This morning we arrived at Palmerston Atoll – from the air these small islands are arranged like beads in a triangular shape. We were met off the outer reef by the mayor who pointed to a suitable anchorage. An hour later the mayor returned with the customs and quarantine officers to clear us for a visit to the island.
A patch of coral – 100% coral cover and a very healthy looking reef.
We then went ashore to discuss with the island council our proposed project and sought their permission to undertake our research. This was completed by 1:30pm and we had their approval to commence our work. Some of the crew stayed behind for the afternoon to watch the island volleyball competition.
The history of the atoll is fascinating. It was settled by Captain William Masters in the mid 19th century and the current 60 inhabitants are all descendants of the captain. With no air strip and supply vessels delivering goods only about three times a year, this is one of the most remote communities in the world.
Ned Marsters, a direct descendant of Captain Masters, swims in the lagoon.
Our first dive was to collect small reef fishes. The water was a warm 28ºC and clear. We collected about 40 species, about half of which have not been confirmed to occur in the Cook Islands region. This in itself is a good reason to undertake these surveys as it relates the species found here to other islands in the region. But the information we obtain will be used for further research once the specimens are catalogued in the museum collections. Despite only managing one dive, this has been a great start to the expedition.
