This Week’s Dive Report
During the week, we had a light chop with about 60 feet of visibility. It was beautiful out on the water. Conditions remained great all week until the wind kicked in on Saturday and Sunday. As you know, in the Keys, we live and die by the wind, so this made things a little rougher after that.
We had a lot of classes going on this week and were fortunate enough to certify five local EMT’s from Key Largo — thanks for your service! On their training dives, we encountered a large goliath grouper, which is always a fun treat. These curious giants have been described as puppies of the sea and can even make a bark-like noise.
Next Week’s Dive Report
The winds continue into next week, and actually become “very strong” with wave heights pushing 6 footers on Friday. It’s looking like it may be a “land-based activity” type of week. What’s your favorite way to spend a blown-out day?
Conservation Update
Islamorada Dive Center took out a few groups on Saturday and planted roughly 30 more corals at Victory Reef. This is a deeper dive site on the reef’s edge. It’s important to plant corals in locations that are scientifically studied to support coral restoration efforts, and these may be at varying depths.
Key Dives will be hosting the I.CARE coral planting dives this Saturday if the wind dies down. The two shops alternate each week.
Conservation Tip
Remember that corals are alive and don’t like certain ingredients that are found in sunscreen. It’s best to opt for “reef safe” sunscreen when out shopping or to use sun shirts, hats, buffs and sunglasses to cover yourself instead.
I.CARE Tip
As we near hurricane season, it’s good to remember that coral reefs play a critical part in shoreline resilience. They help dampen storm surge and wave energy coming towards our homes and businesses by acting as natural sea walls. Healthy reefs are more effective than manmade seawalls to protect the shore.
