One of the great privileges of my job is introducing young people to the wonders of threatened marine habitats—such as the coral reef. I am always moved by the childlike wonder that crosses a student’s face on a dive as she discovers surprisingly beautiful or complex sea life hiding in a coral balmy’s hole. I love to watch the comaraderie emerge in the group when our authentic interdependence as dive buddies peels away layers of social pretense. And there is nothing quite as extraordinary as watching a group of young people present their research to professional scientists and contribute to the protection of the reef for future generations. And now you can share in that joy, too.

Starting next week we’ll be posting from Grand Cayman in the British West Indies, where we will be looking at the percentage of coral vs. algal cover as a health indicator on the coral reef. Student researchers will work together to collect the data and to present it to the local Department of the Environment (DOE) to help them in their important work of managing this beautiful marine resource. We’ll literally be immersed in the sea. So come along with us. . and find out more about why the ocean matters!

In the end, we will conserve only what we love. We will love only what we understand. And we will understand only what we are taught. – Baba Dioum