That's a Wrap!

Our week in Puerto Penasco has come to an end, and what a week it was! We started the week learning about marine ecology and intertidal habitats and then went out in the field to three different intertidal habitats. Each of the habitats had different physical characteristics and types of tidepools, which supported unique communities. The students found a variety of organisms this week including octopuses, crabs, fishes, sea anemones, sea urchins, sea stars, brittle stars, shrimp (+ snapping shrimp), flatworms, sea cucumbers, hermit crabs, isopods, fire worms, clams, mussels, and so many species of snails.

   Some invertebrates found in the tidepools. 

The students also learned a lot from the CEDO biologists, Paloma, Eleazar, and Angeles. Paloma gave presentations on the natural history of Puerto Penasco and marine mammals, including the critically endangered vaquita. We also had the opportunity to kayak the Morua Estuary and learn about salt marsh habitats and estuaries. Toward the end of the week, we joined Eleazar and Angeles on some least tern nesting surveys. The terns migrate from the south up to North America for nesting, and some of their nesting habitats like the one by the estuary are protected. 

    CEDO biologists Paloma and Angeles teaching the students. 

The highlight of our trip was a boat trip to Isla San Jorge (Bird Island). The water was some of the clearest water I've seen at the island. In addition to snorkeling with sea lions, we also got a great view of the sea floor and saw sea cucumbers, sea urchins, and even a nudibranch!

A sea lion striking a perfect pose for the students.  

On our last full day, the students took a turn teaching, working in groups to present about a specific marine phylum. 

Students presenting their different phyla to the class. 

Overall, it was a great trip with an even greater group of students. I think everyone came away with a better appreciation for the marine environment. 

Last night at CEDO. 

While the students spent the week learning about marine biology, I also learned a lot from the students, particularly Gen Z language. While I often use "chopped", "diced", and "cooked" in the kitchen, I learned that they have non-food related meanings. I also learned that "clocked their tea" has nothing to do with teatime. I hope this last blog post is not chopped or busted, and that all the students know they ate and left no crumbs this week. 

-Whitney