Eco-Terrace & Exhibit
Red Mangrove
Overview:·
Coastal trees and shrubs that grow within the reach of the intertidal zones salty
Three species in Florida: Red, White, and Black Mangroves. These are Red Mangroves
Identifying feature of this species that helps us tell it apart from the other mangrove species in Florida are the large prop-roots & bright green leaves common to the red mangrove
Threats:
Urban development along the coast
Water pollution and runoff
Hurricanes and flooding
Ecosystem Services:
During storm surges and hurricanes, mangroves keep our coastlines intact and absorb wave impact
Provide habitat for thousands of aquatic animals. Fish, sea turtles, manatees, etc.
Serve as a nursery for juvenile fish, sharks, and stingrays.
Store carbon from the atmosphere and retain sediments, improving water quality
Coral Reef
Overview:·
Corals are tiny animals called polyps, that construct vast underwater structures over thousands of years - very slow-growing
They have a symbiotic relationship with a photosynthetic alga called zooxanthellae, which provides the colors that you see in coral reefs
LMC’s coastal habitat has brain coral, elkhorn coral, staghorn coral, sea fans, and sea sponges
Threats:
Warming ocean temperatures due to climate change
Overfishing, dredging, and boat anchors caus physical damage to coral reefs
Earthquakes, tropical storms, and hurricanes
Ecosystem Services:
Cover 1% of the ocean floor, but support 25% of marine creatures called the “rainforests of the sea
Provide habitat and food sources for thousands of marine species, big and small
produce vast amounts of oxygen from algae photosynthesis
Gulf Stream
Overview:·
The ocean is a continuous body of salt water that covers over 70% of the Earth and produces half of the world's oxygen
The Gulf Stream is a strong ocean current that brings warm water from the Gulf of Mexico into the Atlantic Ocean
76% of all U.S. trade involves a form of marine transportation
Threats:
Urban development along coastlines
Water pollution and runoff
Hurricanes and flooding
Ecosystem Services:
Provides a migration passageway. Our nesting sea turtles utilize the Gulf Stream to access our beaches
Currents distribute nutrients, phytoplankton, and zooplankton, which serve as the foundation of the aquatic food web produces vast amounts of oxygen
One Ocean
Overview:·
One Ocean Hall is a representation of conservation and initiatives built around various stressors that our oceans are facing. Through things like habitat degradation, pollution, overfishing, the introduction of invasive species, and climate change, our oceans are facing threats that can alter the health of our entire planet. Understanding the role we play in not only those stressors but also in the solutions, is essential for the success of efforts in conservation around the globe.
Threats:
Invasive Species:
Shipping - some ships bring ballast water which can contain non-native species that are accidentally introduced into a new environment, which then are recognized as an invasive species. Additionally, ships have been known to accumulate microorganisms, algae, plants, or even small animals, which is known as biofouling - this can lead to the introduction of invasive species into an environment as well.
Aquaculture escape - in some aquaculture/farming practices, overspill or escape of non-native species can occur.
Marine debris - large patches of various depths of trash are floating in our oceans, and many organisms can “piggyback” on this debris, and end up in very unorthodox places. Through things like the Gulf Stream, this marine debris can introduce invasive species from its place of origin to a new environment.
Climate change: one of the greatest threats to ocean health, as it can impact any number of things ranging from food source availability and migration patterns to ecosystem health.