So how do the mangroves get in trouble in the first place? Humans are damaging them? If so, are they wrecking the mangroves intentionally because they are using something from them as a resource and taking elements from theml ? Or are they just using the area for something and getting rid of them? Or are they just doing other things that indirectly damage them? A combination of all of these things? Just interested in the preceding events that first might damage the mangroves to better understand the later effects that you're examining. Brad
Answer:
Mangroves can get into trouble from a lot of natural disasters such as hurricanes and man afflicted problems. They can be disrupted from all the dredging that takes place, as well as the area that they are being bulldozed over.
Nick & Jordan K.
Question:
Sounds like you're having a great time! And you all definitely deserve it after all your hard work. Were you able to see any manatees or flying fish on the way to Bimini?
Answer:
As we left the Miami River we saw no manatees, but we did see flying fish and dolphins on our way to Bimini
Question:
Is it scary being in the ocean? Kelly from Atlanta
Answer:
It takes some time to get used to being in the ocean. I was really scared at first, but then I realized that nothing would attack a big pack of humans, as we looked like one ginormous fish because we were all right next to each other. Also, I trusted my group leaders and captains enough that I knew it was safe.
Amanda & Brock
Question:
I think the main topic you have chosen for your projects is definitely one that everyone should think about. It would be really interesting to see what you discover about mangrove destruction near coral reefs vs. healthy untouched mangroves and their nearby coral reefs. Which coral reefs would be healthier? Would you see any difference at all? Let us know what you discover! Ana
Answer:
We predict that natural mangroves are always healthier than mangroves that have been effected by humans or disasters. There could be a noticeable difference between the health of the natural mangroves and those of the affected mangroves, such as dredging, chemical runoff, and a variety of other factors. We will be analizing the data we collect when we return to Chicago and publishing our results in August.
Nick &Jordan K.
Question:
Why do they hurt the mangroves? What have you found in the mangroves? Dave C.
Answer:
There are many reasons why mangroves are occasionally getting hurt. From human and natural disasters such as hurricanes and tornadoes. We have found different species of animals in the mangroves such as barracudas, sea turtles, small fishes, and rays.
Nick &Jordan K.
Question:
One more, since you are crossing the Gulf Stream: What was it like when you left shallow waters and headed out to what is truly the deep blue sea? Was it one of those increadibly calm days when you can see forever when you look over the rail to the horizon or down into the water, or did you clouds and chop that turned you and your thoughts inward, inside the salon?
Question:
I like your question about how changes in one coastal habitat impacts nearby habitats. There are so many issues in the Bahamas about land-based development, like golf courses and resorts. How do these changes on land impact the coastal habitats like mangroves, sea grasses and reefs? Don't forget your sunscreen! - Michelle, Sustainable Practices Dept
Answer:
If a lot of land is destroyed then the endemic species environments will be disrupted. Changes on the land can sometimes be attributed to changes of marine environments. We imagine that the dredging that is taking place well definitely affect other species of animals in the water. During our pre-trip we read a article "Effects of Large Scale Seafloor Excavation in the Bimini" by Samuel Gruber. It gave us a good explanation of the different effects that land impacts will have on coastal habitats.
Nick & Jordan K.
Question:
Hi HSMB I love the R/V Coral Reef II, its crew and the Bahamas. I've read recently about threats to seagrass communities worldwide. If you get a chance to talk to any locals, I'd be interested if they have seen changes in the huge seagrass areas in the Bimini area. I'm sure you will be snorkeling through/over these areas too. What are your impressions? What do you see, hear, smell? How is it familiar, how is it different from other places you have been?
Answer:
We have not had a chance to talk to the Bahamians about the seagrass community changes in local areas. Our first impressions of the seagrass was very interesting. We noticed that it was a place were different species of fish reside and hide into . Fish also eat in these seagrasses. Some of the seagrasses in the mangroves were covered in a film of sediment. We saw different species of rays, barracudas, and turtles in and around the seagrass. The seagrass provides a different environment than a sandy bottom, which brings in different species. We've been to both sandy bottoms and grassy bottoms.
Nick and Jordan K.
Question:
What do I need to study in school to do what you are doing? I am going to be in 7th grade next year. You are so lucky!!!!! Please write back!!!! Beth
Answer:
Well there's nothing that you need to specifically study in school, but you need to have a passion for marine science, a great personality in interviews, good grades, and good recommendations. It will all be worth it in the end! And there's nothing like the happiness that you feel when you find out you are accepted into the program!
Amanda & Brock
