A childhood dream come true

I’m Victor, 23 and I’m studying Marine Biology in my MSc at the University of Algarve in Portugal. As part of my Masters thesis, I was lucky enough to spend one month on D’Arros to carry out my fieldwork. My project consisted of a coral monitoring, making 3D models of the reef using structure from motion (SfM) photogrammetry techniques, to determine the state of health of the corals around D’Arros and Saint Joseph Atoll. Further, the intent was to investigate spatial variations in coral reef complexity at different sites as well as its associations with other reef metrics and potential drivers for any observed differences.

During my fieldwork I had the opportunity to dive several times at six different sites. I also had the good fortune to take part in other monitoring programs that the SOSF-DRC undertakes, using techniques that are as fun as they are appropriate for gathering relevant scientific results.

Structure from Motion (SfM) Photogrammetry is done by diving across a reef with a double camera system. Photo by Robert Bullock | © Save Our Seas Foundation

My favourite amongst the DRC’s monitoring programs was the manta survey, which is done by snorkelling, freediving under the manta and taking photos of its belly because each one has different black spots that can be used to identify it. On par with this was the fabulous experience of going to St Joseph Atoll, even if I thought I was going to get “cooked” in the hot lagoon. St Joseph is so close to D’Arros but so different with all the shades of blue in its lagoon. We practiced different surveys on St Joseph, turtle track, acoustic receivers and also the capture, measurement and release of juvenile sharks. I will forever have the fabulous memory of holding a young blacktip shark barely more than 30 cm long, hoping that it would one day end up as big as its colleagues approaching 2 m.

Typical sunset on D’Arros. Photo by Victor Gautier | © Save Our Seas Foundation

D’Arros also has a great team, where everyone gets together every lunchtime and evening for a great meal with tropical flavours. D’Arros is about going in the water and never knowing what crazy life you are going to see or meet. D’Arros is about walking barefoot and feeling the little grains of sand, the humidity of the grass, the shade of the coconut palms, all under an aerial vortex of frigate birds. It’s meditating after a long day’s fieldwork under a starry sky like you rarely see anywhere else in the world. Slowing your pace, reconnecting with the present moment, enjoying it all.
I write this with a certain nostalgia but a strong gratitude for the opportunity given, hoping to have contributed well to scientific research in this paradise.