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Category Archive: Ship

Picture: Guest Post: Thoughts from the Bow of the Hanse Explorer Photograph by Ann Luskey

Guest Post: Thoughts from the Bow of the Hanse Explorer

I am sitting with my laptop at the bow of the Hanse Explorer as we make our way back to Papeete, Tahiti. I am challenged to find the right words to describe my experiences this last week at Millennium Atoll... Read More

Picture: Mike Fay Dispatch #1: In the Washing Machine Photograph by Lindsey Holm

Mike Fay Dispatch #1: In the Washing Machine

As day began to break, the flat profile of Flint began to appear. It was hard to imagine this speck of terra firma in the middle of an enormous blue Pacific Ocean. Yet there it was. It wasn't long before a lesser frigate bird and then sooty and white terns appeared at the stern of the boat, as if to welcome us. Read More

Crew Spotlight: A Q & A With David Obura

Marine ecologist David Obura is the coordinator for CORDIO (Coastal Oceans Research and Development in the Indian Ocean) East Africa, which supports reef research and monitoring of coral reefs and coastal fisheries. CORDIO’s primary goal is to “conserve biodiversity in the context of improved livelihoods and sustainable development.” He answered our questions from the ship. Read More

Picture: A Day For Reflection Photograph by David Obura

A Day For Reflection

We are sailing on a calm sea, so we can traverse the decks of the Hanse Explorer safely. The science team is packing, which is always unpleasant: Many cases and boxes spread over three decks of the ship. Unpacking and preparing at the beginning of the expedition took us a full two days, but we were very excited about the unknown. Today we are leaving paradise; it's a bittersweet feeling, even if I do get to return to Millennium in just a few days. Read More

Garden of Eden: The Reefs of Millennium

I have studied coral reefs around the world, and it seems that with each new reef I visit, I learn something completely new. These systems are beautiful yet complex, and they always have surprises to offer. I am convinced now that no two reefs are completely alike. Read More