Expedition to Rose Atoll

Recently went to Rose Atoll to do some field work. Rose Atoll is the tip of an old volcano that barely pokes above the surrounding ocean, and consists of a couple of small islands, a central lagoon and fringing coral reef. It took about 15 hours over rough seas to get there, but the trip was worth it. Rose Atoll is now a US marine national monument currently managed by the USFWS. The area provides an important refuge for nesting seabirds and marine life. Photos...

Rose Atoll and surrounding bathymetry

The mother ship - the M.V. Sili

Leaving Tutuila

Rough seas... even some of the sea hardy fishery and marine

biologists were chucking. I didn't chuck this time thanks to

Dramamine and crackers - thanks Terry.

Land Ho

Getting the alia (local fishing boat) ready for

transport to the island

First crew sets out for the island

setting up camp

Rose critters...

Hermit crab gathering

moray

black tip shark

The surrounding reef pavement is encrusted with a pink coralline

algae that gives the reef a pinkish color

lots of clams

Seabirds galore noodies, terns, frigate birds, boobies

working in the forest

Some members of expedition crew...

Smooth ride home