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Story by Annette LambWith photos from NOAA Library

http://www.photolib.noaa.gov/reef/flovert.html

My Dive in the Florida Reefs

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Elkhorn Coral

After diving over the side of the boat, I swam toward the coral. The white-spotted filefish was swimming in the elkhorn coral.

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Moray eel

I swam around a tall grouping of coral and right into the face of a moray eel.

What a sight! His big blue eyes and huge mouth came right at me.

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Hawksbill Turtle

After my experience with the moray eel, I become more careful watching my surroundings.

I noticed a hawksbill turtle swimming toward me.

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Colorful Coral

Next, I turned my attention toward the beauty of the coral. I was amazed at the varied, bright colors of the sponge, coral, and searod around me.

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Life Everywhere

Everywhere I turned I saw exciting forms of life in all shapes and sizes such as the Atlantic trumpet triton and the cushion sea star.

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Back to Work

Although I had a great time exploring the coral kingdom, my partner reminded me that it was time to get back to work.

This adventure wasn’t just for fun, as marine biologists we had a job to do helping preserve this beautiful place.