PAA Blog Post - Day 2: Cargo Pier (J.Barrett)
Wednesday afternoon we had some time to explore the nearshore waters surrounding the Cargo Pier. Aside from the mind-blowing blue hues, the most dramatic feature is the sudden drop-off. Long ago, the area just offshore was blasted and dredged to create a large dock for barges and ships. When NOAA vessels such as the Hi‘ialakai and the Oscar Sette arrive at Midway, this is where they dock.
We donned our snorkel gear and swam out over the sandy bottom, quickly reaching the drop-off. Not more than 30 yards from shore, clear warm water turned to a chilly blue abyss. Due to the depth and poor visibility from brisk winds, we headed for the shelter of the pier. The first piling we encountered was covered with small coral heads overgrown with algae and tangled with marine debris; a sad reminder of the long and complicated history of human impact on this seemingly pristine environment.
Looking deeper, we started to notice the fish. Large schools of goatfish and several species of ulua (a.k.a. Jacks) were the first to catch our attention. Then, further below, the faint silhouette of a large honu (Green sea turtle) headed in the direction of Turtle Beach where half a dozen other turtles were already hauled-out, basking on the beach. As we lingered, more fish began to emerge; nenue (a.k.a. chubs), Moorish Idol, needlefish, whitespotted toby, cornetfish and even a Hawaiian cleaner wrasse station.
This first taste of Midway marine life has everyone eager for our chance to explore part of the atoll’s reef of Friday afternoon!
