We began our visit to Pohnpei with a three day stay on Langer Island.
The huts at Langer Island provide modest accomodations and easy access to several Marine Protected Areas among Pohnpei's northern reef
Extensive mangrove vegetation bordered our campsite
The view to the southwest from Langer included Sokeh's Rock and some memorable sunsets
The barrier reefs of Pohnpei protect the island from waves while supporting a remarkable diversity of sealife
Both groups got to enjoy swimming with the mantas!
Leaving Langer and heading for Kolonia with all the gear... Sokeh's
Rock looms in the distance.
From Langer Island, we headed for a small island to the south called "Black Coral"
The waters around Black Coral were noticably clearer, and we enjoyed conducting our surveys amidst a remarkable diversity of marine life
Terminal Phase Scarus schlegeli
After Black Coral, we headed to Nan Madol and homestays in eastern Pohnpei
We were fortunate to be guided by Dr. Rufino Mauricio, Chief Archaeologist and Historic Preservation Officer for the Federated States of Micronesia
Our last stop was at Ant Atoll, a small island ring to the southwest of Pohnpei
Accomodations at Ant (those huts in the distance) were basic, but adequate.
The "kitchen" area
Also at Ant, we visited Bird Island, a nesting and roosting area for several species of seabird
We saw lots of baby birds...
.... including Brown Boobies
and Brown Noddys
Milene improvised protection from "bird bombs" while Katie showed of
her "badge" of honor