We kicked off the day by talking through our research question: How does species biodiversity differ between Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and non-MPA zones? After some discussion, we decided to test whether MPAs actually support more biodiversity and healthier reefs.

To investigate, we snorkeled at four reef sites—two inside MPAs and two outside. At each site, we swam along three transects and took three photos per transect to make sure we had clear images for analysis.

While snorkeling, the difference between the zones was striking. The MPA sites were bursting with life—especially soft corals like sea fans, sea rods, and sea fingers. These corals aren’t rigid like the hard corals we often picture, but they’re just as important. Soft corals add structure to the reef, provide habitat for marine life, and are good indicators of reef health. Seeing them thriving in the MPAs was a good sign.

After reviewing our photos, our initial impression held up: MPA zones showed higher biodiversity and healthier coral communities. It’s amazing how much protection can impact reef life—and how much soft corals can tell us about the bigger picture.