How do man-made changes in one habitat affect nearby habitats? For example, will the destruction of a mangrove affect a nearby coral reef or grassy bottom? On board the Coral Reef II, we have the capabilities to do plankton tows, beach seines, study fish and environments. How can we use data from these investigations to further our understanding of changes in habitats through human use?
Basically, we have 6 more days in the Bahamas. There's tons of possible research to be done. We want to know what YOU think we should focus on.
Maddy Huerta
Alana Hernandez
Basically, we have 6 more days in the Bahamas. There's tons of possible research to be done. We want to know what YOU think we should focus on.
Maddy Huerta
Alana Hernandez
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?
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
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
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