Farewell Florida, Fish, and Friends

Its sad to say but its over. The first week of Tropical Ospreys have left Florida to return home for the summer. It seems surreal that in the little time of a week we were able to experience and learn so much. We hit the ground running. Boarding a plane at 7:00 am to walking trails in the Everglades by 2:00 pm. The following day we ventured to Key West, furthering our understanding of the Everglades ecosystem. Friday, we tried our hand at shark tagging… some were better than others… Saturday, scuba diving off Key largo and kayaking through mangrove forests. Sunday, MORE SCUBA DIVING and some much needed souvenir shopping. Monday, a beach cleanup reminded us of the oppressive destruction of plastics. This was softened by the proactive actions seen in MOTE research and rehabilitated birds at a bird sanctuary. Tuesday was our last hooray at Robert is Here, were shakes and a petting zoo truly brought was together before boarding a plane back to New Jersey.

Beyond our expanded knowledge we lift with memories of amazing food, beautiful sights, shady comments, and goofy moments. Here are just some that stick. 

What the Fish’s amazing hotdog and perfection of a chocolate chip cookie. Every single sunset and the few sunrises on our early mornings. The bioluminescent plankton that responded to awkward flailing. Teasing the forgetfulness of Usama (must have left something in florida)… Mike’s ability to chug warm ice cream and chunky hot fudge. The reminiscent conversations of 90’s cartoons and memes, leading to the constant utterance of MIKE, MIKE, MIKE, MIKE. And learning of my ability to talk with birds. 

We are also leaving with souvenirs. Our trip to the quarry, Shell World, and Dive Outlet gave us unique, beautiful, and practical items. For me I left with a few different items but one in particular is a combination of the three, spines from a lionfish. 


Lionfish, Pterois volitans, after being released from aquarist they have taken over Florida coral reefs. The are over-eating native fish therefore halting reef functions. As they are capable of releasing over 30,000 eggs during spawning events, which they are capable of having ever four days, human action must be taken to stop their spread. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has allowed a perpetual open season on these species. As their poison is only contained in their dorsal and pectoral fins, their flesh is a consumable commodity. Some, in this case me, use those fins/ spines to create jewelry.

https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/nonnatives/marine-fish/scorpionfish-and-lionfish/lionfish/

http://www.shellworldflkeys.com/