During the next four days, students dove around cargo piers and near feeding grounds to capture a total of 24 green turtles. They also traveled to nearby Spit and Eastern islands where they captured two more turtles. All of the turtles appeared healthy and free of fibropapilloma tumors. One turtle was observed to have tumors in the eye and neck region but could not be captured. Scanning the lagoon for turtles from one of our Whalers.
Sand Island is in the background.
In addition to their turtle work, students learned about the history of Midway, observed the atoll's wildlife, and enjoyed the beautiful scenery of both Sand and Eastern Island. Several students learned how to handle motorboats and a bit of seamanship. The days were long and strenuous, but the students worked right up to the last day and Balazs expressed exceptional praise for the students' motivation, endurance, and good cheer and for the research results obtained. Future trips are possible, and plans are being made for more HPA students to assist on a follow-up expedition to this unique atoll.