Dulk also picked up any leaves, which had blown into the trough since insects might also have adhered to them. The netting was removed from the mouth of the container, folded over all the insects, and put into a plastic specimen bag along with the leaves. The specimen bag – called a “whirl-pak sample bag” will join other Paks in den Dulk’s freezer until the CI team returns to collect all of them.


Saba Virtual Herbarium undergoes major improvements


©Photo & story courtesy Suzanne Nielsen, St.Maarten Daily Herald

 SABA—The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) website containing the Saba Virtual Herbarium (http://sweetgum.nybg.org/saba/links.html) has been significantly updated to be more user friendly.

The major revisions make the site more accessible to non-scientific users. It now provides tutorials for amateur botanists to have a better understanding of the plant world. These are: “Getting to know the flowers of Saba,” “Features of leaves used in plant classification,” and ”Features of flowers used in plant classification.”

“Getting to know the flowers of Saba” gives a short tutorial on how to navigate the site and even includes an example of how a flower was misidentified and corrected by an outside scientist who reviewed the site and posted the possible correction back to the NYBG. Visitors are encouraged to participate and can learn how to do this on “Guidelines for contributors.” A helpful glossary of botanical terms has also been added.

Dr. Scott Mori, who collected flowering plants on Saba during three visits to the island, said that the intention was to make the site more accessible to non-scientists who are interested in identifying plants and increasing their understanding of botany. Particularly useful in this type of search is the new possibility to search on the colour of the Saba flower: red, pink, orange, blue-purple, yellow, green, brown, and white. Advanced options, such as searching for common name or even specific locality, for example, allow browsers to pinpoint what yellow flowers species were found on Mountain Road.

The ”Common Name” search is a dynamic work on progress. There is only one scientific binomial name for a species, but common names present a certain difficulty since there can be a variety of common names for the same flower, such as Anotto, Annotto, or Achiote—all which are Bixa orellana. In some cases, the same name can apply to different flowers. Mori said that the section would gradually include more local Saba plant names.

These enhancements will be particularly valuable to school children and their teachers, since they are available as PowerPoint Presentations and can be down loaded and used in the classroom. Some students may be intrigued to know how Mori became interested in becoming a botanist and his inspiring biography is also just a click away.


Caribbean Coral Reef Status report
given to STENAPA


STENAPA’s Jessica Berkel interviews Paul Hoetjes, Netherlands Antilles environmental specialist, for STENAPA’s radio programme
©Photo & story courtesy Suzanne Nielsen, St. Maarten Daily Herald

ORANJESTAD—“Even replacing a light bulb will conserve energy and effect our climate,” advised Paul Hoetjes, Senior Policy Advisor to the Netherlands Antilles Department of the Environment, during an environmental programme sponsored by the St. Eustatius National Parks (STENAPA).

Last week, Hoetjes attended in Washington, D.C. a meeting of Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network and the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) of which the Netherlands Antilles is a member. ICRI has just published “Status of Caribbean Coral Reefs after Bleaching and Hurricanes in 2005” and launched 2008 as the International Year of the Reef. Hoetjes brought the report personally to STENAPA. 

Hoetjes emphasized personal responsibility as a way of reversing global warming, which is held responsible for the Caribbean’s coral bleaching phenomenon of 2005. That year was the northern hemisphere’s warmest year on record and prolonged elevated sea temperatures caused corals to loose the algae that give them their colour and their life. The greatest damage occurred in the islands of the Lesser and Greater Antilles, with the US Virgin Islands, who were the hardest hit, suffering an average decline of over 50% due to bleaching and subsequent disease. In the Netherlands Antilles, the Windward Islands were effected more than Curaçao or Bonaire. St. Eustatius was documented with 18% mortality: no figures were available for Saba or St. Maarten. 

The report predicts that bleaching events will continue as more frequent and intense warming in the Caribbean is expected if the current rate of greenhouse emissions is not reversed. Since most Caribbean islands are highly dependent on coral reef resources for fishing and as a tourist attraction, bleaching will directly impact local economies. The report compiles data and observations from more than 70 coral reef workers and includes recommendations for solutions to arrest coral reef decline. 

The report notes that reef monitoring and surveillance in Netherlands Antilles Marine Parks has increased and in 2006 St. Maarten passed conservation legislation enabling legal designation of its Marine Park. In addition to responses at this level, Hoetjes pointed out that individuals can assist by contributing what they can to lower greenhouse emissions starting with equipping their surroundings with devises – such as light bulbs – that lessen rather than add to environmental stressors.


DCNA prepares management plan for Windward Islands terrestrial parks

©Photo & story courtesy Suzanne Nielsen, St. Maarten Daily Herald

SABA—Dutch environmental specialist Jan A. Blok, from the National Forest Service of the Netherlands, has spent the last week on Saba preparing part of a Management Plan for terrestrial parks of the three Windward Islands. The Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) is sponsoring the study. 

Blok said that his work on the three islands would form only a part of the plan that will be put together by consultant Duncan McRay and published in the second quarter of 2008. Blok was first on St. Eustatius and will continue on St. Maarten after he leaves Saba.  

Blok’s eight days on the island included checking all survey documentation and hiking three specific areas of “high natural value”: the Saba National Park, which extends from the Sulphur Mine to just below the Mount Scenery summit, the hiking trails, and the Elfin Forest on Mount Scenery. The Saba Conservation Foundation (SCF) owns the land of the National Park and wants to be involved in all aspects of further nature development plans on the island to lend its professional expertise to these issues. 

Blok said that the management plan has nothing to do with land ownership, but will help provide the vision so that development is possible while keeping the fragile balance between land use and sustainability. He also expressed concern about the growth of the nuisance weed Coralita on Saba. He said that there is no question that roaming goats are also a threat to nature, but is important to undertake a proper study to determine the severity of the problem. 

Blok was surprised to learn that Saba does not have a nature policy in place, especially since the island’s environment is the major draw to tourists and such a policy assures sustainability. Blok is a specialist in the recreational use of areas set aside as nature preserves.

Blok, accompanied by SCF Manager Jan den Dulk met with Commissioner Bruce Zagers to explain what the management plan was about and to stress the importance of the implementation of the nature policy for long range planning. Blok said that Zagers recognized the issue’s importance and would work to make it a reality.


Saba Marine Park adds 6 yacht moorings
 

©Photo & story courtesy Suzanne Nielsen, St. Maarten Daily Herald

Ready to install the last yacht buoy: (from left) Marine Park Assistant Ranger Greg van Laake, Marine Park Manager Jan den Dulk, and community volunteer Harry Eyre. 

SABA—The Saba Marine Park has added six new yacht moorings, bringing the total to 14, just in time for high season. 

Saba Conservation Foundation Manager Jan den Dulk said that there are now four mooring buoys east of Fort Bay and 10 moorings in Ladder Bay/Wells Bay. Public Works made the large concrete blockis, which rest on the sea bed to hold the buoys in place. The “Admiral II” dropped the eight blocks into approximate position last weekend. The drop position was noted by GPS so that the blocks could be relocated later for the final installation. 

On Friday, den Dulk, Assistant Ranger Greg van Laake, and community volunteer Harry Eyre used the GPS positions to locate the blocks and attach the buoys. First they descended on SCUBA to attach three lift bags per block. With the 6,000 pound block now raised to about 20 feet off the seabed, den Dulk pulled them by the boat to reposition the blocks at 45 feet in sandy areas with no coral or other obstruction.  

The 6x3x3-foot blocks are perforated with two 3-foot pieces of PVC pipe, through which a heavy chain is threaded, which then attaches via a shackle to the rope leading to the bright yellow surface buoy. Den Dulk said the moorings are rated for 50-ton yachts. 

Den Dulk said that Saba’s Fort Bay offers great facilities to visiting yachts, who can easily tender into the pier and get a taxi to Saba’s many fine restaurants and recreational hikes. He said the procedure is for the yacht to hail the Saba Harbour Master on VHS 16 for further instructions. The charge is USD $3 per person per week for the mooring. If visitors which to dive Saba’s pristine Marine Park, they must use one of the authorized dive operations. There is a USD $4 per dive Marine Park fee, with $1 of this going to hyperbaric chamber maintenance.


New Saba Bank corals now identified


©Photo & story courtesy Suzanne Nielsen, St. Maarten Daily Herald

Saba—Scientists on the October Saba Bank expedition have confirmed that two new species of soft corals were found during their 10-day investigation of the biodiversity of the largest underwater atoll in the Caribbean, the Saba Bank. 

The team gathered 40 species of soft corals (also known as gorgonians or sea fans) and 100 different species of crustaceans. Of the new soft coral species, one was found in deep water by the Remote Operated Vehicle and the other by the scientists on SCUBA gear in about 40 feet.  

Graduate Student Herman Wirshing from the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science’s Biology and Fisheries Division said, “We will have to do more work to carefully verify and describe all of the diagnostic characteristics of this new shallow water gorgonian, but we can already conclude that it belongs to the genus Pterogorgia, in which so far only three species are known.” 

The end-goal of the study that brought the international, multi-disciplinary team to Saba is to have a scientific basis to show that the Saba Bank is vulnerable enough that special maritime laws are needed to project it. The samples will provide scientists with valuable information about the health of the underwater biosystem and whether measures should be put in place to restrict traffic. The team’s research will also help scientists better understand the natural history and diversity of hard and soft coral ecosystems.

While some of the scientists were on the Saba Conservation Foundation Marine Park Boat and a leased fisherman’s boat, Wirshing was often in the temporary laboratory set up in the conference room of Juliana’s Hotel in Windwardside. With a microscope borrowed from the local Med School, he was able to prepare the sample that were taken back to Florida for further identification.

Project leader Paul Hoetjes from the Netherlands Antilles Department of the Environment has been on Saba many times this year, heading up this and other studies of the bank’s astounding biodiversity. The work is financed through USONA, Dutch development funding.


The Saba Bank Project Continues
New Species and More
 

New species of gorgonian coral are just the latest discoveries @ the Saba Bank
©photos used with permission of the Saba Bank Project

The grand finale evening of the 5th annual Sea & Learn on Saba program was highlighted with an update from the team of scientists working on the Saba Bank Project. As the project heads in to its final two months, what could be more invigorating than to find new species?  Read about this exciting discovery and what it means to the region on the News page of the Sea & Learn website.  Sea Saba is a founding sponsor of this award-winning program and is actively involved in the activities.  Mark your calendar to be part of next October's events.
 

Saba Bank Project Begins 

The “Saba Bank” is not a financial institution but actually the third largest atoll in the world.  The bank is located just 6 miles from the Caribbean island of Saba and covers an area of more than 850 square miles or 2,200 square kilometers. 

For centuries, islanders have depended on this prolific fishing area for its high production of regionally important commercial species such as snapper, lobster and conch.  Equally as important, The Saba Bank is a source of fish and coral larvae, supporting the coral reefs of islands in the region.  Conservation International (“CI”) recognizes the Saba Bank as an environmental hot spot.  Last year’s preliminary research found new species of seaweed and even a new species of goby. 

As the atoll is as shallow as 50’ (16 meters), it has unfortunately also served as an anchorage area for fuel tankers that offload on a nearby island.  From July-December of 2007, CI, in cooperation with the Saba Conservation Foundation, is back on Saba doing a full 6-month study.  One goal of CI’s work is to protect this delicate area under international maritime law.  The Saba Bank Project is just one of the topics that will be covered at the annual Sea & Learn on Saba program throughout the month of October.  Sea Saba Dive Center is a founding sponsor and supporter of conservation work on the island.  For more information, monitor the Nature News page of www.seasaba.com  and www.seaandlearn.org


Saba Cares
International Coastal Cleanup Day has Large Turnout


©Photo & story courtesy Suzanne Nielsen, St. Maarten Daily Herald

SABA—The local Leos club of Lions International and the Saba Conservation Foundation Sea Scouts organized a day of coastal clean up in celebration of International Coastal Cleanup Day.

On Saturday September 16, 2006, more than 20 teens under the supervision of The Leos Club (Lions Club)  cleaned the road from the Cable Office in The Bottom to Fort Bay.  Saba Sea Scouts group  with assistance from friends and divers in the community  cleaned up the area around the harbor from the crusher to Tent Point as well as underwater along the same area. 

Scout Master Sue Hurrell organized a bus to pick up participants from the Big Rock in Windwardside at 8am and by My Store in The Bottom at 8:15am. All volunteers were welcome. Local dive shops supplied tanks and weights for certified scuba divers wishing to participate. Both groups were served refreshments at the Fort Bay at the end of the task.

International Coastal Cleanup, scheduled around the world on September 16th, has taken place yearly since 1986. All debris that is collected will be inventoried and the information forwarded to the International organization. The statistics gathered from the almost 90 participating countries help the organization understand the impact of debris on coastal areas and track improvements. Last year, for example, enough cigarette filters were picked to reach the moon and back two times over if placed end to end.


Saba Bank study discovers new species,
 Declares Biodiversity Unrivaled


©Photo & story courtesy Suzanne Nielsen, 
St. Maarten Daily Herald

SABA—Conservation International has announced that two new species of fish and 12 species of seaweed were discovered during its recent Marine Rapid Assessment program on the Saba Bank. (See Daily Herald Weekender, February 11, 2006). Additional species may be identified during in-depth assessments of the specimens that have just arrived at the Smithsonian Institute.

“We discovered a new species literally every day we were there,” said Michael Smith, director of Conservation International’s Caribbean Biodiversity Initiative and one of the expedition leaders.  This points to the incredible diversity of the Bank and the need to preserve it. During the study, samples of fish, algae, corals, and sponges were collected and underwater photographs and video transects were realized.   

Smithsonian fish expert Dr. Jeff Williams immediately identified two Gobies as new to science--a seven-spined Goby and a Goby with unique red spots. In addition, a rare Roosevelt’s Goby, which has only been seen previously in three places, was found at four dive sites. 

Dr. Mark Littler, marine botanist at the Smithsonian Institution, said the Saba Bank is the richest area for seaweeds in the Caribbean basin, far outranking the previously known centers of richness in Martinique and Belize. A dozen new seaweeds were found. The expedition sponge expert was also amazed to see an unusual amount of sponges--over 50 species--during nine dives. 

Lt. Governor Antoine Solagnier, who attended the public presentation the group made to the Saba audience, said, “This study was at the highest level of scientific investigation and will provide a baseline that will serve us well to protect this invaluable resource called the Saba Bank. The island was honored to serve as a base camp for Conservation International. The government of Saba, the local fishing industry, and the general population are keenly interested that this resource be protected and sustained for future generations.”

Concern over damage caused by oil supertankers that anchor over the atoll, one of the Caribbean’s largest and least-studied seamounts, prompted the expedition of scientists from the Netherlands Antilles government, Conservation International (CI), Smithsonian Institution, and the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA).

Funding for the expedition came from the Netherlands Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management, Royal Caribbean's Ocean Fund, Conservation International and the department of Environment of the Netherlands Antilles. The Saba Island community including the Saba Conservation Foundation’s staff and a group of fishermen provided logistical support. 


Making the Most of Your Saba Experience
Monday Night Presentation Revamped

A few quieter months allow us to refocus and look at what has changed during the year and what we can do better for our clients.  For more than 4 years, Sea Saba has offered a weekly presentation to the public, specifically geared toward new arriving divers.  The 45-minute Powerpoint slide show provides information about Saba's history, how and why the marine park works and what you can expect to see and do on the island.  In line with Sea Saba's reestablishment as a dive center offering the best nature guides as well as our renowned service, the revamped version of this slide show includes more information about the community monitoring and research programs we take part in as well as more photos of Saba's underwater world.  Join us on Monday nights @ The Brigadoon resataurant at 5:30 p.m. in a happy hour setting followed by dinner specials.  


Paul Humann's Identification books are available for view or purchase on Sea Saba's boats and at our office.  We use these books as our source for identifications, descriptions and distribution ratings (rare, common, etc.) on this website. 


You've seen it all?

©John Magor, Sea Saba Dive Center

Wrong ocean?

After 14 years on Saba, we also did a double take.  The above three frogfish (4 photos, 3 different fish) were all found on the same 'dive site' on the same day.  Ok, that's cool but so unique?  Well, yes...as once again, it's Sea Saba's boat moorings, not a dive site in the Saba Marine Park where these illusive creatures were found.  Our concrete blocks and chain system seem to be an oasis for the frogfish. 

Although long-lured frogfish are hard to find, many have been seen in Saba's waters.  But the photos above represent two frogfish we have not seen before on Saba.  On the top row is two photos of the same oscillated frogfish, considered rare by Paul Humann.  We wanted you to see just how camouflaged this fish can be.  Bottom left is what we're calling a smooth frogfish as that is what a similar looking fish found in South Australia is labeled--but we see no frogfish resembling this one in Caribbean guide books.  The red frogfish (bottom right) is a long-lured, perhaps considered prettier by many...but muck geeks prize their finds on the harder to locate, the uglier and more disguised = the better!

 


Worried about what you'll do on Saba?   Expand your diving knowledge and enjoyment with a Nitrox or Underwater Naturalist specialty.  Email Lynn for add-on rates or book ahead with your travel agent.


Dr. Callum Roberts and Julie Hawkins 
What the Experts Say
about Saba's Marine Environment


Take a Hike!

 

Seneca now available for guiding...


Magical Mantas


courtesy Chef Micahel--"The Brigadoon"

No diver ever forgets his first manta encounter.  Imagine a gigantic, yet harmless animal that glides and somersaults through the water!  Mantas are oceanic creatures, so they're generally uncommon around dive sites.  But, over the past several years, they have become regular visitors in Saban waters.

Along with the more common southern stingray, giant mantas are part of the ray or rajiformes order.  They can reach up to 20 feet (6m) from wing tip to wing tip and can weight up to two tons.  The head is specially adapted to filter plankton.  They are at their most acrobatic when they are feeding. 

Interaction with these wonderful creatures is possible by respecting their presence.  Follow normal Saba Marine Park rules:  no harrassing or chasing of the animals.  Curious mantas will often inspect divers and invite them to play!


Frogfish Abound!


courtesy Chef Michael, The Brigadoon

Summer can mean many things in many parts of the world.  But on Saba, the change of season is just another reason to go diving.  The above frogfish has been spotted many times at Babylon.  The absolute Master of Disguise is known to change its color depending upon its environment.  For months we have delighted many of our divers with this rare find...but in early July, we witnessed something really special.    Mating frogfish!  Questions spring to mind:  which is the male and which is the female?  Is it an egg sack or a spawning method.  We hope our lucky diver with a camera has images to update you with soon...


Show You Care...
Show You've Been There

Pick up your tag from a Sea Saba crew member or at the office.  Where it on your BC and your gear is easily identified...on Saba and on your next dive trip.  A little boring looking?  Hey, this is the back side...see the front side of the tag on our Latest News page.

 

 


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Recent Underwater Sightings
by Sea Saba Crew

We finally tracked down the only diver on the boat the day of the whale shark! 

From Dec '07:Dean Ings came from St. Maarten for the day on The Edge.  After the 'dive of the year', we were running late for him to catch his ferry so we had only the promise that he would forward the photos...

Apr 26 '08--On break from the med school, the Whelan Family had a whale of a day...a humback spouted right near our boat while at Ladder Labyrinth.

Apr 22 '08--As the creative talent of our monthly newsletter to the Saba Med Students, Kat attempts to determine whether the seahorse @ Hot Springs is a pregnant male or a Heineken consumer.

Getting a bigger belly?  Photos of same seahorse 3 months apart...

          

Mar 28 '08--The keen eye of Kat notices the less common Yellow mouth grouper from the red mooring @ Tent Reef.

Mar 25 '08--New guy Troy shows our divers a male Jawfish doing his duty of carrying the eggs in his mouth at Big Rock Deep.

Mar 20 '08--We have only seas like this one other time in 20 years...a cold front clashing with a low pressure system...unfortunately the forecasters were spot on when predicting 16-20' seas for a few days. 

Mar 17 '08--Always a great dive, but Man O' War Shoals was so exceptional with the a fly-by of a Spotted eagle ray.  

Mar 11 '08--Harry Morris, an amateur marine biologist with a keen eye spots a rough file clam on Ladder Labyrinth.

Mar 7 '08--Preferring our shallower dives, John Bobel and friends were delighted to have 3 Spotted eagle rays join them at Lou's Ladder.

Mar 5 '08--Dick and Kelly show Kevin Sweeney's Scuba Adventures (Naples Florida) divers the less common Purplemouth moray @ Ladder Labyrinth.

Mar 2 '08:  Well, it's all down hill from here..Kat, Vivi and EJ were out for two easier dives with new students this afternoon when two Humpback whales spouted just off Tent Reef.  Precious.

Feb 27 '08--Macro enthusiasts were happy to find a female blue-throated pikeblenny @ Hot Springs--strange as Humann's i.d book states it's rare to find them deeper than 10' (3m) in sandt areas.  This one found at 40'.

Feb 20 '08--Paula and a lucky few witness a battle between an octopus and a large channel crab @ Babylon.

Feb 14 '08--4 Wahoo's and a reef shark were crusing with Tom at Shark Shoals.

Feb 8 '08--Unprecedented: Seeing one shark is an every day occurrence.  This photo was taken from a video clip made by Chizzilala Productions (see the actual video clip the day it was shot with our divers) while filming for the Saba Tourism promotional DVD.  Divers said 12 or 13 sharks were at Third Encounter dive site.  For more than 15 minutes, 8 divers and Sea Saba instructor Vivi Pimentel were mesmerized as the sharks banged in to the coral, obviously  attracted to some prey.  Of course, our divers did not get too close but the sharks were not bothered by the audience.

Feb 6 '08--Shark Shoals was the place for an 'all dive swim' with a manta ray--but no one had a camera!

Feb 1 '08--Ok, it's all about Shark Shoals again...this time, 5 black tip sharks with Fred & Kelly in the water.

Jan 31 '08--Everyone was happy today as both boats saw Eagle rays at Big Rock Deep and Hole in the Corner.

Jan 28 '08--Throughout the world, grouper are threatened due to overfishing.  On Saba. seeing groupers is still common but Kat saw a rarer sighting today:  a Yellowmouth grouper @ Tent Reef.

Jan 23 '08--A Humpback whale was sighted between Green Island and the airport by Saba's airport workers.  We have been hearing them since the new year, but await that annual encounter in the water...

Jan 17 '08--Another whale shark!  This one @ Shark Shoals...an no one with a camera!

Jan 13 '08--The annual Alyson Adventure trip starts to the tune of humpback whales--so far only hearing them...

Jan 9 '08--After the cold snap in the north that transcended to a strong north swell for a few days, we are pleased to see the pair of seahorses @ Hot Springs hung on.

Jan 5 '08--Alex (not always in the office) discovers another seahorse--this one at Torens Point, Saba's shallowest site.

Jan 02 '08--Happy New Year!  Rougher seas had us diving Giles Quarter--but the Spotted eagle ray didn't seem to mind.

Dec 30 '07--The D'Angelo's and Fred witness stalking and predation when 2 coneys chomping on a dead crab are then attacked by a large green moray at the site known as 50/50--the red mooring between Ladder Labyrinth and Hot Springs.

Dec 28 '07--The Just Add Water group returned to Saba over the holidays.  Two Common octopus at Tent Reef (daytime) were just one of the highlights.

Dec 15 '08--Where does Women's Hall of Fame Diver and owner of Dive Experience in St. Croix go diving on here day off--with us of course!  Her keen eye spied a medium sized red frogfish on a purplish colored sponge @ Tent Reef.

Dec 9 '07--Nature photographer Alan Corbett was surprised to see the uncommon Slender sunfish--a smaller version of a Mola Mola off of Tent Reef.

Dec 6 '07--Talk about a "Welcome Back"...it was Vivi's 2nd day back on the boat when an18' whale shark @ Man O' War Shoals came within 6' of our divers!!  Await the photo from one day Edge diver Mr. Ings...

Nov 27 '07--Did we say sharks?  Bruno and Juliska made a cameo appearance today...Shark Shoals was where a black tip stayed with the divers for the entire dive while 3 more showed up at Tent Reef.

Nov 24 '07--Sand dollars, conch and huge lobstes were the highlights on Greer Gut today--different creatures than we see on our leeward side. 

Nov 22 '07--Galina was thankful this Spotted eagle ray didn't run right in to her on Turkey Day--talk about an under-bite!


©photo courtesy of Lea Fulmer

Oct 27 '07--The Grand Finale evening of Sea & Learn 2007 is highlighed with an update from Peter Etnoyer, gorgonian expert, on the new species found this week at the Saba Bank.

Oct 25 '07--Seahorse expert Sian Morgan is delighted to join our divers and evaluate the pair of seahorses at Hot Springs, including a very pregnant male as well as a large Longsnout seahorse @ Man O' War Shoals.

Sian Morgan explaining "what to look for" with our divers prior to the Hot Springs dive.
©Sea Saba

Oct 14 '07--Tom escorted Sea & Learn Expert Dr. Dimitri Deheyn to the dijion-mustard colored patches at both Hot Springs & Lou's Ladder.  Sediment and water samples were taken and will be analyzed at the Scripps...Sea & Learn why these two dives laid the ground work for important future research...


©
photo courtesy of Debbie Woods & Sea Saba

Oct 10 '07--Alex celebrated his one year anniversary of learning to dive with a night dive @ Tent Reef.  He and regulare med school clients of ours were shocked to be surrounded by a 5.5' nurse shark and 4 curious reef sharks.

Oct 7 '07--The Sea Saba crew and visiting diver Tore ran a transect line and did the first conch survey as part of the 2007 sea & Learn program.  This dive was conducted under the supervision of Wes Toller and Shelley Lundvall, the coordinato