74
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WINTER 2014
6
|
SPRING 2014
C
oral reefs are indisputably fascinating, and
for many divers exploring the underwater
world means heading offshore. But on the
ride out to the reef you may be passing
through (and over) some astounding
marine habitat. Mangrove forests and
seagrass meadows make for interesting
snorkeling in their own right, and they’re
essential for healthy coral reefs.
One of the best parts about snorkeling
among mangroves and seagrasses is how
peaceful these inshore habitats can be.
Many inhabitants of these environments are masters
of camouflage. It’s easy to enjoy a dive on a coral reef
without having to look very hard, but if you want to
spot that seahorse with its tail wrapped around a blade
of grass slowly swaying back and forth in the current
or the flatworm sluggishly making its way along a
mangrove root to get to its tunicate snack, you’ll need
to be still and look closely. Just float on your belly and
stare. Study single blades of grass, and get up close
to the mangrove roots — their beauty can be quite
surprising. Remember the smallest of critters can be
among the most beautiful or the most interesting to
observe. But one day you might turn around to see a
big manatee staring you down.
Mangroves &
By Sarah Egner
82
SPRING
STEPHEN FRINK
