MCEP/CINDAQ - January 14, 2010 Updates

The initial dives of a new project were undertaken over the past couple days. The objectives are to scout for cave entrances on the deep wall off the coast of Puerto Aventuras and to map any karst features discovered. It might seem strange to be looking for caves on the reef but in reality this is not a far-fetched idea. During the last ice age more than ten thousand years ago, water levels were some 100m / 330 ft lower than what they are today. Therefore, what is now underwater at these depths was once dry and this wall of limestone could well have possessed caves.
Dives were made between the range of 50m / 165 ft and 75m / 250 ft using Halcyon RB80 rebreathers and DPVs. No major caves were discovered but many smaller caverns were found. The wall is spectacular starting at 50 m / 165 ft and dropping straight down to more than 90m / 300ft covered in impressive gorgonians, sponges, black coral and teaming with life.
Until recently unreported in this area, a lion fish was spotted. This species is not native to the Caribbean is thought to have been accidentally introduced in the Florida area and it is considered an invasive species.
Future dives will continue to focus on the mapping of this magnificent deep wall.

Participants: Fred Devos, Chris Le Maillot, Daniel Riordan