What a way to kick off the trip! Today, we had the chance to meet graduate students from the University of Puerto Rico and hear about their fascinating and diverse research projects. Afterward, we snorkeled around the crystal-clear waters of Cayo Caracoles, where we observed a variety of marine wildlife in their natural habitat. This area is a popular spot for visitors, so we noticed a lot of broken coral—an important reminder of the impact human activity can have on these delicate ecosystems. We explored seagrass beds and mangrove prop roots, spotting an incredible range of species, and practiced field techniques like measuring transects and collecting sediment cores. Once we were done playing in the water, we returned to the lab to set leaf litter traps in the mangroves, wrapping up our fieldwork before heading back to the Airbnb to recharge for tomorrow’s adventures.
Sad that people can’t find ways to treat delicate parts of nature as they would want thing that belong to them treated. Continue the adventure and change the world you Aggies
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