Fish schooling together. It's a fascinating thing to watch. Hundreds of individuals moving together with the same common goal, the same purpose. Here's a great video of a school we saw while snorkeling over a turtle grass bed.



As SEA TURTLE winds down and we reflect on the past five months, I think of an Albert Einstein quote. He said, "Wisdom is not a product of schooling but the life-long attempt to acquire it." I think that could not be more true for this trip. While we did do some classroom work (more on that here, here, here and here), we all learned a great deal just by doing, seeing, sensing and by being submerged (literally and figuratively) into the marine world, becoming wise to the integral nature of our actions and the impacts that they create.

Ten students and four instructors, all moving together with a common purpose over the past five months. And though our school of SEA TURTLEs will eventually move in different directions, may each one of us be the lead for another school of ocean lovers, moving towards a common goal of protecting our oceans.



- Jo

The island of Bimini and its surrounding tropical waters had lots of amazing habitats and animals to check out. Though we did our fair share of diving around corals, snorkeling through the mangroves was great as well (check out what Jacki and Isaiah had to say about the experience here).

As they floated down the mangrove channel, the teens were able to see the prop roots, mangrove roots that descend down into the water, creating a three dimensional habitat perfect for small fish and serves as a nursery area for such animals like lemon sharks (click here for more on our shark experience).


These areas are so important because they can provide a great habitat for animals to grow, many of them will leave the mangroves and head to the coral reefs as they get bigger. And we did see lots of animals here. There were schools of small silver fish everywhere, darting out into the channel only to swim back towards the safety of the mangroves if we got too close.



There was also a lot of spotted sea hares, big gigantic underwater slugs, all throughout the channel. They were great to watch...though you needed some time to observe them-they didn't move too fast!



The importance of the mangroves was not lost on the teens. On a section of Bimini's coastline, the mangroves have been removed due to outside development. The teens were constantly reflecting on the destruction they had witnessed and wondered how this could be allowed to happen to such an important habitat. It was great to see and hear this reaction. It's hard to connect with an environment that is far away from home and seems to have no impact on your daily life. But the teens were able to do this--connect in a way that hopefully will have long lasting impacts on their lives. They are the new stewards of this blue planet--this trip has hopefully helped them along the way.

New fans of mangroves

I took this little movie during our last dive (click through for more on this plunge at Bimini Road). Just thought it would be nice to share an underwater experience with our blog readers. I love how the soft corals sway back and forth with the wave action. I hope you enjoy this virtual scuba dive:

The trip was simply in a word-amazing. I have thought a lot about the things I want to do with my life and this trip as really shaken those thoughts to the core.


Kylie and Nick underwater

I got to experience the world of water accompanied by many great and passionate people. It has really taught me that opportunities are out there and with the right attitude, friends, and luck you will be able to explore them all. I left this adventure enthusiastic about the world and the treasures it holds.

Jane and Nick in the mangroves

In my final posting I want to convey my extreme gratitude to everyone involved in this program and for all of those who have supported our efforts. I have gained a new respect for the natural world, and a new appreciation for all those who fight to protect it. I do not know what the future will hold for me (maybe marine biology) but I do know I have a past that I can draw from and a new family whose support I will always cherish. Thank you SEA TURTLE, I owe great deal of growth to you.

Kylie and Tori prepare to take the plunge

For lack of better words, SEA TURTLE has been a truly life-changing experience. Looking back on the expedition, I have learned so much about the life and the world above and underwater, about my teammates and instructors, and most of all, about myself. Every adventure we've had on the Coral Reef II I know I will never forget.


Getting ready to dive


Tori under the waves

- Tori

See one of Tori's previous posts from the Bahamas here and flashback to her initial moments scuba diving in a Boston-area pool here!

Bye-bye R/V Coral Reef II! The 10 days spent aboard the vessel are days that I am never going to forget. Spending day after after day being completely submerged in an entirely different realm under the water has completely confirmed that I want to pursue marine biology as a major in college next year.