The Caribbean Sea is a body of water that is a part of the North Atlantic Ocean. Mexico and Central America are its main land barriers, but is also adjacent to the Greater Antilles. The Caribbean is one of the largest salt water seas. The sea is located directly on top of the Caribbean plate, thus earthquakes and volcanic activity are very common, as are tropical storms and hurricanes.
Marine life in the Caribbean is delicate, to say the least. The coral reefs located there make up about nine percent of the world’s coral reefs. A coral reef is an underwater structure made from calcium carbonate, secreted by tiny living animals called corals. Coral reefs provide ecosystem services to tourism, shoreline protection and fisheries. The actual structure of the reefs prevent erosion of the shoreline. The growth of a coral reef creates a diverse ecosystem of itself that is highly sensitive to environmental changes. Hurricanes cause a lot of damage when the winds drop large amounts of mud or sand on them. Even strong waves churned up by high winds can break up the reefs.
Sea Turtles are a common inhabitant of the Caribbean Sea. The Green Sea Turtle is most prevalent in the Caribbean area and is of great importance to both the ocean and the beaches. In the ocean the turtles eat the sea grass that grows from the bottom of the ocean. To remain healthy, the grass must be kept short. Healthy beds of sea grass are also important as breeding areas for other marine life such as fish and crustaceans. Sea Turtles lay their eggs in holes on the beaches, often near vegetation. Their eggs, whether they are hatched or unhatched provide nutrients for the beach vegetation. Even baby Sea Turtles who do not make it to the ocean provide nutrients for the plants. Healthy vegetation on the beach prevents erosion.
Dolphins are very bountiful in the Caribbean. They are closely related to the whale and porpoises and are said to be the smartest marine mammal in existence. They are playful, social animals who will often seek out human interaction. Those characteristics alone threaten their lives, as there are many countries in the world that still slaughter Dolphins for profit. They contribute to the tourism industry through tours and swimming sessions. Any Barbados Resort can arrange a swim with Dolphins, and many people claim it is a once in a lifetime ‘must’.
The Swordfish is a highly migratory, predatory, but elusive fish. Many sports fishers arrange tours with Atlantis Paradise Island resort for the sole purpose of catch-and-release of a swordfish. They are very large, with males growing up to 300 pounds. They are, of course, named for their sharp beak resembling a sword, which with its streamlined physique allows it to swim through the water at a very high rate of speed. Although they are not listed as an endangered species, the United States Natural Resources Defense Council conducted a marketing campaign to promote the belief that the species was in danger. To date, the swordfish stock in the North Atlantic (including the Caribbean) is fully stocked.
The Barracuda is a fish renowned for its large size and fearsome appearance. They have a distinct under-bite and pointed head, making them easy to spot. They are voracious and opportunistic predators, prone to taking their prey by surprise. The barracuda is a solitary species, only really congregating with their own kind when they are young. Many natives of the Caribbean consume barracuda, and La Romana resort often serves barracuda steaks or fillets on their menu.
The Atlantic Blue Marlin is the largest species of marlin, reaching up to 20 feet and weighing 1800 pounds. They are a popular sporting fish, but are almost always released after unhooking. They are incredibly fast swimmers, reaching speeds of 110 kilometers per hour, hence the pleasing challenge to sports fishers. Greenpeace International declared in 2010 that the Striped Marlin, White Marlin, Atlantic Blue Marlin and Black Marlin as having a very high risk of being sourced from unsustainable fisheries.
These are but a few of the incredible creatures residing in the Caribbean Sea. The sea is a delicate balance of rare life that eco-tourism could help protect. The first step is in awareness, the next in conservation. Ask the staff at your resort or hotel how they are contributing to the protection of the Caribbean eco-system,.
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