Interns Explore Mangroves and Coral Restoration by Shenequa Williams

The Ministry’s summer interns participated in an educational marine conservation field trip led by Mr.Ruleo Camacho/Marine Ecologist, where they gained hands-on experience in both mangrove and coral reef ecosystems.

The first part of the day was spent exploring a mangrove in the English Harbour area. The interns learned how to identify the red, black, and white mangrove trees. They learned that a plant is considered a tree once it grows above breast height and has a trunk thicker than a person’s thumb.

While working in groups, the interns estimated the height of the mangrove trees, counted seedlings and crab holes, and learned how to distinguish seedlings from roots, noting that seedlings can be identified by the presence of leaves.

Following the mangrove exercise, the group returned to Nelson Dockyard, where they toured the museum and learned about the vital role coral reefs play in protecting coastlines, supporting marine life, and maintaining healthy ocean ecosystems.

The day concluded with the interns assisting in a coral restoration project. They helped assemble coral tree structures that will be used to support the growth of coral fragments before they are transplanted onto reefs. This providing the interns with valuable insight into ongoing marine conservation efforts undertaken by the National Parks Authority in collaboration with their international partners.