By Seahawk Crew

Seahawk A&G log (Remote): 1-18-2022 (Papeete Tahiti)

Time: 17:00 Z

Coordinates: S 17° 35’ 06.16, W 149° 37’ 00.78

Heading: 257.0 degrees

Winds (True): East/10 mph

Pressure: 29.83 Hg

Air temperature: 75.0 F

Sea water temp: 72.0 F

Skies: Partly cloudy, Light rain, Visibility: 2 statute miles

Boat speed: 0.0 knots

Before making the Revillagigedo Archipelago science mission report, we can confirm that Seahawk safely traversed the ~3300 NM from Cabo San Lucas, Mexico to Papeete Tahiti. Departing on Christmas eve, the journey was completed in 15 days, arriving at the destination on schedule, January 7th. Happily, good weather prevailed for the entire crossing, and there was enough wind in some places to motor sail, reducing fuel consumption by ~40% during the times of hybrid operation. Now poised for the exploration French Polynesia’s Tuamotus and Marquesas Islands, we plan our next adventure, specifics to follow in the coming days.

Meantime, we reflect on a most excellent visit to the Sea of Cortez and eastern Pacific waters of Mexico. With many legacy shark monitoring stations retrieved, data downloaded, and new replacements installed, the scientists from the Mexican Pelagios Kakunjá (Protection of the Sea) Research Center have much data to analyze. Expect important scientific publications explaining the behavior of sharks, their migratory patterns, to be forthcoming of the coming year. The insights afforded will help provide the high fidelity mapping necessary to define the places that require protection, MPAs (Marine Protected Areas). Once established, the now endangered shark species may eventually recover. We hope so.

A special treat experienced during the Socorro and San Benedicto tagging project was close encounters with the indigenous Giant Manta Rays that populate the near shore seas around the islands. Magnificent creatures. To start, their wing span can reach 25 feet across. More remarkable, is their enthusiasm to engage divers. Some marine animals develop a symbiotic relationship with humans based on feeding, but the Mantas are different. They are filter feeders so there is really no practical way for humans to induce them with food. The present thinking is that the Revillagigedo Archipelago inhabitants are just naturally curious, enthusiastic to engage, even make contact (touch).