As a consolation prize, Epic Diving took us snorkeling in the nearby mangrove forests.  There’s a nice, wide bay full of mangroves within walking distance of the house.  Epic Diving takes a skiff from this bay out to their 40-foot boat.  I always enjoy snorkeling around mangroves and trying to get the ultimate photograph of these important habitats.  Mangroves serve to filter out sediment from the water and thereby contribute to the health of coral reefs.  Their tangled roots also serve as essential habitat for all kinds of juvenile fish.  

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  • mangroves and eelgrass, essential lowlands filter out sediment, clean water before it reaches coral reefs, Bahamas, May 2012
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  • mangroves and eelgrass, essential lowlands filter out sediment, clean water before it reaches coral reefs, Bahamas, May 2012
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  • young mangroves sprout in shallow water, essential lowlands filter out sediment, clean water before it reaches coral reefs, Bahamas, May 2012
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  • mangroves and eelgrass, essential lowlands filter out sediment, clean water before it reaches coral reefs, roots serve as nurseries for juvenile fish, Bahamas, May 2012
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  • mangroves and eelgrass, essential lowlands filter out sediment, clean water before it reaches coral reefs, roots serve as essential nurseries for juvenile fish, Bahamas, May 2012
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  • mangrove forest, essential lowlands filter out sediment, clean water before it reaches coral reefs, Bahamas, May 2012
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  • mangrove forest, essential lowlands filter out sediment, clean water before it reaches coral reefs, Bahamas, May 2012
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  • mangrove forest, essential lowlands filter out sediment, clean water before it reaches coral reefs, Bahamas, May 2012; filling in mangroves to create land is an environmental problem
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  • mangrove forest, essential lowlands filter out sediment, clean water before it reaches coral reefs, Bahamas, May 2012; filling in mangroves to create land is an environmental problem
  • BAH2114_BAH_20120504_0751.CR2
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  • mangrove forest, essential lowlands filter out sediment, clean water before it reaches coral reefs, Bahamas, May 2012; filling in mangroves to create land is an environmental problem