recscuba_google@huntzinger.com wrote:
> starscapes@ wrote:
> > I want to make a trip to the Caribbean and see the coral reefs. But
> > I've heard/read that a large portion of the coral in the Caribbean has
> > died.
>
> As a general rule of thumb, you want an island with minimal agriculture
> and minimal surface water runoff, because these factors reduces the
> amount of fertilizer nitrates transported into the local seawater that
> would promote algae growth. Having deepwater close nearby is also
> generally a good thing, since littoral waters tend to also be warmer,
> and "hold in" any nitrates, rather than for it to be flushed away with
> a more open ocean pelagic flow. You'll notice that these factors are
> also the ones generally also associated with destinations with superior
> water clarity (viz).
>
> As far as which island(s) specifically, you'll really need to decide if
> you're snorkeling or scuba diving, as the operational depths are
> meaningfully different.
>
>
Maybe not the Carib proper, but Turks and Caicos is a dry Isle, minimal
runoff from the light rains and great reefs for both snorkle and scuba
(and lots of lobster to eat)
Give it a try, but don't wait too long, Provo is getting "ugly"
developed.