Bioluminescence lagoons in Puerto Rico

I have traveled many cities in the US to participate in oceanographic research and conferences but didn't have a chance to travel outside this mainland. Now, I will be in Puerto Rico (PR) in June 2013 and help Puerto Rican undergraduates who want to learn aquatic science.

The title of this National Science Foundation funded project is:
Undergraduate Research Experiences in Estuarine Processes

Drs. Moser (director at Maryland Sea Grant College), Harris, Cornwell, and Pierson (faculties at University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science) have been collaborating with Puerto Rican scientists and conducting preliminary studies in bioluminescent lagoons in PR.

In the upper right corner of the country, bioluminescent lagoons are located in the city of Fajardo and the lagoons are surrounded by mangrove forest. Inorganic matter produced or released from mangrove trees are known to be consumed by dinoflagellates which emit bluish color.

The lagoons are now heavily protected due to detrimental effects of tourism in the country and a lot of efforts has been made by individual and groups to protect this environment. However, only a handful number of research has been conducted and we have no clear understanding of this amazing plankton reaction and the effect of changing environmental conditions. We hope that our collaboration not only enhances our understanding in the ecosystem but also increases awareness of this vulnerable environments. Also, I personally hope that I can improve my teaching skill through an interaction with local students. I will keep posting this project as it progress.