Marine Science Students Help Save Mangroves

Members of Blair’s marine science class spent the Long Winter Weekend in the Turks and Caicos, a small island nation just south of the Bahamas. Faculty member Rod Gerdsen has coordinated and led these trips over the last five years. He reports the following: “Each year, my students snorkel their way across reefs and paddle through mangroves, discovering new ocean creatures wherever they go. This year was no different, as they were able to assist with an effort to re-populate an area of mangroves – a salt-tolerant plant used as a nursery for young marine life and as an erosion buffer for nearby beaches.”

Rod added that the class returned to the Turks this year after going to the Cayman Islands over the last two years. “I like to compare the change in the environment (both marine and terrestrial) due to tourism development and economic expansion,” he said. “In the past, my students have recorded types of fish and the relative numbers of fish so they are able to make comparisons from year to year. This exercise allows them to draw conclusions on the perilous state of the environment. Some of the highlights of this year’s trip included snorkeling with Big Blue Adventures, where students were able to swim with and even touch a nurse shark. They were also lucky enough to see Jojo, a wild dolphin and international celebrity that regularly interacts with humans. Kayaking through the mangroves allowed students to see these essential plants that help protect and maintain the island’s environment. Near the end of the trip, we found ourselves on a secluded beach with wild iguanas running around, begging for food. Overall, it was a wonderful trip with incredible weather!”

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Updated 2/15/11

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