Culebra

In 2016, my family traveled to Culebra, Puerto Rico, an island known for its sandy coasts and lush forests. At the time, the island was protected, and large hotels were not allowed in order to preserve its natural beauty. We found a secluded area and went snorkeling in a remote part of the island. The coral was vibrant, and the water was filled with colorful, lively fish. It became one of my favorite places. In 2021, we returned, and the area was almost entirely fenced off: plans for a hotel were underway. We still managed to visit, but the difference was striking. Much of the coral had turned white and lifeless, and there were far fewer fish than I remembered. Maybe my memory had idealized it, but it was still heartbreaking to see that one of my favorite places had changed, in the reef and its surrounding space.