We really appreciate all of the comments,questions, and suggestions that we have gotten so far. We will try to answer a few questions each day.
Below are answers to a few of your questions.
Question:
When you were crossing the Gulf Stream what type of dolphins did you see? How many types of dolphins are there in the Bahamas? Do you think you will see any whales?
John T.
Answer:
Dear John T,
While crossing the gulf stream on Thursday morning, we saw two dolphins. However, they were swimming fast and we were unable to determine whether they were spotted dolphins or bottlenose dolphins, the two dolphin species found in The Bahamas. As for the whales, it's pretty rare to see them, but anything can happen and we'll keep looking.
Maddy and Maria
Question:
In your notes from the trail you said you saw a huge barracuda. I have heard that they can be over 5 feet long. What is the biggest one that you have found their? What is your favorite animal? Mine is the shark.
Write back soon! Will
Answer:
Dear Will,
So far on every snorkel we have seen Barracudas or various sizes. However, on our snorkel near Turtle Rocks, there was a Barracuda pushing 4 feet long. Sharks are one of my favorites also, so you should be pleased to know that there was a 5 foot Nurse Shark at the same snorkel site as the 4 foot Barracuda. We will continue to post sightings , so keep checking for our latest discoveries.
Maddy and Maria
Question:
What type of plankton did you find? How do you tell what it is, do you need a microscope to see the plankton? Can you send me a picture?
Brandon
Answer:
Dear Brandon,
We collected phytoplankton and zooplankton from the plankton tow. We have not looked at them through a microscope yet, but you can tell the difference between the two pretty easily. The phytoplankton is green and does not move, while the zooplankton usually has a grey, black, or brown coloration, and moves around. We'll take a better look at the plankton samples on the last day. We will try to post some photos of plankton on our last day.
Maddy and Maria
Question:
How big is the boat? Are you sea sick? I have not been to the ocean. My mom got sea sick on a boat. I want
to go on a big boat. Is it fun?
Jill from Chicago
Answer:
Dear Jill,
The R/V Coral Reef II is 80 feet long, plenty of room for the 16 people living on it this week. A few people have gotten a bit green from the rocking of the sea, but luckily, nobody has gotten severely seasick. And yes, everyone is having TONS of fun on the boat.
Maddy and Maria
