I had the opportunity to connect with Don Olavides, a Filipino researcher studying sea cucumbers. He was kind enough to show us how the scientists process specimens that are brought in from their dives, so that they can be further studied back in the lab.
NOTE: Apologies for my terrible videography skills!
It was really great getting to meet Filipino scientists who were working alongside their American counterparts during the VIP expedition. This international, collaborative partnership is part of what makes our work their so special and valuable, both locally and back at the Academy.
Here’s another video of Don collecting sea cucumbers in the Verde island Passage.
Thanks for the impromptu chat and demo for us, Don!