Work Intensifies at Lake Tanganyika

Sunset on Lake Tanganyika (photo by E Gaines)

The work on the lake seems to have intensified with the arrival of two more team members, Sam Drerup, a graduate student from Wright State University, and Peter McIntyre, co-principle investigator from University of Wisconsin.  Several experiments and lots of data are being gathered, and everyone is putting in long hours on the lake and working late into the night at the lab.

Yvonne, Ellen, Sam, and Ben assist the divers from the Zodiac boats. (photo by E Gaines)

Ryan and Len measuring rugosity (roughness and variation in the bottom of the lake).  (photo by E Gaines)

Yesterday Yvonne Vadeboncoeur's crew was on the lake before dawn and returned to the lab after sunset.  Pete's crew had to do emergency repairs on their boat before getting on the lake to gather samples of fish with George Kazumbe.  George is recognized as an expert of Lake Tanganyika fishes.  He is an excellant scuba diving guide, and runs Maji Makumbwa (Big Water), an Eco-tourism business in Kigoma (PKazumbe@gmail.com, majimakubwa@gmail.com, +255 755 662129).  While we have been here, scientists from Princeton, Oklahoma State, University of Arizona as well as Wright State and University of Wisconsin, and others from Europe have passed through to consult with George.

George Kazumbe, Lake Tanganyika fish expert, scuba guide, and manager of Lake Tanganyika Ecotourism & Biodiversity Conservation Project    (photo by E Gaines)

       Last weekend, the team had a wonderful dinner in a village outside of Kigoma at the home of Renalda's brother.  We had a great time and enjoyed the food and good company of Renalda's family.

The whole team!  Back row: Sam Drerup, Renalda Munubi, Elliot Gaines, Yvonne Vadeboncoeur, and Ellen Hamann.  Bottom row: Ryan Satchell, Peter McIntyre, Len Kenyon, and Benja Kraemer.

 Elliot Gaines  July 27, 2011