Times of the Islands Winter 2019/20
Presents the "soul of the Turks & Caicos Islands" with in-depth features about local people, culture, history, environment, businesses, resorts, restaurants and activities.
Presents the "soul of the Turks & Caicos Islands" with in-depth features about local people, culture, history, environment, businesses, resorts, restaurants and activities.
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green pages newsletter <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> department <strong>of</strong> environment & coastal resources<br />
This aerial photo shows <strong>the</strong> extensive mangrove forests in South Caicos.<br />
HEIDI HERTLER<br />
meaning <strong>the</strong>y play a crucial role in maintaining <strong>the</strong> structure<br />
and integrity <strong>of</strong> an ecosystem and are an indicator<br />
for <strong>the</strong> health <strong>of</strong> an ecosystem. Using baby Baited Remote<br />
Underwater Videos (BRUVs), which consist <strong>of</strong> a weighteddown<br />
camera and bait (local fish) attached to PVC piping,<br />
we found that lemon sharks, nurse sharks, barracuda,<br />
and sou<strong>the</strong>rn stingrays were in higher abundance near<br />
<strong>the</strong> mangroves around <strong>the</strong> airport when compared to<br />
near <strong>the</strong> dump or fishing plant.<br />
These results provide important insights into <strong>the</strong> current<br />
health status <strong>of</strong> our local mangroves and are also<br />
useful baseline knowledge for any future disturbances.<br />
The airport, dump and fishing plant are well situated<br />
within <strong>the</strong>se mangroves, which will help protect <strong>the</strong>m<br />
32 www.timespub.tc
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