As the summer water temperature begins to rise so the marine visitors to the Cay begin to differ. Over the past month we have had increased sightings of turtles, reef shark and perhaps everyone's favourite- the bottle nose dolphin.
Turtles
There have been many sightings of turtles both small and large around the reef and in the shallow tidal creeks. The smaller pretty Hawksbill has been spotted in the barrier reef during snorkel trips and we have had repeated sightings on dive trips of two large Loggerheads, affectionately known as Barney (due to the amount of barnacles growing on his shell) and a large older and inquisitive fellow named 'Old Popa' by the Kamalame Dive Team.
Sharks
We have had the opportunity to observe reef sharks on two of our deeper dive sites this month. Because these majestic creatures are typically shy around divers we have had no success in capturing them on Camera, we'll keep trying so watch this space.
Dolphin
We are still smiling from our luck at encountering Bottlenose Dolphin in the waters around the Kamalame Cay. One pod in particular have visited many times and have allowed us to snorkel alongside and watch them play.
One dolphin in particular has been happy to perform for the camera on occasion and is now named 'Huckleberry Fin' or 'Huck' because of the distinctive markings on the dorsal and left pectoral fin..
The Huck Pod have been seen feeding and playing in the shallow turquoise waters between Kamalame Cay and the barrier reef and also in our very own creek, swimming past the Kamalame Dive Centre at the Marina Dock and gliding by the Kamalame Cay barge. We spotted the Huck Pod this week whilst heading out to snorkel the reef and Kamalame guests had a happy chance to snorkel alongside and listen to the dolphins chattering amongst themselves.
Dive For Earth Day 2008
We are delighted to report that the 'Beach Clean Up' organised by Kamalame Cay this year was a huge success, hats off to all who donated their time, energy and resources on the day. A staggering 500k of litter was collected from the main Staniard Creek Beach over the course of a long, hot day. Participants included Kamalame staff, local residents, volunteers from the local bases of the research and environmental groups Greenforce and Forfar, the Autec navy base, and the teachers and children from Staniard Creek Primary School.
Educational workshops took place first, for adults and children alike, then groups were organised to work on different sections of the 2 mile beach. Filled litter bags were collected from pick up points by boat and van and assembled at Colours Beach Bar where the task of sorting, logging and recycling was undertaken.
Of course it was not all work and no play! By the time the last of the rubbish bags were disappearing the first sausages hit the BBQ and we all enjoyed a well earned beach 'cook-out' courtesy of Kamalame Cay. While the children still had energy enough for beach volleyball and swimming, the rest of us were happy to put our feet up and watch the sun begin to set over the pristine beach with a rum punch in hand and a satisfied smile.
Results
Bags (Paper or Plastic)
Caps or Lids
Beverage Cans
Toys
Cups, Plates, Forks. Etc
Bait Bags/Containers
Beverage Bottles 2 litres
Fishing Nets
Food Wrappers/Containers
Beverage Bottles Glass
Clothing/Shoes
Bleach Containers
Buoys
Oil/Lube Bottles
Crates
Plastic Sheeting
Rope
Building Materials
Car Parts
Misc Debris
Kamalame cay are committed to protecting the marine environment and, in this spirit have implemented a buoying project. The project entails selected dive and snorkel sites are equipped with a permanent buoy, thereby alleviating the necessity to drop anchor when visiting these sites.
Kamalame are proud to announce the recent buoying of two more sites Trumpet Solo, one of our intermediate/advanced sites and Honeymoon Reef, one of our training sites. More are planned.
Buoying Maintenance
In tandem with the research stations located in this part of Andros Kamalame continue to maintain the buoys on dive sites, replacing worn ropes etc. The dive staff is presently 'doing the rounds and checking these sites for signs of wear and tear etc.
Kamalame 'catching them young'
Kamalame believe in 'catching them young' that is so say children's interest in the marine environment so not only do they offer the Bubblemaker programme to introduce children to scuba diving they also run certain courses, including Turtle Awareness and participate in Kids Aware part of Project Aware, please visit Dive Resources or Kids Zone for more information.
