On Sunday, September 22nd it was the last and most exciting day of our journey since everyone couldn't wait to go far in the ocean for snorkeling in the deep waters and explore the corals. Around 7am, we woke up, prepared some breakfast since we had a big day ahead of us and finally, at 8:30am we gathered outside of the condos, received our snorkel equipment and jumped right away into the boat.
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| Picture 3.1: Heading to the Corals |
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| Picture 3.2: Excited |
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| Picture 3.3: Too Excited |
After the captain of the boat explained to us some basic rules, like we weren't allowed to collect and bring anything in the boat because the corals are protected, and it is illegal to destroy them, we were ready to jump in the water.
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| Picture 3.4: Snorkeling Area |
Luckily the day was perfect for snorkeling and the sea was pretty calm. The only problems we had to pay attention to were the jellyfishes and sharks. Thanks to our experienced captain, he took us to a coral area that didn't have many jellyfishes and we had the pleasure of exploring the riff without any major danger.
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| Picture 3.5: Underwater Exploration |
For me it was the first time snorkeling in deep waters so i was really excited. The first thing i noticed when i was swimming around the corals was the variety of fishes that were in there. Also, most of the corals were "Brain Corals" surrounded by algae and marine vegetation.
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| Picture 3.6: Breaking the rules |
Even though we weren't supposed to touch anything i couldn't resist the temptation of touching some of the corals there, just to see how they felt like when they are alive. Moreover, i came across a Barracuda and a huge jellyfish, but luckily they didn't attack or sting me.
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| Picture 3.7: Barracuda |
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| Picture 3.8: Jellyfishes |
The coral reef of Florida is very important because is the only living coral barrier reef in America. Now what does coral barrier reef mean? it means they are made of calcium carbonate produced by corals. Coral reefs are colonies of small animals that are found in marine waters and contain few nutrients. (more information click here)
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| Picture 3.9: Coral Reef |
It is important to mention that Florida's coral barrier system is the third largest in the world and they are 5 to 7 thousand years old with more than 6,000 individual reefs in the system.
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| Picture 3.10: Coral Reef |
The Florida Keys reef is a sand ridge called White Bank and is covered by large beds of sea grass with patch reefs scattered across it. Almost 1,400 species of marine plants and animals, including more than 40 species of stony corals and 500 species of fish. (more information click here)
Finally, I will finish my blog with this video on our way to the coral reefs. I had a wonderful time, learned new things and saw the beauty of nature with my own eyes thanks to Geology!
References:
Picture 3.7: Barracuda:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/eb/Barracuda_laban.jpg/799px-Barracuda_laban.jpg
NOTE: All other information can be accessed by clicking "click here" in the text.
