We did some traveling today and had plenty of exciting activities to keep us occupied, with even more planned for tomorrow! We started the day with a trip to the Sea Turtle Hospital and got the chance to meet over 40 turtles, spanning 4 different species. After a fascinating tour and a break to feed some of the more lively turtles, we headed back home for a lecture on coral reef dynamics.
Learning about the dire situation facing our global reef communities was sobering but not surprising. We learned about the processes behind the continuing decline of corals, and also that in just a few decades, much of the diversity and abundance of life that thrives around these reefs could disappear, along with the corals themselves. Luckily, we get the chance to venture out into the open ocean tomorrow with Keys Marine Laboratory to explore the barrier reef here in Florida.
After learning about the ocean system, we got to head out and explore it firsthand, dropping our anchor at Triton Flat to investigate the relationship between the seagrass Thalassia testudinum and sponges, as well as searching for the elusive sea urchin, Lytechinus variegatus. We also saw a strange worm buried in its den and later identified it as Alitta succinea, a ragworm. We also finally got the chance to see a huge red cushion sea star, Oreaster reticulatus. After a full day, we came home to a humble dinner of walking tacos and watched another beautiful sunset.
– Elijah Stoltzfus, ’25
