A Successful Expedition

Thank you.

The Finding Coral Expedition has now concluded and I am happy to say it was a great success. We documented over 14 species of coral, ranging from small orange cup corals to meter high red tree corals.

We learned about the black spotted rock fish that nestle in the stalks of Primoa and the brittle stars that entwine in the sytlaster hydrocorals. Over the next few months this data will be analysed by our science team and the result used to develop a conservation strategy to protect these beautiful and important creatures. Living Oceans Society could not have made this happen if it had not been for the support of so many people.   

To those of you who provided financial support, thank you for giving us the funds we needed to make this happen. Each contribution, whether $25 or $2,500 helped make this event a success, and from the bottom of my heart, I thank you.

Preparing for a journey of this magnitude required working weekends and many late nights. During this time, our friends, families and colleagues offered words of encouragement which helped overcome what seemed like, at times, insurmountable challenges. Thank you for being there.

And during the journey we received unbelievable feedback from our supporters. Your words of encouragement were gifts we treasured every day. From Europe to Washington DC, from Ottawa to Sointula, the good wishes and moral support you sent use made every dive seem even more worthwhile. Thank you for joining us on this expedition.

And finally, to everyone on the Finding Coral Expedition, thank you for making this a great adventure. The staff at Nuytco, the crew of the Cape Flattery, Mark and Tavi the videographers, John and Dorthea from Living Oceans, and the entire Science Team, you all did what it takes to find coral and build friendships. Your hard work, laughter, and commitment to the project ensured that we did what we set out to do and had fun doing it. I am forever indebted. 

This is the last video from the Finding Coral Expedition. You have been as much a part of this journey as those of us lucky enough to go diving in a submarine. Thank you for all you have done to make this a success and to make a dream of mine come true.

~ Jennifer Lash