ZECO TRAVEL TALK

As we crossed the surf line in our Zodiacs on the morning of February 10 at Tikopia, the exceptional nature of the place was immediately apparent. One of the most isolated islands on this itinerary, this Polynesian outlier in Melanesia, is the only location on this trip where the islanders have originated in Polynesia. Only a few huts were visible through the palm trees as we approached in our Zodiacs. A light rain feel during our landing on the reef flat and the clouds, which hung over the top of the mountain behind the beach, gave the island an almost ethereal quality. Read more

The Clipper Odyssey has been navigating west from Easter Island for the past 48 hours and the passage has already been filled with enlightening lectures on the peopling of the Pacific as well as the natural history of the region.

We are scheduled to make our first landing tomorrow at the uninhabited atoll of Ducie. Not only is it the southernmost atoll in the world, it is the most easterly atoll of the Indo-Pacific. In addition, Ducie is the island where the vessel Acadia ran aground in 1881, the exact location of the wreck was unknown until it was discovered (by yours truly) in 1989. Read more

As I prepare to lead the 2010 Maldives trips, I am reminded of the distinct beauty of the place. The archipelago is comprised of twenty-two coral atolls including 1,200 separate isles and islets, only 200 of which are inhabited.

This spectacular island group in the Central Indian Ocean is an icon for scuba enthusiasts, a holy grail for snorkelers. For those who love warm tropical seas full of life, it is a breathtaking place. Even the planning and academic preparations are exciting. Read more

Among the many passions of Jack Grove—marine biologist, naturalist, author, photographer, Zegrahm cofounder, and expedition-leader-at-large—conservation and sustainability top the list. With seven continents and nearly every sea on the map checked off, Jack has had many opportunities to witness nature at its most prolific, and at its most endangered.

On May 5, 2009, Jack will address the National Association of Environmental Professionals as one of four keynote speakers. The theme of the conference is: Making Sustainability Happen: Goals, Practices, and Challenges. The topic of Jack’s speech will be Biodiversity In The Sea And Why It Matters.

In its mission statement NAEP’s purpose is to maintain “a multidisciplinary, professional association dedicated to the promotion of ethical practices, technical competency, and professional standards in the environmental fields.” http://www.naep.org

The NAEP Conference will be held May 2 – 6, at the Radisson Ft. McDowell, Scottsdale, Arizona.

During the 1982 – 1983 El Nino event, sea surface temperatures were exceptionally high in the entire eastern tropical Pacific. In the seas around the Galapagos, they reached levels as high as 86F. There were dramatic changes which took place in the Islands; waterfalls developed, plant life abounded and the impact of soild erosion was obvious. Beneath the surface of the sea, the population dynamics of many species of fish and invertebrates was also altered. One species of fish that seemed unable to cope with the unusual marine conditions was the Blackspot Damselfish, Azurina eupalama. First described by Edmund Heller and Robert Snodgrass (1903) their illustration of the Blackspot Damselfish, is included the Fishes of the Galapagos (Grove & Lavenberg, 1997).

It has now been twenty five years since the ENSO event of 82-83; there have been no photo or observation records of this damselfish since that time. Is it possible that this species disappeared as a result of an El Nino? Not likely, because it must have survived many similar events throughout it evolutionary history. But if that were the case it would be an important discovery. It sure is fun to look for this “Missing Damsel” during our Zegrahm Expeditions trips to the Islands. If it is the case, that the fish disappeared, it would be the first documented “natural extinction” of a fish caused by an El Nino. During the many, many hours I have spent in the waters leading snorkelers and divers in the Galapagos, in the wake of that historic El Nino, not one of these damsels has been seen. So, if you are going to snorkel or SCUBA in the Galapagos keep an eye out.