By Ana Zangroniz, Marine Conservation Student One important issue in marine conservation lies with the preservation of a healthy sea turtle population. Of the seven species (Leatherback, Green, Loggerhead, Hawksbill, Olive Ridley, Kemps Ridley, and Flatback), six are endangered or threatened. Besides the fact that these creatures are visually stunning, they play a crucial role […]
By Natalie Torkelson, Marine conservation student Living in South Florida, most people are familiar with the concept of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is just one of these protected areas in Florida. Six percent of the sanctuary consists of fully protected zones. Along with the fully protected zones, 27 management […]
by Monica Yasunaga, Marine conservation student Marine degradation from coastal pollution is difficult to measure without the appropriate frame of reference. The parameters that must be considered include the physical, chemical, and biological interactions that are taking part in an area. To understand the extent to which human-induced development and activities affect marine ecosystems, biologists […]
by Tom Tascone, RJD Intern An apex predator is defined as a predator residing at the top of the food web in its ecosystem. Life at the top has its benefits – reigning supreme in its environment, the apex predator feeds on lower levels in the food chain and has no natural predators of its […]
by Megan Piechowski, RJD Intern A recently observed increase in the abundance of jellyfish populations has been suggested to be a symptom of deteriorating oceans. Other indicators include: ocean acidification, eutrophication, and declining fish stocks. However, this conclusion might have been reached prematurely as a thorough and formal analysis of the long-term fluctuation of global […]
by Fiona Graham, RJD Intern and Masters student New canals are being built, waterways are undergoing modification, coastal urbanization is on the rise and mangrove, seagrass and other coastal vegetation cover is decreasing. Changes in coastal geomorphology alter sedimentation patterns and consequently the physical and biological structure of nearshore habitats is changing. Artificial habitats generally […]
by Becca Shelton, RJD intern If someone had told me that there was a chance I was going to see a great white on one of our trips, I honestly don’t think I would have believed them. White sharks happen to be my favorite shark and I honestly can’t explain how it felt seeing one […]
by Megan Piechowski, RJD Intern Have you ever wondered how small, sparsely populated fish find each other to mate in the deep, dark ocean? Due to the unusual light organ that is found dangling over the mouth of a certain deep-sea creature it is likely one of the most well-known and recognizable fish that dwells […]