"Blue Stripes" by Neil, 16 | Dry Tortugas National Park 2019

Dry Tortugas is home to an awesome diversity of marine life. Everywhere you look there seems to be a new species of fish, coral, or crustacean in a wide variety of colors and shapes. Capturing them with a camera at just the right moment is the great challenge. Three factors are critical: being in the right place at the right time, patience, and skill with your camera.

Once in a while, it all comes together as it did in this photo of two blue striped grunts “kissing”. The reason for this behavior is not exactly clear. Regardless of whether it is territorial or courtship related, it is fascinating to witness and share.

About Neil: During the expedition to Dry Tortugas, Neil was in the final months of his time at Northwest Passage. He has since successfully graduated and has returned to high school and home and is looking at life with a new perspective and sense of hope. His participation on this eye opening and transformative adventure gave him the opportunity to connect with others who had shared similar challenges and added to his optimistic vision for his future.