Monday 17th November, on board the Airaha 2.

Waking up off the island of Tumbu-Tumbu: it’s paradise!

The day’s schedule is à la carte. There is the choice between a walk round the island, snorkelling, diving by day or night; and it is possible to choose several options. Régis even proposes a first diving experience for the neophytes. The diving enthusiasts have a good time without having to go too deep.

Underwater atmosphere in Tumbu-Tumbu – Copyright : G. Di Raimondo / IRD

Atmosphere on land in Tumbu-Tumbu – Copyright : S. Quérouil / IRD

To end the day, a small group (including myself) goes to the island of Tumbu-Tumbu to observe the sea turtles laying their eggs. We go for a walk round the island before going to the beach to wait for the turtles. The sunset is wonderful but the turtles do not come. Gilles consoles us by showing us the photos he took the first time the scientists came to the island.

A turtle laying its eggs on the beach in Tumbu-Tumbu – Copyright : G. Di Raimondo / IRD

Meanwhile, the keenest divers dive for the third time in the day. It will be the last night dive of the mission. It reveals an abundant and diversified fauna and some more potentially new species.

(translated by 2nd-year Earth Science students, L2 ST, UM2, France)