Expedition Update: Fresh Off The Water from the Revillagigedo Archipelago
January 16, 2017
The Mission Blue expedition team — comprised of Kip Evans, Brett Garling, Courtney Mattison and Shari Sant Plummer — just got off the water from the Revillagigedo Archipelago 300 miles south of Cabo San Lucas, and we have some amazing stories to share with you! Last week we joined forces with our partners Fins Attached, Pelagios Kakunjá and FUSION Media to explore below the surface of this incredible open ocean oasis, which frequent visitors fondly refer to as “Revi” and Mexico’s “little Galápagos.”
The science team, led by Dr. James Ketchum of Pelagios Kakunjá, deployed nine acoustic tags on silky, whitetip and silvertip sharks that will provide invaluable data to researchers on the migration, feeding and reproduction behaviors of key shark species in the Revillagigedo Archipelago Biosphere Reserve and across the Mexican Pacific. These data are already being used to motivate policymakers to expand protections for sharks throughout the region.
On top of the science, we also encountered walls of dozens of hammerhead sharks, danced with giant manta rays, and got friendly with a couple of curious dolphins. Many thanks go to our equipment sponsors at Scubapro, which donated top-of-the-line diving equipment for the team, and Gates Underwater Products, which donated a RED Camera housing that enabled Kip Evans, our Director of Photography and Expeditions, to film underwater in 5K slow-motion.
You’ll be amazed at the images and stories that are coming your way. Stay tuna-ed to Mission Blue’s channels for more stories in the coming weeks!
Just was there as well possibly at the same time or just before on the Nautilus Undersea. Saw your buoys at the Canyon and Cabo Pearce. Amazing diving with sharks, mantas, dolphins. Keep up the good work curious to hear results from your research.
I was just there on a trip on the Nautilus Belle Amie with my mom. It was incredible! We saw tons of sharks, giant manta rays, dolphins, and then when we were in La Paz we visited a sea lion colony, which was a delight. On the way out, we snorkeled with an infant whale shark, which was probably my favorite part. I got such a graceful and harmless feeling from him/her. I would definitely go back to Socorro Island (San Benedicto was probably our favorite dive site on the trip). I thought the crew did an amazing job at educating us about the wildlife, which I thought was very respectful.
Great work!