As part of an ongoing project, Erika Zambello is visiting all National Estuarine Research Reserves in the continental United States. Established by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the sites work together toward long-term research, education and coastal stewardship.
Mangrove estuaries are fast disappearing in the United States. Kayaking through Rookery Bay – which preserves one example of this important habitat – it’s easy to see how rich in biodiversity these ecosystems truly are. As part of a tour group, I spotted American oystercatchers, white ibises, a roseate spoonbill and dolphins. While shadowing a high school field trip the next day, we waded in the shallows seeking mollusk and fish species.
Read the rest and see all the photos at Voices for Biodiversity!
E. Zambello Writing and Photography 