| Coral and related species | Fish and related species | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Giant brain coral | Grooved brain coral | Smooth brain coral | Trumpetfish | Yellowtail snapper | Parrotfish |
Butterprint brain coral | Golfball coral | Blushing star coral | Pufferfish | Boxfish | Small angelfish |
Elkhorn coral | Staghorn coral | Orange tube coral | Tarpon | Triggerfish | Butterflyfish |
Green cactus coral | Sea rods | Leaf coral | Blue tang | Rock beauty | Jack fish |
Sheet coral | Flower coral | Club finger coral | Rainbow runner | Ocean Surgeonfish | Great barracuda |
Fire coral | Mustard hill coral | Sea whips | Pinfish | Grunt fish | Damselfish |
Venus sea fan | Common sea fan | Tube sponges | Sea perch | Razorfish | Squirrelfish |
Lettuce coral | Corky sea fingers | Starlet coral | Bluehead Wrasse | Conch | Arrow crabs |
Porous sea rods | Finger coral | Boulder brain coral | Coral crab | Coral shrimp | Southern sting rays |
Aerial view of the Inn, its pool, beach and the sea inside the reef
Marine survey confirms excellent snorkeling off Turtle Nest Inn beach
Survey Date: May 15, 2009
Surveyor: Professor Bill Ruf, Indiana University Tropical
Biology Team, Indiana University
Method of Survey: GPS coordinates, snorkel equipment, tape measures, clipboards,
Mylar film, compass headings
Depth of Site: 0-5 feet
Encounter with a sea turtle while snorkeling at the Inn, by Roger and Donna Smith.
Major Site Features
Overall, the Turtle Nest Inn snorkel area provides an excellent site for
snorkeling. The variety and abundance of coral and fish species combined
with the rejuvenation of coral formations and fish nurseries makes this site
sensitive. The Turtle Nest Inn snorkel area presents a spectacular glimpse
of juvenile fish species and coral formations -- directly off shore!
On the southeastern side of the site, outlining the fringing reef, lies an encrustation of
Elkhorn coral, Staghorn coral and giant
Brain corals. Extending from the sandy shore, large beds of turtle grass stretches into thick patches. Scattered between the
turtle grass and the fringing reef, lies a selection of soft and hard coral formations. Various aquatic vertebrates and
invertebrates thrive in the coral heads. To the southwestern area of the site lies a diverse genus of
Brain coral, including a rare
giant Brain coral. The principal fish identification relates a healthy
cradle of juvenile species. The nearby channel provides access for larger
species to enter into the shallow reef creating an extensive biological
diversity. The Turtle grass area provides a healthy bed for fish
nurseries.
A spiny lobster and a blue tang, photographed by Tim and Nancy McLaughlin at the Inn.
Environmental Considerations
Much of the coral is regenerating itself. Some of the coral has died off, but new coral crowns the dead. Therefore, or under
any circumstance, none of the coral should be touched.
A great barracuda spotted by Nancy Bernstein and Terry Seelinger while snorkelling at TNI.
Hazards
The main concern of the site is the strength of the current due to the nearby channel. The current comprises a south to
southwest movement. For safety rationale, snorkelers should not swim outside the Turtle Nest Inn Lagoon area. Along the
coral formations, near the fringing reef, powerful surges flow across the shallow site. A combination of strong surges and
shallow depths, a snorkeler could possibly be harmed on nearby coral extensions. Encrusted along many of the coral
formations, lies large patches of fire or stinging coral. The lagoon area may also receive a minimal amount of boat traffic.
A couple of underwater shots taken by Roger and Donna Smith, while snorkelling at Turtle Nest Inn.
A giant brain coral and some elkhorn coral, captured by Roger and Donna Smith off the Inn beach.
Site Evaluation
The Turtle Nest Inn Lagoon area comprises an excellent site for snorkeling. The abundance of aquatic life combined with the
rejuvenation of coral formations, makes the site sensitive. The site contains a rare
glimpse of shallow snorkeling, directly off
shore.
Lani, Ari and Nancy snorkelling, with Turtle Nest Inn in the background.
Recommendations
Every snorkeler should have a floating dive flag due to possible boat traffic through the lagoon. The site should be marked as
sensitive, and snorkelers should be made aware of the environmental considerations. Snorkelers should test the current by
swimming against it before they venture far. Take caution when reaching the outer fringing reef area.
Some underwater shots taken by Tim and Nancy McLaughlin while snorkelling at Turtle Nest Inn.
References
Reef Fish Identification by Paul Humann
Underwater Archaeology by Professor Charles Beeker
Marine chart of Turtle Nest Inn beach
