They have taken the baby pearl oysters off of the spat collectors and epoxied them to ceramic tiles. Above, Jessica prepares the oysters-on-tiles for transport to the reef.
There are 5 or 6 small oysters on each of the ceramic tiles.
When we got to the site, we put all the equipment on the bottom of the reef. These are the tiles in the bags.
The tiles are then placed in these cages. Kate and Kristen had previously attached (bolted) these cages to the floor of the Atoll. There is a long bolt coming up the middle that the oyster tiles are then placed onto. A piece of PVC is added as a spacer and then an empty tile is placed on top with an identifying number. It is all secured onto the bolt.
Kate and Kristen use air tanks to be able to do the underwater work.
There were two sites that each had 10 cages to complete. Louis and I mostly watched and snorkeled around at the first site. It took about an hour and a half to complete. Kate was concerned about us missing lunch (I think she was more concerned about her own lunch!) if it was to take so long for the second site. So, we volunteered to help however we could.
So, after Kate and Kristin with the help of Jessica did the main work, we helped put the lids on. We attached mesh lids to the cages. Some of the cages have a large hole mesh, some a small hole mesh and some no mesh at all. Here, Louis attaches the lid.
Louis and Jessica attach lids. This is no easy task! They are about 10 feet down. We have to free dive (no tanks) and put 6 or 7 zip ties around each lid to hold it on. I was so surprised that Louis could do it!
Louis has turned out to be quite the water boy. He is always the first one in the water and last one out. Never afraid!
Coral.
Louis unhooks the boat from the float.
Jessica relaxes on the way back to the dock.
So, after Kate and Kristin with the help of Jessica did the main work, we helped put the lids on. We attached mesh lids to the cages. Some of the cages have a large hole mesh, some a small hole mesh and some no mesh at all. Here, Louis attaches the lid.
Louis and Jessica attach lids. This is no easy task! They are about 10 feet down. We have to free dive (no tanks) and put 6 or 7 zip ties around each lid to hold it on. I was so surprised that Louis could do it!
The second site took about 45 minutes with all of us helping. It's a good thing, because it was hamburger day - one of our favorites!
Louis has turned out to be quite the water boy. He is always the first one in the water and last one out. Never afraid!
Coral.Louis unhooks the boat from the float.
Jessica relaxes on the way back to the dock.
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