Easter Island/Salas y Gomez
2-23 September 1995

Expedition Divers explore unknown areas around Poike

Explorers (from left) Sue Estey, Harry Sherman, Bill Kruse, and Albert Boosman wave as Zodiac pilot ******* maneuvers the boat out of La Perouse Bay.
The divers find several types of coral on the sea floor, but Rapanui does not support the large reefs found in other parts of the South Pacific.
Sue collects sediment specimens for analysis. The white sand found on the bottom is a striking contrast to the black volcanic rock that forms Easter Island.
Rapanui supports a wide variety of fish, including this intriguing yellow trumpetfish.
Sue confers with videographer Harry Sherman about "blurble blurble blub blub."
A rockfish, known for its intricate camouflage and poisonous spines, pauses for a portrait.
The ever photogenic Sue Estey gives a thumbs up as Bill Kruse swims by in the background.
Divers not pictured in this series but also participating in the study include: Don Dvorak, Barbara Hilbish, and Steve Smith.
Easter Island is an intrigueing area of study for biologists who question how its coastal species came to inhabit this incredibly remote locale. The expedition members hope that their efforts in exploring previously undived Poike peninsula will aid understanding of the dispersal of species.