Through our snorkeling adventure in San Pedro, we had the opportunity to witness firsthand the complexity and importance of reef ecosystems. Coral reefs are among the most diverse ecosystems on Earth. They support many kinds of marine life and serve as indicators of environmental health.
Directly observing these marine ecosystems allowed us to recognize the major role coral reefs play in the environment. While swimming around the coral, we noticed poor coloration and the presence of algae, both signs of a declining ecosystem caused by increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere from fossil fuels and human activities. We also encountered a variety of marine species, including fish, nurse sharks, and octopi! After snorkeling, we learned more about coral reefs during a lecture at TREC, which helped us better understand what we had observed.
Our snorkeling excursion was extremely insightful and even allowed us to come up with innovative solutions for human health problems inspired by marine ecosystems. For example, compounds found in coral may help treat bone injuries and diseases, while microRNA from sharks shows potential for treating liver diseases. Experiences like this one reinforced the value of integrating ecological awareness into our scientific education. By understanding and actively working to protect these ecosystems, we not only preserve biodiversity but also support new discoveries that have direct implications for human health and medicine!
