We have been conducting reef assessments in the Gambier group of islands which are a collection of extinct high volcanic islands more than 1,600 km southeast of Tahiti. For twelve days of this mission, the scientists characterized the complex reef systems of Mangareva, an archipelago located in the southern hemisphere where the climate is tropical, but tempered by southeast trade winds.
Friend or Foe? Part 1: Meet the Underwater Meadows
You’re swimming in the glistening, turquoise ocean, feeling totally at peace as the water cools you under the beaming sun. Hang on—what’s that? A slippery, slimy, twisty thing brushing your foot? Ew! Argh.
That’s seagrass! And believe it or not, we love it. You don’t need to be afraid. It’s actually one of the most important ecosystems in the ocean, and it definitely won’t hurt you. Let me tell you more…
