Photo & Video Log
This page contains photos and videos taken during the Bonaire 2008: Exploring Coral Reef Sustainability with New Technologies exploration from January 7 to 30, 2008. The Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles, is arguably the most pristine coral reef environment in the Caribbean. Click on any image to view a larger version and for additional information. If a movie camera icon is present, a QuickTime video can be viewed by clicking on the image. Other video formats are available on additional linked pages. If a Podcast icon is present, a video or audio file is available for download or you can subscribe to the RSS Podcast Feed.
If a slideshow icon is present, a visual log of exploration images can be viewed. You can scroll through them one by one, or select the play button for an automatic slideshow.
(HR) = "High Resolution" images available.
Video & Slideshows
January 21
Fetch1 AUV surveying parallel to the shoreline at the 18 Palms dive site on Bonaire. (Quicktime, 1.2 Mb.)
January 21
Fetch1 AUV in action on a trial dive to ensure the vehicle is still sufficiently buoyant. (Quicktime, 774 Kb.)
January 16
Scuba divers are performing video and photo transect surveys of the sea floor at Nukove. (Quicktime, 1.1 Mb.)
January 12
The Hafmynd Gavia AUV allows for unprecedented bathymetric sonar mapping. (Quicktime, 1.1 Mb.)
Images
Mission Summary
Populations of elkhorn coral were seriously affected by recent hurricanes that have passed close to Bonaire.
Mission Summary
The Fetch1 AUV and one of its developers pass by a large clump of the sponge Callyspongia vaginalis.
Mission Summary
Bonaire island leaders and Bonaire's marine park manager listen as some of the preliminary findings from surveys are explained.
Mission Summary
Dr. Patterson contracted the disease Dengue fever, a viral illness transmitted by mosquitoes.
January 26
After a great day of testing both Gavia AUVs, they are loaded into the back of a pickup truck to head back to “science headquarters.”
January 26
Conducting AUV operations from a boat, Alex tracks one of the Gavia AUVs using a heavy-duty computer.
January 25
Two University of Delaware Study Abroad Program students enjoying a typical island day on Bonaire.
January 24
Rockhind in a sponge photographed while free diving off Klein Bonaire in about 20 ft. of water. (HR)
January 24
Kat McCole, a University of Delaware student, diving on the Hilma Hooker, the famous wreck located on the southwestern side of Bonaire.
January 24
Students from the University of Delaware Bonaire Study Abroad Program carrying an AUV toward the water.
January 23
The animals encountered on the island are very different from those we encounter while at sea on a ship. (HR)
January 23
Another animal not commonly encountered. Pink flamingos are very common and inhabit saline ponds on the island of Bonaire. (HR)
January 23
Preparing to conduct underwater video transects, scientists enter the water from a platform at Oil Slick Leap dive site. (HR)
January 22
Elkhorn coral, once prevalent around the island's leeward coast, can only be found in a few areas and then in only small patches. (HR)
January 22
Keeping the surface float GPS line taut is essential for accurate positioning for video transects. (HR)
January 22
Millepora complanata, known as fire coral, is frequently found in the waters close to the shore surrounding Bonaire. (HR)
January 21
Preparing to launch, scientists attach the nose of the Fetch AUV which contains the side scan sonar, some water quality sensors, and the color video camera. (HR)
January 21
Bernard, Daniel, Mark, and Ken launch the Fetch AUV off the beach at the Invisibles dive site. (HR)
January 21
Fetch and Gavia AUVs simultaneously conducting survey missions at the Invisibles dive site. (HR)
January 20
The University of Delaware Study Abroad group stopping at the lighthouse (on the south end of the island) during an educational tour of Bonaire. (HR)
January 20
One of the study abroad students, Nate Maier, free diving at a dive site on the south end of Bonaire. (HR)
January 20
Elkhorn coral, is found in coral reefs throughout the Caribbean and in southern Florida. (HR)
January 19
Several members of the scientific dive team enter the water navigating by GPS along a predetermined heading and conducting video transects to determine percent coral cover. (HR)
January 19
Staghorn coral has been greatly reduced in abundance, most likely the result of several hurricanes passing through the region. (HR)
January 19
Much of the healthy coral cover recorded in the 1980s has been reduced to coral rubble and sand by Hurricane Lenny, which impacted the island in 1999. (HR)
January 17
Example of a high-resolution side-scan sonar mosaic created from survey data collected by the GeoSwath sonar on the Gavia AUV. (HR)
January 17
Scientists look for patterns of the oxygen concentrations over the reef, which provides an indicator of the health and productivity of the coral system. (HR)
January 16
Scuba divers are performing a photo transect survey of the Nukove sea floor down to depth of 40 meters. (HR)
January 16
The bathymetric sonar onboard the Gavia AUV provides an incredibly dense map of the reef structure including the overhanging coral on the crest of the reef. (HR)
January 15
Carried over the reef on the water surface, the BOA array of temperature sensors was deployed in 170 feet of water at Nukove. (HR)
January 15
The data loggers collect and record the temperature data from the BOA array and are connected to a float that maintains the upward position of the array. (HR)
January 14
Daniel is a recent inductee in the Explorers Club of New York and is carrying one of their flags that has been on expeditions since 1934. (HR)
January 14
Members of the science party load the Green Flash dive boat with the two Gavia AUVs and dive tanks. (HR)
January 13
Floating gently just below the surface with only the communications tower above the surface, the Gavia AUV awaits another mission command. (HR)
January 13
Student Explorers from the University of Delaware gather dockside for an impromptu lecture by Art, introducing the many features and capabilities of the Gavia AUV. (HR)
January 13
Student assistants from the University of Delaware Study Abroad Program help carry the Gavia AUV to the beach for a launch. (HR)
January 12
Gavia AUV team loaded up with two robots and support equipment, and bound for a day of field operations. (HR)
January 12
Art and Alex conducting trim and buoyancy testing with the UBC Gavia vehicle dockside prior to mission operations. (HR)
January 12
Hilary and Alex swimming along side the two Gavia AUVs, making last minute visual inspections. (HR)
January 10
Richard of Hafmynd (maker of Gavia) leads the caravan of trucks leaving customs with our gear! (HR)
January 7
A stealthy predator, the trumpetfish likes to imitate sea whips and hide next to other fishes like parrotfish and jacks. (HR)
January 7
The staghorn coral grows quickly. This stands has grown back since Hurricane Lenny in 1999. (HR)
Mission Plan
A sample of some of the tools and technologies that will be employed during this mission. (HR)
Oceanography
Map of dissolved oxygen made by the Fetch1 AUV performing a "yo-yo" maneuver over a coral reef in Florida. (HR)
AUVs
A side scan sonar towfish showing the two sonar beams, and the resulting image that is made by the computer from the sonar echoes. (HR)