Lionfish, native to the Indo-Pacific, were first reported in South Florida waters in 1985. Their introduction is believed to be the result of aquarium releases, either accidental or intentional. Since then, lionfish populations have exploded, spreading rapidly throughout the Atlantic,…
Scuba diving is an exhilarating activity that allows divers to explore the underwater world, but safety is paramount, especially when beach diving. Beach diving, or shore diving, involves entering the water from the shore rather than from a boat. This…
The spiny lobster (Panulirus argus) plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and balance of Florida’s coral reef ecosystems. These lobsters are considered keystone species, meaning their presence and activities have a disproportionately large impact on their environment. By…
Nova Southeastern University’s (NSU) turtle conservation project, known as the Broward County Sea Turtle Conservation Program (BCSTCP), plays a pivotal role in protecting endangered sea turtles along the southeastern coast of Florida. Managed by NSU’s Halmos College of Arts and Sciences,…
Coral conservation along the southeastern coast of Florida is a critical endeavor, given the region’s rich marine biodiversity and the economic benefits derived from healthy coral reefs. Florida’s Coral Reef, stretching over 350 nautical miles from the Dry Tortugas to…
My name is Christopher Duncan, and I am an openly gay scuba diver. I have been a certified scuba diver since 2004, and a lifelong “ocean nerd” my entire life. I had originally planned on being a marine biologist in…