Base Day

Even though I'm a diving volunteer on the project, it doesn't mean I'm diving 24/7. In fact, it means I still have quite a lot of non-diving time. So what do I do with all my non-diving hours? I'm glad you asked.

There were lots of activities to be done around base. In addition to chores we needed to learn our fish and coral species so that we could actually be useful on dives. So in the first few weeks, I spent most of my time practicing my fish.

We also had opportunities to spruce up camp a little bit. The staff had some paint for posters and murals, so we could add a little pizzazz to our humble abode.

We were an artistic bunch

Third, we could make informational posters to help other volunteers in the future, or for community outreach events, and I was the only one who dared try their hand at poster making.

I like the way it turned out.

In addition to surveys of fish and coral on the reef, we also performed sea-grass and mangrove surveys. Since the reef, grass and mangroves all work together its important to monitor the health of all three. So there were some days we went out around base to perform surveys on the local flora.

The thing about mangroves, being a haven for life in all, is that they're also a haven for mosquitoes. So you gotta be prepared. See example A:

Better known as the mangrove bandits, saving the world and taking names

And after a hard afternoon of surveying we needed to refuel, and you know what they say, Ramen: the lunch of poor conservationists. (Maybe they don't say that, maybe its just me)


It wasn't all sweat and mosquitoes. There was still plenty of time to kick back, enjoy a hammock and watch the sun set over the water.

Kicking back in style, I should specify

Yeah, that's where I live. It's ok, I know you're jealous


Getting tanner!


I've never sweat so much in my life than here on base, nor been bit by so many mosquitoes, but besides that, base was really relaxing and I loved getting to sit back sometimes and just watch the water. Belize was really beautiful and I lived in a beautiful place, despite constantly finding new places I could sweat. Who ever heard of the back of your ears sweating? Nevertheless I couldn't be more thankful to get to do the work we do here everyday. It's really satisfying and tangible to be helping projects like this improve our care and the health of our natural assets.




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