With our feet on the ground (And the water!) here in Jamaica, we’ve begun to learn more about the environment we’ll be staying in, as well as the operations conducted by the Discovery Bay Marine Lab. As an important part of the University of the West Indies, the DBML is dedicated to the ecological preservation of Jamaica’s marine and estuarine wonders. One of these includes the propagation of mangrove trees across the island.

One of the Discovery Bay Marine Lab’s mangrove nurseries, with young mangroves being grown!

Here at the Discovery Bay Marine lab, mangroves are nurtured from propagules into young trees, which are planted across Jamaica to help with mangrove restoration efforts. Mangrove trees are an essential keystone species, and help support entire ecosystems. Three primary species are found here on the island: red, white, and black mangroves. From providing shelter for other flora and fauna, to filtering water and securing sediments, mangrove forests are one of the most important types of coastal ecosystem found in the caribbean. Additionally, mangroves play an instrumental role in protecting the land from coastal erosion and helping to dissipate dangerous storm surges and other violent waves.

A mature mangrove forest I photographed while in the Rif Mangrove Park, on fellow caribbean island Curaçao, featuring all three mangrove species common in the region

Mangrove forests are under threat around the world. These essential trees face dangers from coastal development, pollution, and climate change, among many others. The work the DBML does is vital in keeping these beautiful species thriving, and it was fascinating to learn about their process and see their mangrove nursery up close. I can’t wait to experience more tropical wild and plant life here in Jamaica, as our two week adventure continues!

-Lillian