"Jellyfish" by Josh, 18 | Dry Tortugas National Park 2019

Jellyfish are mysterious. Lacking any real ability to move on their own, they drift with the current. Their translucent bodies go almost unnoticed, often until they are right next to you with their stingers, or "nematocysts", on the ready to protect themselves. They are adaptable and can thrive in waters ranging from north of the arctic circle, to deep within the tropics. In the Dry Tortugas, they play a critical role in the marine ecology of the park as the primary food source of the Leatherback Sea Turtle, one of the species for which the islands are named.

About Josh: Josh graduated from Northwest Passage in the winter of 2019. He is currently completing high school and is looking toward a promising future. In addition to his artistic skill as a photographer, Josh’s exceptional skill as classical guitarist brought a unique and welcome musical element to the 2019 Dry Tortugas adventure.