The interns started the day off with a snorkel in Grape Tree Bay. The focus of the snorkel was sampling of Acropora palmata, Elkhorn coral, looking for new growth. The interns practiced taking scientific pictures using a quadrat. Black band disease was also recorded is found. After lunch the interns focused on planning their research projects. The class broke up into 2 larger groups focusing on coral bleaching, specifically Acropora cervicornis, and coral disease.
The interns then went for a beach sweep. The amount of trash collected was incredible and also very sad. We only collected trash from 30m of beach and filled up 6 large trash bags. We all agreed to go another time to help keep the beaches clean.
After dinner the interns gathered in the classroom and watched the proposal for a more relaxed evening.
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