February 2012 Expedition Day 2 - Initial dives

This morning we did a ‘shakedown’ dive to check the dive equipment and see how some of the specialised equipment performed.  In the afternoon we did the first of the ‘work’ dives, recording cryptic fauna, coral cover, recovering temperature data loggers and some pretty complicated stuff to do with the BRUV work! 

Only Anne, Charles, Pete and Nick have dived in Chagos before and the others, all experienced divers who have worked on reefs all over the world,  were all amazed at the abundance of life on the reef and in the water at Diego Garcia.

We saw Manta Rays, Eagle Rays, Sharks, Turtles and Dolphins.  There was high coral cover, and more fish than you would believe.  Although there is probably nowhere in the world that could be called truly pristine, this place comes about as close as you can get.

We got some footage of the Mantas (captured with a little diversion by the BRUV stereo video system) and after processing it tomorrow we will upload it for you to see, along with some other photos.