The Meso-American Barrier Reef

Tropical coastal and marine environments offer a diverse breadth of biodiversity, and have an intrinsic value that is immeasurable. The contribution of these ecosystems in terms of aesthetic value, food resources, and contributions to science and pharmaceutical development are critical and, as is the health and welfare of these areas. In order to protect this biodiversity, it is essential to apply the principles of sustainability within the tourism industry as is exemplified by sustainable dive tourism, a profitable sector, growing in popularity. It is within this area that I am focusing my studies where I am examining the intersect of conservation and commercial enterprise as applied to tropical coastal tourism.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• freshorangina
• scuba
• diving
• dive
• tourism
• honduras
• utila
• bay
• islands
• coral
• reef
• conservation
• Underwater
• Scuba Diving
• Fish
• sea
• life
• ocean
• biodiversity
• Conservation Biology

[neecyd63]

Wow Carey! Amazing mini-documentary! Thank you for sharing this with us here. You are one astounding woman! Merry Christmas to you and hoping 2012 brings you loads of new and wonderful adventures! Happy New year!

[freshorangina]

@neecyd63 Thanks Neecy!! I know 2012 is going to be amazing. I have some really interesting plans, including going back to Utila. I can't wait to continue my research and work more towards my goals, including finishing my Masters degree. Merry Christmas and happy new years to you too! I miss your cheerful face!! :)

[cabernetqueen]

awesome.... 

[freshorangina]

@cabernetqueen Thanks Sally! I really feel this is just the tip of the iceberg, there is so much more I want to do.

[Fat2ThinK]

I was fortunate to go to the great barrier reef a few years ago and it was an amazing experience. I took my padi in the Philippines and took a few dives in Cebu. I had no idea of the colours down there. I always thought they were tweaked or added after the shot but nature is amazing isn't it? Seriously awesome job lady...you surely got high marks for this presentation;)

[freshorangina]

@Fat2ThinK Thanks!! Seriously I am so jealous of your diving on the GBR and in the coral triangle. One day I will make it out there for sure. Diversity in the Indo-Pacific is roughly ten times that of the Caribbean. I think all new divers should take flashlights with them on DAY dives, so they can see what a difference a little bit of full spectrum light can do. :)

[freshorangina]

@QuiltingConnieB Thanks Connie! If you want some amazing inspiration, do a google image search for "nudibranch" I really think you will be impressed! Our natural world is the most amazing example of creativity. Merry Christmas to you and yours!

[QuiltingConnieB]

 Oooo i can see a Beautiful Quilt with all those beautiful Colores of the Sea love all those fishes thanks for sharing love your voice MERRY X-MAS love connie <3 sending warm Hugs

[freshorangina]

@Fat2ThinK PS, I never would have been able to do this work were it not for my MGB. So thankful I made the leap. It really changed my life.

[freshorangina]

@Fat2ThinK Thanks so much Kaye! I took all the pictures over the summer when I was down in Utila, in the Bay Islands, Honduras. This is a video version of an exhibit I just put on at York University. My Masters is focusing on the intersect between conservation and tourism with a specific focus on Dive Tourism. I absolutely love what I am doing, and if I can share that with others, and get them to care about the importance of reef conservation, well then I've done my job! :)