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Yap Island - Federated States of Micronesia

True beach lovers are always dreaming about some far away island, so I thought I'd share some photos taken by some friends out in the Pacific Islands. Dr. Alexander Kerr is an assistant professor of marine biology and research scientist at the University of Guam Marine Lab. Alex and two of his students, Kris Netchy and Michelle Hoffman, and their boat pilot, Mailing, made a trip to the Island of Yap to conduct research on sea cucumbers (Dr. Kerr's specialty). While there, they snapped some photos and have sent a few to share with all the beach and island lovers out there. Dr. Kerr does lots of good work, studying sea cucumbers, coral reefs, evolutionary biology, and discovering new species of life, and generally adding to our knowledge of the planet. No matter where he is, Alex is always turning over a rock or lifting up an old branch to see what is crawling around underneath.  You can find out more about Alexander Kerr's work at his website at the University of Guam.

Yap island is located in the Caroline Islands in the western Pacific Ocean. Its way out there in the Pacific. So far that even Google Maps isn't sure where it is. The shores of the island have a lot of mangrove trees, and the island has a barrier reef and a lagoon inside the reef. The way of life on Yap is still very traditional and relatively few tourists come here. A curiosity is the large stone money (photo below), which apparently is still used (changing owners rather than location). It seems the stones gained their value from being very difficult to obtain.

Yap is a popular dive destination because of its clear waters, abundant marine life, and because huge manta rays can be observed underwater on a regular basis. I'll learn more about Yap and one day perhaps I will go there and check it out for myself. No beach is too remote for BeachHunter. So enjoy the photos below and the video above.

Above: Sunrise or sunset? North of Gaetmogon channel, Weloy, on
the central western coast of the island of Yap.

Above: Same beach as above Yap Island. Lots of coconuts.

Above: Men's House on Yap. Note the stone money
displayed prominently in front (see close-up below).

Above: Stone cash. Gives new meaning to the term "hard currency."

Above: a stone path on the island of Yap. Looks very peaceful.

Above: catching an octopus.

Above: Yes, it's a shark.

Above: Looks like a Lionfish. Possibly more dangerous than the shark.

Above: To me it's a little red starfish on a coral head, but Alex calls it
an Echinaster luzonicus on a Diploastrea heliopora.
 

Above: Dr. Alexander Kerr (left) and BeachHunter on the dock at Bokeelia, Pine Island, Florida.

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