Do you know that the barrier reef off the coast of the Florida Keys, is the ONLY barrier reef in North America AND is the third largest one within the World? These reefs carry out many essential and environmentally essential features. Because the identify implies, it acts as a barrier to the islands behind it, serving to to scale back wave and storm motion, coming in from the open ocean. Additionally it is a wildlife habitat that is likely one of the most various, in all of the world. The reef is house to these animals that by no means go away the waters right here, each fish, flowers and the precise corals themselves. It additionally acts as a haven to these fish that migrate by these waters in addition to a rookery for juvenile fish. Making this biodiverse ecosystem one which should be protected, not just for the enjoyment of all of us, however for our continued ecological life on the this large, blue marble.
Photograph Credit score: Reef Aid
That is the place Reef Aid is available in. This group was based in 1987 by Craig and Deevon Quirolo. Their mission was and continues to be certainly one of schooling to boaters and divers alike. One of many first tasks was the set up of mooring buoys alongside the reefs. This was to cease the harm that was being brought on by boats anchoring and damaging the underwater reefs and habitats. They’ve additionally been instrumental in establishing one of many first coral nurseries. Think about taking a small little bit of dwelling coral, then separating that bit into smaller bits and permitting these to develop after which transplanting these coral offspring onto the reef. Now remember the fact that corals might solely develop an inch or so over the span of many, a few years. . . What an enterprise of devoted coral dad and mom!
Video Credit score: Reef Aid
Reef Aid has additionally established nationwide and world-wide pupil instructional applications and native Coral Camp for teenagers to take part in. They’ve taken over the administration of the Key West Marine Park, in conjunction and cooperation with the Metropolis of Key West. They have been additionally instrumental in passing a neighborhood ordinance, for the usage of Ocean and Reef pleasant sunscreens. Sure, even in very small quantities, varied chemical compounds in most business sunscreens have been proven to have excessive, detrimental results on corals and coral reefs.
The air we breathe, the our bodies of water that current serenity, reflection and leisure enjoyment… all issues that we naturally take without any consideration require good stewardship. The extra we’re educated the extra delicate we’re to our duties for the world entrusted to our care.
If you need to study extra about Reef Aid and their work, please go to their web site.
If you’re able to make the leap and dive the Keys or possibly take a SCUBA or snorkeling class, let the Key West Categorical be your specific journey to this excellent undersea marvel of the world!
All images and video credit score to Reef Aid and their YouTube Channel.
