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Rachel Plunkett

Rachel Plunkett is a science and nature storyteller, conservation biologist, and underwater photographer. Her stories cover a variety of topics about her personal adventures on land and underwater, as well as nerdy tidbits about wildlife and ecosystems to help others connect with nature.
Rachel is a freelance writer and is also the Content Manager for NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries.
Website: https://rachelplunkett.com/

Meet the Mountain Mermaid of Appalachia

When people think of the Appalachian Mountains, they often imagine hiking, chasing waterfalls, drinking local beer and searching for Bigfoot. But did you know that you can scuba dive and snorkel here too? Learn all about it from this interview with PADI Instructor Ischa Vingle.

What It's Like to Fossil Dive in South Carolina

Contributor Rachel Plunkett chronicles her North American dive adventures while living the nomad lifestyle—finding places to dive wherever her van is parked. Hear what it takes to dive for fossils in South Carolina's Cooper River.

Guide to Diving in Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary

Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, often described as the “Galapagos of North America,” is home to incredible marine wildlife, kelp forests, and maritime heritage artifacts, and contains waters that sustained Chumash people since time immemorial.

How to Dive Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary

Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary is an off the beaten path destination for the most adventurous divers. Divers who visit the sanctuary can explore some of the healthiest corals in the world, a manta ray nursery and a chance to see whale sharks.

The Spectacular World of Sponges

Marine sponges — they’re fluffy, sometimes crusty, and sometimes slimy, and they fill the reef with a rainbow of colors from red to purple. Learn about these fascinating filter feeders so you can appreciate on your next scuba adventure!