When I tell people that I'll be conducting research in the Florida Keys as part of Northeastern University's surface team for Mission 31, they probably envision white sand beaches, rainbow-colored reefs stretching for miles, and golden sunsets.
What they don't realize is that before I get to dive here:
What they don't realize is that before I get to dive here:
I have to dive here:
Now, don't get me wrong: I love diving in New England, where sandy bottoms settle to reveal rays, mating horseshoe crabs or a flounder or two, and rocky walls are encrusted with anemones, tunicates, mussels, and more. But the water off of Nahant (where Northeastern's Marine Science Center is located) was 55 degrees today, while the water in Key Largo was around 80 degrees. Also, as diverse as the Gulf of Maine can be, it just doesn't have the same number and variety of species found in a biodiversity hotspot like a coral reef.
So if you think these photos are cool...
So if you think these photos are cool...
… stay tuned to this blog, because as the water gets warmer, the posts and pictures are only going to get cooler and more (bio) diverse!
Countdown to Northeastern splashdown: T minus 14 days
- Jessica
- Jessica