Author(s): Sylvia A. Earle

Science - children

Coral reefs, and they're home to many of the ocean's creatures. Even though you can't breathe like a fish, you can still visit coral reefs - as long as you bring along your face mask, snorkel, and flippers. Once there you'll see many wonders. You'll learn how coral makes up the beautiful buildings of the city. You'll swim with schools of fish, peer down at spiny lobsters and sea stars, and find out how scientists categorize these reef creatures. Then you'll meet some of the reef's frequent visitor - dolphins, turtles, and even sharks - and see how the web of life operates in this special environment. Most importantly, you'll learn how critical coral reefs are to our oceans and our world. One of the tenders of the reef, a parrotfish, is your guide to this underwater science adventure, so get ready to get wet!