Seeing is Believing.

An account of Yasmeen Smalley-Norman's travels and adventures as she promotes ocean awareness through visualization.

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Finishing the Fulbright

I returned home to the U.S. a little over a month ago, after successfully completing a Fulbright research grant. I was in the Philippines for nine and a half months, and during my grant period I went on 10 research expeditions, did 64 dives and spent 96 hours underwater, all to create the 165 3D coral models below.

Corals of the Philippines by yasmeensmalley on Sketchfab

My last couple months in the Philippines flew by, with a final research expedition to Eastern Samar just three weeks before my departure. This was my second research trip in the Visayas, the group of islands in the middle of the Philippines. Our destination was the farthest distance from Manila that I’d traveled, but luckily I was able to transport all 50 kg of my scuba and camera gear by plane and van. 

I traveled to Guiuan in Eastern Samar with Darwin Raymundo, Sandra Enn Bahinting, Princess Mordeno, Reine Cabreira and Rowi Aquino. Our initial findings for 3D modeling were slightly discouraging; there just wasn’t much coral to photograph. Most sites closer to the Pacific ocean have smaller corals due to increased wave action, and we were diving where Typhoon Yolanda first made landfall three and a half years ago. Regardless of the cause for the poor coral cover, Princess was able to find some of the species on our list, and I concluded my last research expedition by photographing some unique corals, including some additional Nemenzo species.  

After returning to Manila, I began processing the models from our trip and putting together my final presentation. But with just two weeks before leaving the country, I wanted to enjoy some of the natural beauty the Philippines has to offer, this time for leisure instead of work. With that in mind, myself and two friends took an interesting overnight bus ride and arrived in Baler, one of the top surfing destinations in the Philippines. We had a blissful three days surfing, drinking mango smoothies and eating grilled pork. I even learned how to surf!

We returned to Manila with just a week before my final presentation and 11 days before my departure. Unfortunately, Mother Nature stepped in and put a halt to my frenetic pace with a nasty case of gastroenteritis and dehydration, which put me out of commission for a week. With the help of friends and the skilled doctors and nurses at Makati Medical Center I was able to get back on my feet in time for my final presentation, and my flight a few days later. 

I’ve been back in the US for a month and a half, and I’m currently working on an exciting collaboration with my advisor, Dr. Al Licuanan, and De La Salle University: a field guide publication detailing approximately 50 coral species and focusing on threatened species. The field guide will help scientists and stakeholders learn how to distinguish between similar coral species, and includes links to easily view the corresponding 3D model for each coral species.

It’s hard to believe that this amazing opportunity is over. I’m so thankful to have had this experience, and will forever cherish the memories and friendships I made in the Philippines. My sincere thanks go to the people who made my stay in this country so wonderful, and the researchers who continue to fight for the health of their coral reefs. Maraming salamat po!

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March Madness

The month of March was a whirlwind of conferences, research and field expeditions. The month kicked off with the 2017 Mid-year Enrichment Conference for US Fulbrighters, which featured the work of 44 Fulbright scholars conducting research in the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Timor Leste. 

The Philippine-American Educational Foundation hosted the conference here in Manila, and organized panels for Fulbrighters to share their research. We met the U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, Ambassador Sung Kim, toured the Ayala Museum and enjoyed the beautiful voices of the Central Luzon State University Maestro Singers. 

After the conference I hopped on a plane to the island of Busuanga for a research trip solely for 3D modeling, with researcher Princess Mordeno. I met up with Princess in Coron where she had been staying with a college friend, and experienced the famous Filipino hospitality and a delicious lunch with Gen and her family.

Princess and I stayed in Concepcion, a small town an hour west of Coron. Unlike its neighbor, Concepcion is a very quiet neighborhood mostly untouched by tourism. We spent three days diving at the nearby islands of Calumbuyan, Rat Island and Tangtangan, and photographed over 10 new coral species, including several vulnerable species. 

In addition to looking for vulnerable coral species, Princess and I were also looking for a particular subset of corals called “Nemenzo species.” These are coral species that were first described by Francisco Nemenzo, the first Filipino scientist to identify and categorize coral species using corals from the Philippines. The coral species identified by Nemenzo have both scientific and cultural significance, and we found several while diving in Busuanga.

Nemenzo Species by yasmeensmalley on Sketchfab

After wrapping up our diving in Concepcion, we returned to Coron to ship our gear, and I tried eating a street-food favorite: balut, a hard-boiled duck embryo. Balut is sold according to age; the chick hatches at approximately 21 days, and it’s usually sold and eaten between 16 and 21 days old. This Filipino delicacy is eaten hot and with a splash of vinegar, and I have to say, it’s not my favorite. While in Concepcion I also tried “dirty ice cream,” which is a delicious sorbet sold by street hawkers. That was much more up my alley!

After returning from Busuanga I had four days in Manila to process my 3D models before returning back to the field, this time to Romblon, the Marble Capital of the Philippines. I joined my advisor, Dr. Al Licuanan, and researchers Alexis Principe and Jen Deauna in Batangas, where they were doing research alongside the California Academy of Sciences Coral Team. The CAS team included scientists Terry Gosliner, Meg Burke, Gary Williams, Rebecca Albright, Rich Mooi, Allison Fritts-Penniman, Kelly Larkin, and Kent Carpenter from Old Dominion University. 

Dr. Al, Alexis, Jen and I took a ferry from Batangas Port to Romblon, where we then disembarked with a dozen large bags. The mode of local transportation in Romblon and many other provinces in the Philippines is by trike, a motorcycle with an attached sidecar. We loaded up three trikes with our gear, and then made our way to the Three P Dive Resort.

It was wonderful working with and learning from the CAS scientists. At the end of each day we all shared our findings: sometimes a particularly thriving coral reef at a recommended dive site, other times new soft coral and nudibranch (sea slug) species. I was fascinated to learn about predatory nudibranchs that eat certain species of hard coral, including some that I’d photographed and 3D modeled. As Allison explained, some predatory nudibranchs are only found on specific species of corals, which they eat. If their coral food source is a vulnerable or endangered species, then they too are at risk of becoming threatened. 

While we did see several beautiful coral reefs, many of which were dominated by Porites coral, we saw plenty of coral predation by Crown-of-Thorns starfish, or COTs. These were prevalent both in Romblon and in Busuanga, where I had seen them on my previous trip. COTs eat coral, and in some dive sites we saw dozens at a time, some piled on top of each other.

I took a break from diving near the end of the trip to assist Meg with an outreach event at a local school, which the CAS team does frequently while working abroad. Meg, Allison and I went to Montfort Academy, where Meg presented on the importance of coral reefs, why they’re at risk, and some of the ways that we can all help protect and conserve them. I also briefly explained my research and showed an excellent video explaining the biology of coral reefs. The video was produced by Project Turokuro, a social media experiment that aims to promote the work of Filipino scientists to increase the science literacy of Filipinos.

After six days of diving and 24 photographed corals, we said our goodbye to the CAS team and made our separate ways back to Manila. I haven’t yet visited the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, so I’m hoping to visit and see the Steinhart Aquarium, where I’ll be able to relive my time here with the Philippine Coral Reef exhibit.

I’m headed out to my final research trip this week, this time to the east side of the Philippines in Guiuan, Samar. I’m curious to note the differences between coral reefs there and ones I’ve seen so far, as I’ve heard that corals in Samar are smaller and more encrusting due to stronger wave action in the Pacific. Guiuan was also heavily damaged by Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013, which devastated coral reefs around the Philippines and killed over 6,000 people. It will be a somber and important place to conclude my photographic research.

This blog is not an official Department of State publication, and the views and information presented here are those of Yasmeen Smalley-Norman and do not represent the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, the Department of State, the Philippine-American Educational Foundation or De La Salle University.

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Passing the 3D Modeling Torch

In early February I returned to the Br. Alfred Shields FSC Marine Station in Lian, Batangas with researchers Jennifer Deauna, Michelle Reyes and my advisor, Dr. Wilfredo Licuanan. Jen and Michelle joined me to practice 3D modeling corals underwater, and “Sir Al” (as he’s called by the team) was the coral species specialist, pointing out vulnerable and rare corals to 3D model. 

This was my first time diving with Dr. Licuanan, and it was especially rewarding because during the trip I created my 100th coral model since beginning my Fulbright grant. After tallying up the models upon our return to De La Salle University, I’ve created 115 3D coral models, which you can scroll through below. Of these 115 coral models, 44 are models of vulnerable species and 5 are models of endangered species, with more than one model for each species. The remaining 66 models are of coral species that are not vulnerable or endangered, but may look similar or be in the same genus as their vulnerable/endangered counterparts.

Corals of the Philippines by yasmeensmalley on Sketchfab

I’ve modeled 26 of the 166 vulnerable coral species and 2 of the 10 endangered coral species in the Philippines, as listed by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). That means there’s a long way to go before there’s a comprehensive database of vulnerable and endangered coral species in the Philippines. Many of these species are difficult to find and/or are limited to a certain geographic range. Other coral species are too complex to be successfully modeled, and some species are not able to be identified underwater, and instead need to be inspected under a microscope to identify distinguishing characteristics and determine what coral species it is.

While it’s unlikely that I’ll be able to 3D model all of the vulnerable and endangered coral species in the Philippines, I’ll be leaving behind a team of researchers who can continue my work. After our trip to Lian in early February, I taught a two-part 3D modeling workshop to Dr. Licuanan’s research team. I had taught some researchers the process while we were on expeditions, (and they created their own 3D coral models!) but teaching the process to everyone ensures that they’ll be able to incorporate the 3D modeling technique into their own research. 

I also spent a rewarding afternoon sharing my experiences with science communication to an audience of young communicators at De La Salle University. My talk, titled “The Intersection of Science and Art: Underwater Photography & Science Communication” aimed to inspire students to bridge the gap between science and communication, and was the first science communication lecture in a series of presentations. Working with scientists to share their research to the public is a key component of my work here in the Philippines, and I hope I inspired these young communicators to do the same. 

This week I'll be giving a 3D modeling workshop to some of the photography students from the talk, and I’m excited to see how they use this technique. With only two months left in my grant, I’m eager to pass on as much knowledge as I can. And next week I'll be attending the Fulbright Conference in Southeast Asia, which is held right here in Manila. I'm looking forward to meeting my Fulbright peers from other countries, and learning more about their diverse research! 

This blog is not an official Department of State publication, and the views and information presented here are those of Yasmeen Smalley-Norman and do not represent the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, the Department of State, the Philippine-American Educational Foundation or De La Salle University.

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A Reef Through Time

Last week Dea and I journeyed to Anilao for a brief diving expedition, where we were hosted by marine biologist and artist Jay Maclean and his wife, Margie. I had met Jay and Margie at a book launch party in Manila, where we connected over our love of scuba diving and marine life in the Philippines. 

Our research base was the Melon Patch, Jay and Margie’s home in Anilao. Just down the road from our previous diving locations, the Melon Patch is located right on the water, which meant we could dive out of their backyard. Jay and Margie have spent decades scuba diving, snorkeling and contributing to scientific research in the Philippines, and they frequently open their home to visiting friends, family and researchers. Dea and I were the 743 & 744th visitor to the Melon Patch since 2011- a mind boggling number. 

Our stay in Anilao was short, just a couple days since we had to get back to Manila for a team meeting. But since our dives are shallow, we were able to stretch our dive times to 1.5-2.5 hours each, and accomplished three dives in two days. As usual, we were on the lookout for vulnerable coral species, as well as similar corals in the same genus. But I was also looking for signs of change and/or damage to the reef, based on its history over the last 20 years. 

Jay and Margie have seen countless changes to their backyard coral reef, from the Melon Patch’s inception as a beach hut in 1996 to a multi-story home today. Multiple typhoons, crown-of-thorns starfish invasions and coral bleaching from rising ocean temperatures have all affected the reef, some more than others. The most recent change to the reef was from a devastating typhoon in July of 2014, which completely rearranged the underwater topography. Large boulder corals toppled down the reef slope, crushing smaller corals in their path. Dea and I saw and photographed one such toppled coral while diving: a large, fallen coral at the base of the slope, which was amazingly still partially alive.

Favia sp. #2 by yasmeensmalley on Sketchfab

Although the coral above is still alive, most of the reef was damaged by the 2014 typhoon and is only now starting to recover. Jay and Margie recounted tales of bringing friends to Anilao to snorkel all day on the reef, which was then teeming with life. While the reef has recovered slightly since 2014, it still has battle scars. One such scar was a large Lobophyllia serratus coral (a coral species listed by the International Union of Conservation of Nature as “Endangered”) that was broken in half and scattered on the sand. Whether the destruction was caused by the large buoy rope nearby, anchor damage, the 2014 typhoon or natural causes is unclear, but it was a sad sight.

When asked about the future of the reef, Jay cited climate change as the real threat to watch out for. Jay and Margie have seen their reef recover from typhoon damage, albeit slowly, but increasing ocean temperatures would bleach corals and create a hostile environment for coral growth. The good news is that bleaching was rare in Anilao during the 2016 bleaching event, and the reef is slowly coming back to life. Working with homeowners, locals and even resorts to chronicle how a coral reef changes over time is a valuable tool, and provides insight into the life and health of a reef. 

Our Anilao trip was short but sweet, and I created 18 coral models during our two days at the Melon Patch. I’m now off to Lian with my mentor, Dr. Al Licuanan, and two researchers to 3D model some more vulnerable species. Bon voyage!

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Measuring Coral Diversity in 3D

2016 in the Philippines concluded with one last research expedition before heading home for the holidays. It seemed fitting that my destination should be the field station in Lian, as it was the site where I first began learning about coral taxonomy in the Philippines at the beginning of my Fulbright grant. 

My dive buddy for this trip was Princess Mordeno, who identified coral species for me while scuba diving. We were joined by Sandra Bahinting, Reine Cabreira, Nica Feliciano and Darwin Raymundo, who were working on a separate research project studying Euphyllia corals. Our expedition was short with just two nights and three days in Lian, with a total of four two-hour dives. Our rigorous schedule involved going out for a morning dive, coming back for lunch and to fill our SCUBA tanks, doing an afternoon dive and then returning back to the field station in the evening. The trip was incredibly successful despite the short length; I modeled 31 coral specimens, including some new vulnerable species that I hadn’t photographed before. 

One of the reasons I was able to have such a successful trip and model so many coral specimens is because Lian is a hotbed for coral biodiversity. According to my mentor, Dr. Licuanan, when the Br. Alfred Shields FSC Marine Station was first founded in Lian it was estimated that there were 36 coral species per square metre. That’s a lot! 

In the model below there are 8 different hard coral specimens, including Acanthastrea echinata. By using the “cigarette butt” PVC pipe for scale we can use the 3D modeling software to determine the total area of the scene, which is .8395 m2. That means in the scene below there are 8 coral species in .84 metres squared. Scientists can use this information to assess the health and diversity of a reef, just as the number of coral species per square metre was recorded when the marine station in Lian was founded. Of course, this data could also be gathered by a scientist using a tape measure while scuba diving, but digitizing part of the coral reef allows for further study and identification when back on land. 

Acanthastrea echinata #2 by yasmeensmalley on Sketchfab

With the models from my Lian trip processed and added to my total tally, I have published 85 models of coral specimens in the Philippines, 48 of which are endangered or vulnerable according to the IUCN Red List. Of the 166 vulnerable coral species in the Philippines, there are still 42 left on my list to 3D model. The remaining vulnerable coral species that are not on my list to model are either too complex for the software to render or have moving tentacles that prevent digitization, as I mentioned in an earlier post. In addition to modeling vulnerable species, I will also continue modeling coral species that are in the same taxonomic group, so scientists can use the models to compare and learn differences between similar species. 

Corals of the Philippines by yasmeensmalley on Sketchfab

With my list of remaining vulnerable coral species to 3D model, I’ve worked with the research team to plan trips for my remaining four and a half months in the Philippines. I’ll be returning to Lian in February, going to Busuanga in March and Romblon and Taytay in April. My Fulbright grant concludes in mid-May, so it’s sure to be an exciting and busy first half of 2017. Cheers!

This blog is not an official Department of State publication, and the views and information presented here are those of Yasmeen Smalley-Norman and do not represent the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, the Department of State, the Philippine-American Educational Foundation or De La Salle University.

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Return to Anilao

My last trip to Anilao was cut short abruptly by Typhoon Lawin, so in early November I returned to Anilao to finish the 3D modeling and monitoring that we’d started in October. I was joined by Kim Acosta, Marco Go and Dea Licuanan, all research scientists with De La Salle University working on the National Assessment of Coral Reef Environments (NACRE) study.

We had two sites left to monitor from our previous trip. The monitoring process involves laying five 50 metre transects, after which a diver photographs a 1x1 metre frame of the reef at each metre along the transect. The photographs are later analyzed by the research team, and 10 random points in each photograph are identified and categorized. This thorough process separates the random points into categories of corals, algae, abiotic (non-living) structures, other biota (living organisms) and others. 

Photo courtesy of the NACRE study. Each green letter in the photo is one of ten random points to be identified and categorized.

When the photographs from a site are analyzed, the resulting data is collated into an Excel file which provides a percentage breakdown of how much coral, algae, sand/rock and living organisms are present at each site. This information paints a comprehensive picture of the health of the reef, and data from all over the Philippines is being collected and analyzed by the team for the NACRE study. 

In addition to wrapping up the monitoring dives, we had several dives just for 3D modeling. Dea found some vulnerable corals species that I hadn’t photographed before, including some species that are difficult to identify. After processing the models from Anilao, my total count of 3D coral models produced in the Philippines is 62, of which 44 models are of endangered or vulnerable coral species, with some duplicates.

Physogyra lichtensteini by yasmeensmalley on Sketchfab

Since I’ve already modeled many of the easily identifiable endangered and vulnerable coral species, I’m going to be incorporating other coral species on my future modeling expeditions. Each coral species is part of a larger group, or genus, that shares defining characteristics. I’m going to begin modeling corals that aren’t endangered or vulnerable, but that are in the same genus as corals that are. This will help scientists compare corals that look similar and are difficult to distinguish from one another underwater.

These two Platygyra species look almost identical, however Platygyra yaeyamaensis (right) is vulnerable, while Platygyra contorta is not.

But all work and no play makes Yasmeen a dull Fulbright Scholar, and on November 10th I celebrated my birthday in Manila! I spent the day recovering from election watching and enjoying pizza, ice skating (in a mall, of course) and spending time with some of the other Fulbright scholars. It was a memorable birthday, and the start of a very rewarding year. 

A couple weeks later I welcomed my dad to Manila for a Thanksgiving visit. We toured the historic Intramuros district, strolled through malls in Makati and enjoyed some beautiful sunsets in Anilao. My favorite part of his visit was taking him underwater for his Discover Scuba class, where a divemaster guided him around the reef. I pointed out corals that I had modeled before, and we explored my underwater office. 

I’m headed to the Br. Alfred Shields FSC Marine Station in Lian tomorrow for a three-day 3D modeling expedition. It’s fitting that I’m returning to Lian for my last expedition of the year, as it was the first place I visited outside of Manila. Bon voyage!

This blog is not an official Department of State publication, and the views and information presented here are those of Yasmeen Smalley-Norman and do not represent the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, the Department of State, the Philippine-American Educational Foundation or De La Salle University.

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Diving in Anilao

The morning of our first full day of diving in Anilao brought a beautiful clear day with blue skies and a glassy ocean. In short, perfect diving conditions. I was joined by Dea Licuanan, a coral scientist, and Alexis Principe, an underwater photographer and Divemaster.

Unfortunately, I learned that these beautiful diving conditions were the calm before the storm; in this case, the calm before Typhoon Lawin. The weather patterns of the Philippines are dictated by two dominant weather patterns: habagat (southwest wind/monsoon) and amihan (northeast trade winds). Habagat monsoon winds bring rain and humidity, and are active from June - October. Amihan winds are usually drier and cooler, and are active from mid-October - April. Prime diving season is between April and June, when warm weather and calm winds reign. 

Despite the impending typhoon, we were still able to do most of our research dives. Our objectives on this trip were to 3D model vulnerable coral species as well as survey local coral reefs, which hadn’t been monitored recently. This meant that I was drafted into duty as a temporary coral researcher, and laid transects for the photo survey. After each monitoring dive we would use the rest of the air in our SCUBA tank to 3D model, and then did a separate 3D modeling dive in the afternoon. Over the course of three days I made 14 coral models, which you can view below. 

Endangered & Vulnerable Corals of the Philippines by yasmeensmalley on Sketchfab

In each of my 3D coral models you’ll notice a small PVC cylinder, or as my dad calls it, the “cigarette butt.” I include this PVC cylinder in each scene before I begin photographing. Because I know the measurements of the cylinder it acts as a scale, allowing me to use software to measure the length and even surface area of a model. This feature has a lot of potential, especially for scientists seeking to track coral growth over a period of time. 

Unfortunately while we were diving in Anilao we saw a lot of trash, both on the surface and underwater. There has been increased development in recent years, as tourism promotes the building of countless new resorts. The silt from commercial development decreases visibility and can harm coral reefs. Marine advocacy, photography and now 3D modeling are bringing these issues to the surface. 

We had to leave Anilao a day early due to the typhoon, but I was able to photograph plenty of coral specimens. So far I’ve created 40 models of coral specimens here in the Philippines, 31 of which are endangered or vulnerable coral species. But it’s not all work and no play; I’m spending time getting to know the research team as well as the vibrant city of Manila. That mostly involves eating lots of different cuisines! Including my favorite: pizza.

I’m heading back to Anilao tomorrow to conclude the monitoring research and 3D modeling we began two weeks ago. Cheers!

This blog is not an official Department of State publication, and the views and information presented here are those of Yasmeen Smalley-Norman and do not represent the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, the Department of State, the Philippine-American Educational Foundation or De La Salle University.

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Coron 2.0

My Fulbright research to model endangered and vulnerable coral species in the Philippines continued during my second trip to Coron, an island rich in coral biodiversity. I modeled 21 new coral specimens, including endangered, vulnerable and threatened species. Several models are featured below, but click here to view my complete collection of 3D coral models. 

Pachyseris rugosa #2 (with Pectinia lactuca) by yasmeensmalley on Sketchfab

Bleached Physogyra lichtensteini by yasmeensmalley on Sketchfab

This was my second expedition to Coron to 3D model corals, and I’ve been spoiled by healthy reefs and diverse coral species. Many coral reefs in Coron are protected and are designated as marine reserves, but even with protection these sites are still at risk of coral bleaching. Bleaching occurs when water temperatures increase and the symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) living in the coral become stressed and leave the coral, resulting in a loss of color and nutrients provided by the algae. Without the symbiotic relationship the coral is left to slowly starve.

The third global coral bleaching event is concluding now, and the effect on coral reefs in the Philippines remains to be seen. Dr. Licuanan and the team of researchers have been reporting bleaching at their research sites since the event began. Each yellow flag in the map below represents a survey site that has experienced coral bleaching.

 Although I and the two other researchers, Kim Acosta and Dea Licuanan, only saw a few bleached corals in Coron, it was a reminder that even the healthiest coral reefs are at risk of rising sea temperatures.

Kim, Dea and I spent three days diving, doing two rigorous two-hour dives each day. I photographed approximately 5 corals during each dive, and each model is made up of approximately 100-150 images. This means that I was shooting just over 1,000 pictures a day! Although we were tired from the diving, we did spend one afternoon enjoying the local scenery from the top of Mount Tapyas, a local landmark. Climbing a 210 meter mountain after four hours of diving is nothing to sneeze at!

Back in the office after our Coron trip, it was time to edit the photos and process the models. Luckily I have a good workflow to edit and process the images quickly, and worked with my affiliate Dr. Licuanan, Kim and Dea to correctly identify each coral species. My accuracy with coral taxonomy is slowly improving, but having the help of coral scientists is invaluable. 

Many thanks also to the crew and volunteer divers who helped on both of the trips to Coron: The boat captain, Ryan Christopher Baroña, the boat crew Rual Ormido and Emanuel Baroña, and community Reef Check divers Bot Lopez and Rodel Motin.

Next it’s off to Mabini, Batangas to model more vulnerable coral species. We’re anticipating some rain from a tropical storm passing through, so fingers crossed for safe travel and diving. Cheers!

This blog is not an official Department of State publication, and the views and information presented here are those of Yasmeen Smalley-Norman and do not represent the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, the Department of State, the Philippine-American Educational Foundation or De La Salle University.

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3D Coral Modeling in Coron

My first trip to 3D model corals in the field was a success, as I returned from Coron last week with memory cards full of photographs of endangered and vulnerable coral species. The corals of Coron were beautiful and plentiful, although we did see some coral bleaching during our trip. 

My research as a Fulbright scholar is to 3D model endangered and vulnerable species so that local stakeholders, citizen scientists and scuba divers can more easily visualize and identify these species in the field.

The Philippines has over 500 species of corals, 10 of which are endangered and 166 of which are vulnerable. This island nation has one of the highest levels of biodiversity in the world and is part of the Coral Triangle, an area in Southeast Asia known for high coral biodiversity.

I chose to model endangered and vulnerable species because of their relative rarity and because they are more at risk of coral bleaching, sedimentation and habitat loss. The IUCN uses criteria such as population size, a decline or reduction in population, location and other factors to determine the assessment level for each species, which range from Extinct to Least Concern.

Lobophyllia serratus by yasmeensmalley on Sketchfab

While my initial, and admittedly ambitious intent was to model each and every endangered and vulnerable coral species, I quickly realized that I would have to amend my goals. Many coral species in the Philippines resemble each other, and some species are only identifiable under a microscope. Some species are rare and have no verified location, and others have such a complex structure that the 3D software isn’t able to stitch the photos together successfully.

With those limiting factors in mind, my list of coral species to 3D model was winnowed down to roughly 60 species. So far I’ve made several models of three different species, including two endangered species. Below is a model of Pectinia maxima, an endangered species. To view the full collection of corals I've modeled so far, click here. 

Pectinia maxima #2 by yasmeensmalley on Sketchfab

I'm headed back to Coron tomorrow with a field guide and an updated list of vulnerable and endangered species to model. The Philippines is a beautiful country, and I'm fortunate to be working in such a diverse and inspiring place.

This blog is not an official Department of State publication, and the views and information presented here are those of Yasmeen Smalley-Norman and do not represent the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, the Department of State, the Philippine-American Educational Foundation or De La Salle University.

[yasmeensmalley]

Making it in Manila

Since beginning my Fulbright in the Philippines, I’ve been amazed at how well my 3D coral modeling research dovetails with the existing work being done by my host institution, De La Salle University, my affiliate Dr. Licuanan and the Reef Keepers team. The team is currently working on three national surveys: the National Assessment of Coral Reef Environments (NACRE), the Coral Reef Visualization and Assessment survey (CORVA) and the Philippine Coral and Mangrove Remote Sensing survey (PhilCoMar). These surveys assess the health of coral reefs around the country, determine potential stressors and offer management solutions and strategies for their protection. I’ll be accompanying the research team on scientific expeditions and will be producing 3D models of endangered and vulnerable coral species, so that local stakeholders can more easily visualize and identify the valuable resources in their backyard.

In addition to familiarizing myself with the different surveys that I’ll be joining, I’ve also been hard at work learning coral taxonomy before heading out to the field. I joined a coral taxonomy workshop at the University of the Philippines Diliman taught by my affiliate, DLSU professor Dr. Al Licuanan, and started the learning process of how to identify coral specimens. This new skill will help me select corals to model while scuba diving, and I’ll be working with researchers who will help me identify the endangered and vulnerable species. 

The coral taxonomy workshop was held at The Marine Science Institute (MSI) at the University of the Philippines Diliman, which houses the largest collection of coral skeletons in the Philippines. These coral skeletons are used to train visiting researchers like myself on identification techniques, and a select group of “type specimens” are used as an invaluable reference to define characteristics of that species. The museum houses hundreds of coral specimens, and is an extensive and unique collection in the Philippines and around the world. I’ve been 3D modeling some of these coral skeletons, with the goal of digitizing them with enough accuracy to show individual polyps and identify corals to the species level. Below is a short video of the 3D model, but you can interact with the coral model by clicking here. 

After the lab training it was off to Lian in the province of Batangas to employ my new coral identification skills in the field at the Br. Alfred Shields FSC Marine Station, which De La Salle University owns and uses to conduct marine science. This was my first time in the ocean since arriving in the Philippines, and snorkeling around the area was a beautiful and effective way to identify coral species in situ, or in their natural state.

I’ll be leaving on Monday to Coron, where my SCUBA gear awaits! This will be my first time diving and employing underwater 3D modeling in the Philippines, and I can’t wait to begin my underwater 3D research. Cheers!

This blog is not an official Department of State publication, and the views and information presented here are those of Yasmeen Smalley-Norman and do not represent the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, the Department of State, the Philippine-American Educational Foundation or De La Salle University.

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Beginning the Fulbright Experience in the Philippines

My journey as a 2016-2017 Fulbright scholar has begun! I’ve arrived in Manila and will be in the Philippines for 9 months, working with Dr. Licuanan and scientists from De La Salle University to 3D model endangered and vulnerable coral species. 

The past six months have been a whirlwind of preparation and involvement in the scuba diving community. In April I attended Beneath the Sea, an annual consumer dive trade show in New Jersey. I met some of the incredibly talented diving professionals of the Women Divers Hall of Fame (WDHOF) at the annual brunch and presented my photographs from my WDHOF-funded workshop in the Sea of Cortez. I also met again with Her Deepness, Sylvia Earle, and met underwater photography and cinematography legends Ernie Brooks and Stan Waterman.

A few weeks later I flew to Singapore to represent The Hydrous at ADEX 2016, and presented on how The Hydrous 3D models coral specimens for educational and scientific purposes. Since I had also attended the Boston Sea Rovers show in March, this marked my third SCUBA show in two months! 

A few months and lots of paperwork later, I finally made it to Manila to start my Fulbright grant! I’ve been here for one week, and am learning some of the intricacies of living in this crowded and exhilarating city.  I’ll be based at my host institution, De La Salle University, and will be traveling with the dive team to locations such as Palawan, Mindoro, Lian, Mabini, Cagayan, El Nido and others to photograph and 3D model endangered and vulnerable coral species.

The Reef Keepers Dive Team!

I can’t wait to get in the water and start photographing! 

This blog is not an official Department of State publication, and the views and information presented here are those of Yasmeen Smalley-Norman and do not represent the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, the Department of State, the Philippine-American Educational Foundation or De La Salle University.

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The Hydrous at ADEX 2016

The Hydrous attended ADEX 2016 for the first time to host a booth, share information about our citizen science expeditions and present our 3D coral mapping work. The largest dive show in Asia, ADEX attracts recreational scuba divers, technical divers, snorkelers and even “mermaids,” some of whom are freedivers or underwater models.

Our goal for the expo was to spread awareness of coral conservation and our 3D mapping work. We were joined by several volunteers from Autodesk who spoke about Memento, the Autodesk software that we use to create 3D models. Our volunteers included Brandon Goh, The Hydrous’ Asia Pacific representative, Vikas Saxena, a Senior Software Engineer, Joann Ong, an Admin Assistant, Xavielle Ang, an HR employee, Wensu Lim, an HR employee and Gloria Song, a Learning & Development Division employee.

We met so many talented scuba divers, nonprofits and conservationists who are hard at work protecting our coral reefs, and we look forward to collaborating with them in the years ahead. Thanks to our volunteers for their hard work and to those who stopped by our booth! We’re looking forward to ADEX 2017, which will be dedicated to climate change impact and awareness. See you there!

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The Hydrous recently spent a week in Belize to conduct preliminary analysis of coral reefs in Mexico Rocks marine reserve in Ambergris Caye.

The Caribbean was once home to the most pristine coral reefs in the world, but unfortunately local stressors such as pollution combined with global climate change has changed many of these reefs to a shadow of its former beauty. 

We hope to return to Belize later this year to pass on our 3D modeling methodology, so local park rangers can use this technology to monitor their reefs. 

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10 Days in an At-Risk Paradise- 3D Mapping Coral Reefs in the Maldives with The Hydrous

I wrapped up a busy year of traveling with a feather in my cap- scuba diving in the Maldives with The Hydrous organization. Sly Lee, The Hydrous founder, had been to the Maldives before in early 2015 to establish a baseline of coral reef health, and our return trip was the first time we would use 3D technology to assess coral growth over a period of time. 

Sly and I were joined by Hassan, a local scuba diving instructor, Patchi, a young citizen scientist and our scholarship student, and seven participants from different backgrounds, all brought together by a love of the oceans. With expertise in marine biology, computer engineering, underwater archaeology and exponential technologies, our unique team set out to conduct fish surveys and create 3D models, and also to brainstorm solutions for environmental issues affecting the “Jewel of the Indian Ocean.”

The Maldives is one of the most at risk countries for climate change. This low-lying island nation already experiences beach erosion, coral bleaching, rising sea levels and increased weather events, such as the 2004 tsunami that devastated the country.  All eyes are to the horizon as an El Nino is predicted to arrive in the Maldives in April of 2016, bringing with it the largest coral bleaching event since the 1977/’78 El Nino, which destroyed 90% of coral cover in the island nation. 

The Maldives is made up over 2,000 small islands, which makes waste management a logistical nightmare. The photo above was taken in Malé, the nation’s capital and home to almost half of the country’s population. With an area just over 2 square miles, Malé is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. The Maldivian word for beach, Gon'du dho, is synonymous to “trash dump,” a mindset evident at each local beach not owned by a resort. Local organizations such as Save the Beach conduct beach cleanups, but the underlying attitude toward the environment will take longer to change. 

Like many island nations, the two main sources of industry in the Maldives are tourism and fishing. Seafood is a staple in the Maldivian diet, and yellowfin tuna are highly sought-after and fetch high prices on the export market. Although most fishermen use sustainable methods of troll and pole-and-line fishing to catch tuna, the real threat is to small baitfish populations, who are caught in bulk to supply bait for commercial tuna fishing. The removal of bait fish from coral reefs destabilizes marine ecosystems, making them more vulnerable to other stressors. 

The Hydrous uses 3D modeling to visualize the effects of climate change, overfishing and pollution on coral reefs. Sly and I taught our expedition members underwater photography and photogrammetry, which utilizes photography to create 3D models. Our participants were soon creating their own 3D models, including this model created by our scholarship student, Patchi. We’re working with Autodesk and other software developers to build an online 3D coral model repository, which will be used worldwide to create open-access oceans, viewable to anyone with a computer or smartphone.

Our most important contribution while in the Maldives was the creation a youth program, Maalimi, designed to improve education, environmental awareness and marine conservation. The program was created from collaboration between our participants and local partners, and aims to support education and marine conservation in the Maldives by creating and empowering “island ambassadors.” These ambassadors will conduct beach cleanups, lead educational snorkel trips and teach fish and coral identification workshops, in addition to working on a long-term project to improve island resiliency in the face of climate change. Visit www.maalimi.org to learn more about Maalimi and how you can help. 

10 days, 20 scientific transects, hundreds of 3D coral models, thousands of fish surveyed and the creation of a youth program- a successful expedition for The Hydrous. We look forward to returning in 2016 and mapping more of the Maldives’ beautiful coral reefs. Happy New Year!

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Diving in the Sea of Cortez

by Yasmeen Smalley-Norman 2015 WDHOF/Morgan-O’Neill Underwater Photography Grant recipient

My week in the Sea of Cortez so exceeded my wildest imaginings that I have to begin by thanking those who made it possible: Erin O’Neill, Frank Boulanger, Dora Sandoval, Marty Snyderman and the Women Divers Hall of Fame.

My training grant covered the cost of a week-long underwater photography workshop in the Sea of Cortez, and began in La Paz, Mexico, where I met underwater photographer Marty Snyderman, who photographs and writes three columns for Dive Training Magazine. An accomplished teacher, Marty began advising me on how to make the most of my magical week in the Sea of Cortez, a body of water that Jacques Cousteau once called “the world’s aquarium.”

I asked Marty how he conceptualized and told stories photographically, and his response of “in the context of five photographs” was a bit daunting at first. But after some underwater contemplation, I decided to use the same “five photo” technique to tell the story of my learning experience, and to have each photograph represent a photographic technique that I learned.

During my week I took thousands of photos, learned new approaches to underwater photography, and saw unbelievable marine life. I greatly appreciate this opportunity and the experience it has provided me, and I hope to return one day to the magical Sea of Cortez.

Our first night dive had a thrilling guest appearance: my first ever seahorse encounter. We had been diving for several days, and I had been struggling with proper lighting and exposure with my macro photography. But with the appearance of the seahorse, all of Marty’s instructions about exposure and lighting clicked into place. For the first time on the trip I produced a perfectly exposed photograph, and in doing so recorded a very special encounter.

My next challenge with macro photography was to find and frame subjects against a visually interesting background. While I was able to find small subjects among colorful corals, actually photographing the camera-shy fish was an exercise in patience. I quickly learned the value of slow movements and a discerning eye, and successfully photographed a spotted sharpnose puffer fish.

After several days of macro photography, I “graduated” to the next step: wide angle photography. Marty explained that wide angle photography can be more complex than macro photography because it requires the photographer balance the ambient light in the background against the strobe light in the foreground. I found a perfect opportunity to demonstrate this technique with a school of sardines at sunset.

Another night dive yielded a breathtaking scene. Watching the mobula rays circle the light was hypnotizing, and I ended up spending more time underwater than I had intended. After a sleepy morning the next day I decided to pay more attention to my diving practices, even when faced with beautiful scenes such as this one.

Diving with energetic California Sea Lions at Los Islotes was overwhelming, and getting a photo of the gambolling pups was a challenge. My fourth dive with the sea lions provided a beautiful backdrop, and I exercised judicious timing to catch the pups at the right moment. And of course I employed my favorite lesson: to have fun!

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Diving in Maine offers a unique set of challenges to the intrepid diver and underwater photographer. The water temperature usually hovers around 55 degrees Fahrenheit, visibility is often poor and strong currents can ruin a dive. But for every chilly dive, beautiful wonders await!

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An Update from Under the Waves

It’s been a while since my last blog post, and quite a bit has happened since I wrapped up my National Park Service internship in Washington D.C last October. After my presentation to several movers and shakers at the National Park Service headquarters, I flew home to New Hampshire to enjoy being in one place for more than a couple weeks.

I had just put my heels up when I received a fantastic opportunity working with an expert team at the Advanced Imaging and Visualization Lab at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI). My role at the lab was to analyze video footage from expeditions to the Titanic, and to note changes in the ship’s structure over time. Working with such a talented group of visual people was thrilling, as was working on such a historic and significant project. 

                      A buoy lies on the sand at Cape Cod National Seashore

My work at WHOI wrapped up in March, and in April I traveled to New York City to present my work from my internship with the National Park Service to the host organization, Our World-Underwater Scholarship Society. This fantastic group provides internships and scholarships to young professionals passionate about all facets of ocean conservation, and I was delighted to share my work with such a talented group of people. 

(Left to right: Yasmeen Smalley, 2014 National Park Service Research Intern, Katherine Newcomer, 2014 The Dr. Lee H. Somers AAUS Scientific Diving Intern, Jessica Schem, 2014 Reef Environmental and Education Foundation Marine Conservation Intern, Stephanie Roach, Lead Internship Coordinator and 2008 REEF Marine Conservation Intern, Schyler Cox, 2014 Bonnier Dive Group Publishing Intern, Nicole Hack, 2014 Center for Oceanic Awareness, Research, and Education Conservation Intern)

I took another exciting trip in June, this time to Maine to marry my scuba buddy! Mike and I had a very beautiful ceremony surrounded by friends, family and the ocean which we both love. 

I’m now reveling in summer weather and the balmy dive season here in New England, and photographing some beautiful hidden treasures. The photos below are from the O.J. Walker wreck and the Horse Ferry wreck in Vermont’s Lake Champlain. I’ll be posting again soon with some photos from Maine’s gorgeous underwater scenery, so stay tuned!