Today was our first dive day on our Bonaire Study Abroad program, which was so exciting! We saw a variety of beautiful fish, coral and we even had the chance to see a octopus. During our dives we got to explore the waters of Bonaire. An amazing spot we were able to dive was a ship wreck that had been taken over by brain coral and fish. Some of the coral that we got to see were Brain coral, Elkhorn coral and stag horn coral. Some of which were grown on trees by the coral restoration foundation and with the help of buddy’s and volunteers like us. Throughout the whole dive we got to see amazing colorful fish like the rainbow parrot fish.

We finished up the day with a great dinner and show at Blennie’s (an on-site restaurant). The show consisted of very well presented slideshow about Bonaire’s corals and why they are so important. They went into great depths in informing their guests of how they have help the coral and how the coral restoration foundation have been working with dives shops like Buddy’s to build and maintain coral trees. Coral trees are these structures in the water that act as Nurseries to the coral. The presenter had also told guests how they can partake in growing and planting the coral. The presentation was a great way to help inform those who have not had prior knowledge of coral and the importance of restoring these key stone species.

It has only been a day and a half and I can already say that it is and will continue to be a very eye opening experience that we can apply to our everyday life. Seeing how our human activities are effecting the wildlife is very important to know and I am very happy I have been given the chance to study abroad and experience this hands on.

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Keep checking this blog to continue keeping up with the 2017 Bonaire Study Abroad program students!