Lessons in Snorkeling

Buenos Dias! It’s Emily again. From 8AM-12PM on Tuesday, we snorkeled with the help of Ocotal’s scuba instructor, boat, and equipment. We travelled 25 minutes off the resort shore to a small island where we awkwardly put on our flippers, strapped masks and tubes to our heads, and swam around. The crystal blue, 80+ degree water allowed us to explore the wildlife below sea level. We got to hold a starfish and saw puffer fish, sting rays, and other brightly-colored fish. When exhaustion set in, we hopped back into the boat for water and fresh tropical fruit, and we changed locations so that we could explore a nearby beach. The sailor anchored the boat and we swam to shore, able to look down into the waters and see our fingers (that doesn’t happen too often at the Jersey shore!) Upon reaching land, we noted the white sand and lush vegetation growing on the mountains. To our right were caverns–as soon as we spotted them, we excitedly jogged to get a closer look. Light poured in from both ends, but the inside of the caverns were still dark in comparison with the bright Costa Rican sun. The semi-calm waters lapped up against the jagged rocks on the far end of the cavern. Our morning was filled with good fun and many laughs, but we learned in the process. After returning to shore and having lunch, we were given a presentation by a German student, Ines, working in Costa Rica with another student to complete research for their doctorates. Ines explained, in her presentation, coral reefs–from a brief overview to different types to human and natural interaction that threatens coral reefs. Coral reefs are one of the most diverse ecosystems and the reefs are home to many different species of wildlife. The student noted how tourists, a lot of the time unknowingly, interfere with the reefs as they break off pieces as souvenirs and when boats are anchored, the anchors also break and kill coral reefs. The presentation was eye-opening as it connected what we had just seen firsthand to real world ecological issues. It was exciting to not only enjoy ourselves snorkeling, but also to become more aware of issues around us, especially in regards to ecotourism. If the coral reefs are killed as a result of our actions, the inhabitants of the reefs will either die or relocate to other coral reefs, making tourists less likely to want to snorkel in that area and therefore, decreasing ecotourism. We, as students listening to the presentation, realized that our effects have a direct impact on the environment around us and in order to maintain and protect our environments, we have to be aware of issues and work in an effect to preserve our land.