Shoals Marine Research Lab

Plastic from human activity is frequently found, even in the remotest locations. It degrades very slowly and forms microplastic particles which disperse into the biosphere. These stray bits were dutifully collected and disposed of.

On this outing, we used the dinghy to conduct a survey on an area of mangoves to note which species were present. Glass minnows are a staple here. These greenish, transparent little fish are at the bottom of the food web. Several species of snapper were recorded, mostly Grey Snapper. Interestlingly, a new inhabitant of this ecosystem is the Green Iguana. These creatures are becoming endemic due to climate change and the lower incidence of cold weather which used to kill off any escaped pets each year. Now, they inhabit the mangrove canopy with impunity.