the transparency of water in the Caribbean
The coral growth of the ocean funds is closely linked to the presence or absence of sunlight. The spread of light rays in the ocean depends on the characteristics and water properties and the type of light.
At water surface level, the light suffers from reflection and absorption . These physical properties of light indicate the process in which the light affects the sea in two ways, one in which the light bounces and another in which the light penetrates the body of water. When entering the aquatic , this penetrating part immediately suffers from refraction, which diverts the directions of the rays due to the change of density, and of extinction that reduces the intensity of the light as it advances within the medium .
For example, in the seas with a lot of agitation or covered with ice, solar reflection is greater for which less light penetrates the underwater background.
But in addition to the change in density in the transaction from one medium to the other, the light is also altered by the presence of materials within the water, that is, by its degree of clarity. in the sea water They can be found ammonia, nitrates or different proteins and according to the degrees of salinity and temperature of it, the translucidity of the water is altered. The transparency is part of what causes different levels of light absorption within the different sea waters in the world.
In the Caribbean, transparency in the water was found until 950 meters deep while in the Mediterranean Sea the maximum depth with transparency is only 800 meters and in the Atlantic Ocean at 700 meters. />
Approximately, the temperature of the Caribbean Sea is 28º C on its surface and the water salinity rotates between 35 and 36 parts per thousand. All the conditions explained above help us to understand the spectacular formation of this wonderful coral reef that we love to explore through Diving expeditions .
marine life in the reef
In addition to being a natural wonder for its great beauty, the Mayan reef is also the home of a large number of species of plants and animals. His biodiversity is one of its main characteristics and one of the best reasons to worry about its preservation.
In it we can find more than 500 species of fish and amphibians such as Certain Manatees, the Limon Shark, Shark Hammer, Tiburón Toro, Mariposa Fish, the Loro Reina and rainbow, the blue angel fish, the barracud Raya Águila and also paints the mottled brunette, seahorses, the Carey turtle, the green and white turtle, the Caguama turtle, the cleaner shrimp, the hermit crab, etc ...
We can admire a great choral population of hard and soft corals, algae, sponges, crustaceans, mollusks and abundant microorganisms. The giant anemone, the famous black coral, the brain coral and the coral of fire stand out that are very beautiful.
Here are refuge many species in via extinction such as the green turtle, lute turtle, turtle hacking, crocodile from Morelet, coral horn horn, black coral, queen snail and queen and The Caribbean manatee, among others ... The reef is also part of the environment in which the whale shark that is also in progressive disappearance and is part of the known abode of a large community of manatees is usually sighted.
In this way, the great Mayan reef is an outstanding cabin, which presents one of the greatest diversities in the world. But also one of the most delicate ecosystems.
preserve the reef
Unfortunately, like many others in the world, this reef is threatened by the currents of hot water . The colorful corals of the reef feed on zooxantelas that are organisms that are in different marine animals such as algae of different types, sponges, jellyfish, mollusks, etc .... These are responsible for the nutrients that the corals provide their wonderful colors. When the temperatures exceed the 30º C, the zooxant and death to reefs.
Today more than 42% of the coral community of the Mayan reef has fully bleached. This sad data directly affects some tourist activities, so it is important to take preventive measures and have this information in mind the next time we visit the reef. organizations have been formed such as the corporation for the conservation of the Caribbean seeking fostering care of this wonderful ecosystem.
To continue enjoying this and other beautiful places, let's take into account the ecological impact that our presence can have in certain nature destinations. It is about being eco-conscious athletes capable of exercising our activities from diving in the reefs with the least possible environmental impact.
