Treasures of the Caribbean: Interesting facts about the Caribbean Sea

When Christopher Columbus assembled a team of 90 experienced sailors in 1492, their sole goal was to find a western route to India and Japan. None of the explorers anticipated that instead of the shores of neighboring states, they would discover an entire New World and make a series of accompanying discoveries. It was thanks to the expedition of these enthusiasts that Europeans learned about the beauties of the Caribbean Sea.

Seven million square kilometers of crystal-clear emerald waters, gentle warm currents, sandy beaches, picturesque coral reefs, and a whole system of islands make this natural zone special and highly desirable for tourists. Sometimes these places are called paradise on Earth. But it hasn’t always been that way.

Interesting facts about the Caribbean Sea:

1. In the late 18th to early 19th century, the Caribbean Sea was considered a paradise. But not for everyone, only for pirates who plundered merchant ships and mocked the military trying to stop the anarchy in the region. The situation was only stabilized after a high reward was placed on the heads of the sea robbers.
2. Today, the Caribbean Sea is only dangerous in terms of the possibility of spending all your savings at its resorts. But the magnificent vacation on the coast is definitely worth it!
3. The bottom of the Caribbean Sea holds a vast amount of treasures. They are all located in the holds of sunken ships. Once, Spain transported galleons through this territory, heavily laden with gold and silver ingots, minted coins, and other valuables. These ships often fell victim to hurricanes or fierce battles with pirates and sank, leaving full holds at the bottom, packed with chests of gold. There were so many sunken ships that the Caribbean Sea is now considered the main treasure trove in the world. Treasures of incredible value continue to be found here to this day. The total value of the items found in the Caribbean Sea basin is estimated at $400 million.
4. The water body got its name from the Carib people, who lived here from time immemorial. It is assumed that the Caribs were closely related to the Maya people and belonged to their culture.
5. The deepest point of the Caribbean Sea is the Cayman Trench (7686 meters).
   Scientists have recorded a strange sound emanating from the Caribbean Sea. Moreover, it can only be heard from space.
6. Hurricanes and tornadoes often form over the Caribbean. When they reach full strength, they can reach speeds of up to 120 km/h. However, the unleashed elements almost never reach the shores, thanks to the barrier of reefs and coral deposits.
7. Some fish species living in the sea are endemic and are not found anywhere else in the world. There is also a lot of flora and fauna here, which has conservation status and is listed in the Red Book.
8. Only 2% of the islands in the Caribbean Sea have a permanent population. The remaining 98% of land remains almost pristine to this day. At the same time, the officially registered population of the coastal area is 115 million people.
   The countries of the Caribbean Sea are the birthplace of many fiery dances: merengue, calypso, reggae, and others.
9. In the Caribbean Sea, there are two countries with very similar names – Dominica and the Dominican Republic. Moreover, they are also located practically nearby.
   All currents studied by scientists in the Caribbean Sea move in one direction: from east to west.
10. The local population is a mixture of many nationalities. Therefore, there is no such diversity of beliefs, rituals, and traditions anywhere else in the world. A bright example of this is the Voodoo religion.
11. Recently, natural disasters have become more frequent in the region. For example, in 2000, a 30% disappearance of coral was recorded, in 2011, the number of toxic algae increased dramatically, and in 2015, the content of microorganisms in the water approached critical levels.
12. The water temperature in the Caribbean Sea hardly changes. The range of seasonal fluctuations averages 2-3°C. Thanks to this fact, many people strive to spend their vacation on one of its tropical islands. The perfectly balanced combination of exotic nature and developed resort infrastructure guarantees not only a heap of colorful photographs but also truly vivid contrasting impressions that will stay with you for life.
13. The Caribbean Sea is home to the second-largest barrier reef system in the world, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System. This reef system spans approximately 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) along the coasts of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras.
    The Caribbean Sea is a biodiversity hotspot, hosting a wide array of marine life including colorful coral reefs, tropical fish, sea turtles, dolphins, and sharks.
14. The Caribbean Sea has been a significant area for maritime exploration and trade for centuries, with its strategic location between North and South America providing access to both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.
15. Many of the Caribbean islands were once colonies of European powers, including Spain, France, England, the Netherlands, and Denmark. Today, most of these islands are independent nations or territories with varying degrees of autonomy.
16. The Caribbean Sea is known for its vibrant cultural heritage, influenced by African, European, Indigenous, and Asian traditions. This cultural diversity is reflected in the region’s music, cuisine, languages, and festivals.
17. The Caribbean Sea has played a prominent role in history, serving as a major transit route for European colonial powers during the Age of Exploration. It was also a key battleground during the era of piracy and privateering in the 17th and 18th centuries.
18. The Caribbean Sea is home to several unique geological features, including underwater caves, sinkholes (cenotes), and submerged volcanoes. These geological formations provide habitats for diverse marine species and offer opportunities for scientific research and exploration.
19. Climate change poses significant challenges to the Caribbean Sea region, including rising sea levels, increased frequency of hurricanes and tropical storms, coral bleaching, and coastal erosion. Efforts to mitigate these impacts and protect the region’s fragile ecosystems are ongoing.
20. Despite its natural beauty and cultural richness, the Caribbean Sea faces various environmental threats, including pollution from coastal development, oil spills, overfishing, and coral reef degradation. Sustainable management practices and conservation efforts are essential for preserving the health and biodiversity of the region’s marine ecosystems.