Feb. 18, 2005 –– A report on Coral Bay's inner harbor, done under the auspices of the Coral Bay Community Council, has good news, Karen Vahling, organization volunteer, said Wednesday.
Vahling made a presentation on a study done by Kimberlee J. Meyers, a Los Angles biologist at a meeting of the organization. Meyers conducted the study in the fall of 2004.
"This report is exciting. There's a lot more out there than people know," Vahling said.
She said the study found many seagrasses and red mangroves. Additionally, she said Meyers found 30 coral species, 35 fish species, 16 plant species, 14 bird species, and 19 marine species such as conch and crabs.
"Right up there where all the boats are," Vahling said.
The study also explains St. John's various eco-systems.
Sharon Coldren, Coral Bay Community Council president, said Friday that the organization hopes a professional researcher with funding will use Coral Bay as a study site so more information can be gained.
She said there are many aspects that still need studied.
"There's no notion about what hurricanes do," she said, noting that Hurricanes Marilyn and Georges flushed the bay considerably.
The area is considered by the Planning and Natural Resources Department as an Area of Particular Concern, which means special attention must be paid to protecting it.
The 53-page report can be seen online at www.coralbaycommunitycouncil.org/Ocean.htm.
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