DEFINITIONS:
BIOME: "any of the world's major ecosystems, often classified according to the predominant vegetation and characterized by adaptations of organisms to that particular environment" (4)
ECOSYSTEM: "all the organisms in a given area as well as the abiotic factors with which they interact; one or more communities and the physical environment around them" (4)
BIOME: "any of the world's major ecosystems, often classified according to the predominant vegetation and characterized by adaptations of organisms to that particular environment" (4)
ECOSYSTEM: "all the organisms in a given area as well as the abiotic factors with which they interact; one or more communities and the physical environment around them" (4)
FAQ'S:
1. How large is Biscayne National Park? ~173,000 acres (2) 2. TRUE/FALSE: Biscayne National Park has had coral reef expansion in recent years. ~FALSE! Biscayne National Park has actually seen a decrease in coral reefs due to misuse of fishermen within the park. In 2013 a ban on fishermen was proposed, but because of protestors was recalled. (3) 3. Can lionfish harm snorklers with their venemous spines? ~"Lionfish have three sets of venomous spines located in their dorsal, pelvic, and anal fins (not in their beautiful, fan-like pectoral fins. This is a common mistake). If a person comes into contact with these spines, they could be stuck and subsequently envenomated. The level of effect differs with each person, just like with any allergy. Common effects are: dizziness, swelling, burning, throbbing, intense pain, trouble breathing, disorientation, nausea...The only immediate treatment is to pour fresh, hot water on the wound, which neutralizes the toxin." (Zangroniz 6) 4. What is coral bleeching and why does it affect coral reefs? ~"Coral bleaching is a stress-related response that can be triggered by elevated sea surface temperatures (SST). Recent increases in the frequency of coral bleaching have led to concerns that increases in marine temperatures may threaten entire coral reef regions." (7) 5. What can you do in Biscayne National Park? ~In Biscayne National Park birdwatching, snorkling, scubadiving, canooing, and bascing in the sun are all possibilities that have easy access and multiple sites to do these activities. 6. Is fishing legal within Biscayne National Park? ~ Yes, it is legal to fish within Biscayne National Park but state regulations apply within the park. 7. Why are lionfish such a problem and concern in Biscayne National Park? ~ "1. No natural predators. 2. One female fish can produce egg sacks containing between 4,000-10,000 eggs EVERY MONTH. They are reproducing faster than we can exterminate them. 3. The egg sacks are coated with some sort of chemical substance that makes them unpalatable (yucky) to fish here. 4. The sub-tropical waters are very similar to that of their native region, the Indo-Pacific. 5. Native fish here are completely unsuspecting of lionfish, leaving them extremely vulnerable to predation. In other words, the fish here have no biological programming to recognize the lionfish as a threat." (Zangroniz 6) 8. How long has Biscayne National Park been around? ~ Biscayne National Park opened in 1980 and has shiprecks that can be viewed near some parts of the coasts in the park. 9. What animals are considered endangered in Biscayne National Park? ~ Green sea turtles, pillar coral, smalltooth sawfish, and Florida manatees, are just some of the animals that are considered endangered and located in Biscayne National Park. (8) 10. What should I do if I am snorkling or scubadiving and see a lionfish? ~"At the Park, people are allowed to dive/snorkel and remove lionfish. Since lionfish don't typically respond to hook-and-line fishing, the most effective way to hunt lionfish is to do so individually, either with a pole spear or hand nets. If visitors do not want to hunt lionfish, we encourage them to report their sightings to the Park, so that resources managers can try to locate the fish and remove them." (Zangroniz 6) 11. How can scubadivers/snorklers prevent the harming of Biscayne National Park's coral reefs? ~ Scubadivers/snorklers can prevent the harm of coral reefs by not standing near or on coral and by not touching coral which can cause the polyps to close and the coral to suffocate and die. (1) 12. Why can/do boats cause so much damage to ecosystems in Biscayne National Park? ~ If boats are too close to the bottom of the ocean and seagrass the propellers on the boats can destroy seagrass and any organisms in the wake of the propellers. Boats are also one of the main causes for the endangerement of manatees who are often struck and killed by propellers since they feed off of the seagrass. (1) 13. What is the best way to travel throughout Biscayne National Park? ~ There is only one mile of road in Biscayne National Park so the best way to see all that the park has to offer is by taking guided boat tours, canoeing through the mangroves, and/or snorkling above coral reefs. 14. Is there a site on land in Biscayne National Park that is unique and able to visit? ~ Boca Chita key is a popular spot to have a picnic/lunch and explore a lighthouse and see canons on display around the lighthouse. (1) 15. What is one of the neatest facts about Biscayne National Park? ~ "If you added up all the different kinds of vertebrates (fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals) in Grand Canyon, Yellowstone or Yosemite, you still wouldn't have the number of fish found in Biscayne National Park. " (8) |
TOURISM: An interesting site to visit in Biscayne National Park is the ship wreck of Populo. Populo was a Spanish ship that was sunk by a hurrican in 1733. (10) Today it is located in a sand pocket surrounded by coral reefs and seagrass ecosystems. (10) Lobsters, groupers, blue runners, trumpetfish, angelfish, brittle stars, arrow crabs, anemones, porkfish, butterflyfish, tangs, blennies, gobies, banded coral shrimp, spotted morays, damsels, wrasses, hogfish, snappers, parrotfish, sergeant majors, hermit crabs, high hats, pufferfish, porcupinefish, cleaner shrimp, fire coral, star coral, brain coral, sheet coral, sea urchins, sea fans, sea whips, and sponges are all part of the sea life surrounding this ship wreck so it is a great place to explore with permission and guidance from park officials. (10)
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