Hawken Marine 2016: Snorkeling, Plastics, and Sandbar!

Hello everyone!

We began the day with a 4-mile bike (or run—for a few people) around "the loop," which consisted of a rocky path through the bush that used to be a resort. Some who chose to run did not realize how intense it would be, but felt a profound sense of achievement afterwards. Everyone ate a breakfast of oatmeal and hard-boiled eggs with gusto after this physical feat.

Next, we split into two groups: one group snorkeled at Fourth Hole, a gorgeous coral reef, and the other visited the CSD (Center for Sustainable Development). The snorkeling group was introduced to coral ecology and the amazing diversity in this environment. Only 1% of the ocean floor, they learned, is covered by coral reefs, but 25% of marine life resides here. After diving deeper into the science of coral reefs, they hopped into the “land boat” (aka the van) and drove off to the reef. As they snorkeled, they were blown away by parrotfish, beaugregories, barracudas, blue-head wrasses and yellow rays (to name a few). Some students snorkeled for the entire hour and a half, but others left the water to warm up on the beach. Everyone, however, had a great time; two students, Seysha and Aryeh, even described the experience as the coolest thing they had ever done in their lives.

Check out this close-up of some Brain Coral at 4th Hole!

The CSD group explored various sustainable projects around the Island School. First they learned about the process of making bio-char, which turns wood and coconut husks into charcoal that can be put back into the soil, burned, or even eaten (some of us tried it). Next they learned about turning plastic into a fuel by a process called pyrolysis. The CSD is beginning with small-scale experiments, but aims to expand this project in the future. Finally, they learned about the CSD’s bio-digester, which uses anaerobic decomposition to turn human waste into valuable fertilizer. Many of the students felt inspired by what they had seen and began wondering why these practices are not more widely used.

Nick and Matt build a fire to start the bio-char making process!

This is the pyrolysis set-up that converts plastic pieces into usable diesel-like fuel that you can see collecting in the little glass jar!

After a delicious burger lunch, we reconvened, went to the Island School Souvenir Store, and took a trip to an ooid sandbar. Not knowing what an ooid sandbar was, we were shocked to see a majestic, isolated sand island in the middle of the sea (it looked like a scene in Pirates of the Caribbean). We learned that ooids are calcium carbonate precipitation around fecal pellets and were surprised by their immense quantity. We snorkeled around the sandbar and found many live conchs, sand dollars, and other treasures. Many of us chose to play in the sand as well.

Walking along the sandbar!

Upon our return, we had our final exploration time, during which many of us put the finishing touches on our secret Santa gifts. Then we reconvened for a mouth-watering Indian dinner and set out on our next adventure: night wading! We snorkeled off the shore with diving torches to light up the water as we observed nocturnal marine life. We saw many shrimp, over 15 aplysias, and were fortunate enough to see an octopus!