Shoals Marine Research Lab

Last season we took our SWSV to Elliotts Key in Biscayne Bay to conduct marine life and general ecosystem assessments. We secured the SWSV in this location:

…And proceeded to spend two days observing the inhabitants.

Conch-Fully mature Queen Conch, 1, in deeper water. Appeared healthy.

Shovelhead Shark, 3, in shallow tidal creeks. Appeared healthy.

Smaller fish, Snapper Sp. not as numerous as we would like, around mangrove roots.

Larger apex predator fish, none observed in this location.

Misc. Shell life, crabs, very few.

Bird life, Several herons.

The water quality was moderate. Sea grass beds looked acceptable in most places. Concerning was the lack of small shell life on these flats. No juvenile conch were seen.

Lastly, very little litter or trash, plastic or debris was seen.

At the start of the third day, we moved the SWRV out of the tidal creek and returned south to Key Largo.