Great To Be Back
It’s great to be back in Aquarius on a mission. It’s the first science mission of the year and things are running smoothly so far.
Ryan LaPete is on his first full mission as a habitat Tech. He has completed a staff sat, which last only a few days, so he’ll have more time for learning the various emergency procedures and habitat systems during this saturation. He’s doing a fine job so far.
When things slow down, it’s interesting to watch the parade of marine life that moves about the Aquarius. The large groupers and a sea turtle, who makes nocturnal visits, are big hits. You can’t help but notice the daily struggle the reef creatures endure. There are a number of yellowtail snappers with part of their tail fins missing, no doubt from a close encounter with a barracuda. There’s also a lucky creole wrasse that escaped the jaws of some predator, evidenced by the toothy scar encircling his body. He’s the won that got away.
This morning we awoke to some rather loud bumping sounds against the habitat hull. The current was very strong, so I had to wonder if something had broken loose outside. Turns out it was the very large groupers booming their air bladders and rubbing against the hull. I’m not sure if they were in a feeding frenzy, but they were fired up over something…
That’s all for now from Aquarius, the world’s only operational underwater research habitat!