And because we’re all in need of a smile these days that’s why we’re harping on about underwater music in Florida.
And the sonorous snorkelers who have just put on a coral concert for the ages.
Beneath the waves for the 42nd annual Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival.
Ocean-themed favorites streamed through underwater speakers at Looe Key Reef in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
As dancing mermaids strummed guitars, plucked harps and sounded trumpets.
And tropical fish swam through the melodies.
Between songs, divers heard reminders about protecting fragile coral reefs.
By respecting marine life, using mooring buoys, and practising responsible diving and snorkelling.
Manatees & other marine mates
We have seen first hand what is being done in the name of those who live under the sea.
And made some conservation chums along the way.
Such as JP, the manatees’ mate and penguins pal at SeaWorld in Orlando.
Of course, you don’t have to have fins for feet and be able to breathe underwater to help out our fishy friends.
Which is just as well for this landlubber who struggles in water.
Gulping most of it from the Red Sea to the Caribbean.
And for the most part missing out on swimming through the shoals.
Although with a deep breath I still managed to see Mr and Mrs Turtle on a couples holiday…
And to clarify, that was a humans break.
Turtle Girl Power
And talking of turtle power a big shout-out to Girl Power and her handlers.
This honey in a half-shell was rescued in the Keys around International Women’s Day last month.
And taken to The Turtle Hospital tangled in fishing line and covered in life-threatening tumours.
Four months later, she proved resilience can be stronger than any obstacles in her way.
“Girl Power was a long shot,” said manager Bette Zirkelbach.
With a satellite transmitter attached to her shell, Girl Power was released from Sombrero Beach in Marathon.
As the Turtle Hospital’s official competitor in the Tour de Turtles race, she will be tracked by Sea Turtle Conservancy.
Tour de Turtles
As she journeys out to sea. Girl Power’s satellite tag will transmit her location whenever she surfaces
And that allows scientists to study her migration while giving us a front-row seat to cheer her on.
For roughly three months, she will compete against other rehabilitated sea turtles.
To see who swims the farthest in this year’s Tour de Turtles.
