"Staghorn Coral" by Little Creek, 17 | Dry Tortugas National Park 2019

Dry Tortugas is home to one of the most intact coral reefs remaining in the United States. This vibrant ecosystem contains a staggering degree of biodiversity and life. Staghorn Coral is one of the most important species providing habitat for fish and other marine life on the reef. However, ocean warming and acidification due to climate change are among the top threats to this individual species, coral reefs in general, and marine life as a whole.

About Little Creek: Little Creek graduated from Northwest Passage in the summer of 2018 after successful completion of the program, as well as a summer of Under the Surface underwater photography. He is currently working to complete high school and is looking forward to the future. The trip to Dry Tortugas was Little Creek’s first time visiting the ocean and he brought new perspective and energy to this transformative adventure.