Sci256: Biotic Components

Abstract

Biscayne Bay is a shallow, narrow inlet of the Atlantic Ocean, c.40 miles (60 kilometers) long, 2- ten miles wide and forms a part of the Atlantic Intercostals waterway. In this paper, I will the major structural and functional dynamics of Biscayne Bay’s ecosystem. This is a famous resort area and humans have affected the biogeochemical cycles in that ecosystem evident to the Department of Environmental Resources Management (DERM) program that protects and enhances coral reefs in that area. DERM’s knowledge about this ecosystem’s structure and function have helped individuals to develop plans for management and restoration in protection and sustainment of living and non-living organisms of Biscayne Bay (County, 2010).

Biotic Components Paper

Biscayne Bay is a vibrant ecosystem bordered by Miami on the northwest and the Florida Keys on the east, authorized as Biscayne National Monument in 1968; it became a national park in 1980. This area is Mangrove forests stabilize the shorelines; provide shelter for animals, birds, and marine life prevalent to this area. They are also a valuable food chain for marine life. Biscayne Bay is a natural habitat for sea grass, coral reef, shrimp, lobster, sea turtles and, manatees, to name a few. Sustainment of this ecosystem over time through human interaction have affected the biogeochemical cycles as recognized by the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve, who declared the Bay an “Aquatic Park" in 1974 by the State of Florida and Miami-Dade County government. DERM currently oversees activities involved with the Biscayne Bay ecosystem (County, 2010).

Mangrove forests act as a buffer for hurricanes and help to prevent erosion of the beach. They are also a food source for shrimp and other marine life. The tree legs grow above coastal waters. In some species, their roots block out the salt and it survives on fresh water, where...