Valerie, U.R. My week in Review

      I am happy to announce the direction I am going for my project. I am thinking about focusing on the effects of dredging on the coastal and inter-coastal waters. I'm am also looking over the laws that are in place for environmental protection if any. So far I see more laws in place to regulate the vast "need" for dredging. The need is there because of big business and human consumption.
      Last week I was able to go out on the waters of Rose Bay in Port Orange. I purchased a Groupon for the Hydro bikes. It was a blast! My boyfriend, Anthony and I rode around the mangroves for about an hour. The weather was clear with some winds ranging from10-15 mph. The water was chilly, so I remained seated on the bike. 
     Below is a picture of the mangroves we passed by. This little adventure was a preview of what was to come the following week counting sea grass on Jan 31. The preparation I thought I did was not enough for the weather we endured counting sea grass. The weather was cold and rainy, but we were going to get wet anyway. So we trudged on. There were a few delays but before long we were heading to our sea-grass site. It saddens me to say that the amount of sea-grass is diminishing all too fast. This may be a direct result from dredging along the waterways,  so that the big luxury boats can maneuver through the small canals. The grass is vital to our marine life. I will get to the bottom of this dredging business...literally!
     I am happy to say that the sea grass experience has fueled my desire to stand up for the environment. We have a home to protect. The evidence of destruction is clear and I am learning from theses classes that the world really isn't as big as I thought. I may be able to make a difference, we may be able to make a difference. Therefore, by helping with this data collection we have already started to make a difference.