The group, which is actually a non-profit to benefit divers who dedicate their time and skills to preserve and research the vast ocean, set out to find the seven most incredible underwater areas on earth. These are the choices they ultimately made.
1. Palau
Formally referred to as the Republic of Palau, Palau is an island nation found approximately 500 miles away from the Philippines and is one of the smallest nations in the world. The reefs surrounding each of the islands are largely unexplored and house a myriad of incredible marine life species.
2. Belize Barrier Reef
About 1,000 feet off the shores of Belize you’ll find the Belize Barrier Reef. The 186 mile long stretch of reef is actually only a portion of the even larger Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, which stretches from Cancun all the way to Guatemala’s River Maya. As of today, only 10% of the enormous reef has been researched and documented.
The Belize Barrier Reef is second in the world only to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and is another incredible and highly sought after destination for divers from all around the world. The reef is home to more than 70 species of hard coral, 30 species of soft coral, more than 500 species of fish, and hundreds of additional marine life species classified as invertebrate.
3. Northern Red Sea
Between Africa and Asia you’ll find a small inlet attached to the Indian Ocean now known as the Red Sea. The entire surface of the Red Sea spreads out over 169,000 square miles and consists of both deep trenches and shallow shelves.
4. Deep-Sea Vents
A deep-sea vent, also known as a hydrothermal vent, is a place in the surface in the earth where unusually heated water can be found. Most are found in areas where there are active volcanoes or ocean basins. Above ground you can find hydrothermal vents in places such as Yellowstone National Park.
Until then, let continue with the remaining 3 of the underwater world tomorrow.
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