My name is Dina, and I'm currently a teen intern in the Dive Department at the New England Aquarium. I will be heading off to college in the fall to study marine biology and what better way to end my senior year than living on a research vessel and scuba diving in the Bahamas during April vacation?



Although I am already scuba certified, I've only been on a couple dives and I'm excited to review the skills I have learned with the 10 other students.  Words cannot even begin to describe how grateful I am to be apart of the Sea TURTLE II team. I'm positive this is going to be an experience of a lifetime.



Looking down on our own Caribbean coral reef in the Giant Ocean Tank.

This week in class we each discussed our "eco-confessions." Dave had given us the assignment to think of something that we do in our daily lives that isn't healthy for the environment. Some of the topics that came up the most were things like using cars more often than necessary and showering for long periods of time. We also talked about ocean issues that affect the Bahamas, such as ocean acidification, invasive species, overfishing, pollution and habitat loss.



 We are more connected to places like the Bahamas then we think!

After discussing these eco-confessions, it made me realize how influential humans are on the environment. Everyone has a not so environmentally friendly habit that they're guilty of, but if we can at least try to break out of our bad habits it can make all the difference for the environment.


Dina and Porshai testing out some new dive gear!

Our first pool session is next week and I'm really excited to gear up and get in the water. I can't wait to take that giant stride off the side of the pool and get use to the feeling of breathing underwater again!

-Dina