"The Other Pandemic" / DIVER / Winter 2021
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While humans are battling an unprecedented pandemic, the corals of the Atlantic and Caribbean are suffering from their own unprecedented disease… Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD). A disease so deadly, it can wipe out a 200-year-old coral colony within two months of infection.What began in the waters of Miami-Dade County in 2014, has since spread from the Florida Reef Tract to the Mesoamerican Reef via currents, ballast water, and direct contact. As of November 2021, SCTLD has been confirmed in 20 countries and territories....
"Jewel of the Reef" / DIVER / Spring 2023
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On this Earth, tucked away in the farthest corners, you can find hidden places. Jewels that are teeming with unique creatures, unbelievable landscapes, and rich cultures. For the indigenous peoples that inhabit these incredible parts of the Earth, it is them, along with scientists and conservationists who are tasked with the near impossible. Protecting these hidden jewels from being exploited, oppressed, and lost to history.Deemed the Caribbean Jewel of the Mesoamerican Reef, Cayos Cochinos sits just off the northern coast of Honduras. It is a National Marine Monument, an archipelago made up of 12 different cays, each one different than the next. The only inhabitants allowed to settle here are an indigenous group called the Garifuna.
"The Perfect Storm" / DIVER / Summer 2023
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As sargassum continues to grow in the open ocean, so does its popularity amongst humans. Once it began washing up on beaches in mass quantities, humans began to open their once blind eye to a seaweed species that has been floating, unassumingly, in the open ocean for centuries.Sargassum, first and foremost, is an algae. A seaweed. There are more than 250 different species of sargassum, but only two of those live their entire lives floating in the ocean. It is these two, sargassum natans and sargassum fluitans, that are multiplying by the tons, washing up along coastlines, and causing all the ruckus.
"A Magical Life in Utila" / DIVER / Summer 2022
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I was sitting at my kitchen table, in my little beach home in Miami, when I first discovered a tiny island called Utila. Thanks to the world wide web, gone are the days of having to venture outside your home to discover far away places.I grew up 1,600 kilometers away from the nearest ocean, yet somehow, I have always felt a strong connection towards it. I inexplicably knew, from a very young age, I wanted the ocean to be a big part of my life.Upon graduation from journalism school, my ideas continued to evolve. A light bulb moment came and I thought, “why not combine my passion for journalism and the ocean into one career?” Without hesitation, I opened my computer to discover what it would take to become a professional scuba diver...
stony coral tissue loss disease
Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD) is a highly contagious and devastating disease affecting a wide range of stony coral species in the Caribbean and Florida. It causes rapid tissue loss, leading to coral death and significant damage to coral reef ecosystems. Photographs were used to tell the story because they offer a powerful visual narrative, showcasing the disease's impact, the intricate process of treatment, and the dedication of the divers working to combat it.
coralmania
Divers participating in the GoEco program at Utila Dive Center in Honduras play a crucial role in nurturing staghorn coral nurseries, helping to restore fragile reef ecosystems while gaining hands-on experience in marine conservation.
SEA TURTLE CONSERVATION
Sea turtle conservation is crucial for maintaining the health of coral reef ecosystems, as these turtles help control sponge populations and promote biodiversity. With their numbers dwindling, volunteers are always needed to assist in monitoring nesting sites, conducting outreach, and supporting research efforts to ensure the survival of this endangered species.
SARGASSUM
Sargassum has become a pressing issue for coastal communities due to its massive blooms, which can disrupt local ecosystems, hinder tourism, and impact fishing industries by smothering coral reefs and creating foul odors on beaches. Documenting and understanding these changes is crucial for developing effective management strategies, preserving marine biodiversity, and supporting the livelihoods of communities that depend on healthy coastal environments.
CORAL BLEACHING
In October 2023, Utila experienced the effects of the fourth mass global coral bleaching event in the last decade, which threatened the vibrant marine ecosystems that depend on healthy coral reefs. Coral bleaching is detrimental because it diminishes biodiversity, disrupts food webs, and compromises the livelihoods of coastal communities reliant on tourism and fishing, ultimately jeopardizing the overall health of ocean environments.
UNDERWATER GARBAGE DUMP
In some coastal communities, a lack of resources and proper waste management leads to the unfortunate practice of creating garbage dumps in the ocean, severely impacting marine ecosystems. Divers play a crucial role in addressing this crisis by organizing underwater clean-up efforts, removing trash and debris to help restore the health of ocean habitats and protect marine wildlife.
INVASIVE LIONFISH
Invasive lionfish pose a significant threat to marine ecosystems, rapidly outcompeting native fish species and disrupting the balance of coral reef habitats. Divers play a crucial role in controlling their population through targeted spearfishing efforts, making them essential participants in the fight to protect coastal ecosystems from this harmful invasive species.
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who is the ocean journalist?
Hello there! My name is Nicole Webster and welcome to my world of underwater exploration, reporting, and storytelling! As a seasoned professional diver and accomplished underwater photographer, my passion is anything and everything Ocean. I am a proud alumna of the University of Miami's Journalism program, where I turned my passion for writing and traveling into career skills. As a published journalist, I strive to share the Ocean's narrative, emphasizing that there is never just one cause or reason behind its challenges. Coastlines are my sanctuary, and the ocean is my muse as I continue to dive, document, and educate the world about our precious aquatic habitats.
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