Lesson 4: Seagrass Ecosystems
Seagrass Ecosystems Key Points -What is it? -Where do you find it? -Seagrass vs Seaweed -Root system -Species in Florida -Epiphytes -Threats Activities: Worksheet 1: Seagrass vs Seaweed Worksheet 1-Seagrass vs Seaweed Worksheet 1-Seagrass vs Seaweed ANSWER Worksheet 2: Seagrass ID Worksheet 2- Seagrass Identification Worksheet 2- Seagrass IdentificationANSWER Follow Up: Worksheet 3: Review Seagrass […]
Lesson 3: Mangrove Ecosystems
Lesson 3: Mangrove Ecosystems Key Points: -What is a mangrove? -How are they different from other plants? -Where are mangroves found? -What is a propagule? -Red, Black, and White mangroves -What are the differences between the three species of mangroves? -How do mangroves live in salt water? -What animals live in a mangrove ecosystem? -Why […]
Lesson 2: Coral Reef Ecosystems
Topic: Coral Reefs Key Points: -What is Coral? -Symbiotic Relationships -What type of reefs are there? -Coral Spawning -Benefits of Coral Reefs -How are our corals doing? -Threats to coral reefs -What can we do? Video Activities: -Symbiotic Relationships (WORKSHEET 1): Worksheet 1- Symbiotic Relationships -Coral Spawning Activity (WORKSHEET 2) : Worksheet 2 (PRINT OUT FOR ALL […]
Lesson 1: ECOSYSTEMS AND FOOD CHAINS
ECOSYSTEMS AND FOOD CHAINS: FACEBOOK LIVE LESSON : https://www.facebook.com/396247877070277/videos/512266676058504/ Key Points of Lesson: -Biomes/habitats -What is an ecosystem -Types of ecosystems in the world -Types of ecosystems in the ocean -Abiotic factors -Biotic factors -Other qualities of an ecosystem -Food chain -Food web –Apex predator, consumers, decomposers, producers -What happens when you remove an organism from […]
Responses to the Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease
“Ana Zangroniz, Miami-Dade County Extension Agent at UF/IFIS Sea Grant Extension, joined Coral Restoration Foundation for its December “Sips and Science” lecture. The dynamic scientist used humor to discuss what is actually a very serious topic, the stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) currently affecting the Florida Reef Tract. Her talk got into what SCTLD […]
Reducing nutrient pollution helps coral resist bleaching
“Coral reefs are not doomed. Although human activities threaten the iconic ecosystems in many different ways, scientists maintain that reefs can continue to thrive with the right assistance. A study by researchers at UC Santa Barbara details how reducing nutrient pollution can help prevent coral from bleaching during moderate heatwaves. The results, which appear in […]
Plastic pollution: ‘Hidden’ chemicals build up in seabirds
https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-51285103?fbclid=IwAR1xVl8Qo49SCG1IWaQaNGa5UwDV5EnLAeraYZoiLtQCP1IWUkuvhPgNh98 “Plastic pollution can build up in the bodies of seabirds, adding to the threats they face in the wild, according to a new study. Researchers fed plastic pellets to nesting chicks to look at the direct effects of plastic exposure. They found chemicals from plastic ended up in the birds’ liver and fatty tissues […]
Sugarloaf Clean-Up was a success!!
Our Sugarloaf clean-up this past Saturday, January 25th was a success!! Reef Relief and volunteers met at the Jumping Bridge in Sugarloaf and cleaned up the area from 10am-12pm. 732 pounds of trash were collected in 2 hours!! 🎉Reef Relief is so thankful for all our volunteers that help out at our clean-ups! We had 35 […]
January 2020 Clean-Ups
🎉We have some Clean-Ups coming up! First up is the Sugarloaf Clean-Up January 25th and another at Cow Key Channel January 26th! On our Reef Relief Facebook you can sign up under events to let us know you’re coming!🌊 What to Bring? Bring clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting dirty, a water bottle, and sunscreen! Directions to Sugarloaf: […]
Turtle recovering at SC Aquarium after ingesting at least 136 pieces of plastic
Link: https://abcnews4.com/news/local/turtle-recovering-at-sc-aquarium-after-ingesting-at-least-136-pieces-of-plastic?fbclid=IwAR2vZKTvPWsQuF07xPrgsaME0iqgB7bfbYZBlWrhO0QS9ut-0Jd3Kz6RG2Y “CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) – It’s no secret that single-use plastics hurt wildlife. But caregivers at the South Carolina Aquarium didn’t expect to find a young sea turtle ingest more than 100 pieces of plastic. Down in what’s called “the basement,” there’s a turtle known as Michael Myers. Caregivers at the Sea Turtle Care Center […]