Laguna MadreMother Lagoon
The Laguna Madre is one of the five saltiest bodies of water on Earth. Without freshwater inflows from rivers, the salt content of the lower Laguna Madre is high, from 35 to 45 parts per 1000 of water. This saltiness is intensified by heat and the shallow water depth, ranging from 2.5 to 5 feet.
Meadows of seagrass thrive in the lower Laguna Madre, providing a nurturing home for young finfish, shrimp and shellfish. Having established an exclusive dependence on seagrass, more than 75 percent of the world population of redhead ducks winters in the Laguna Madre, which also provides wintering habitat for the endangered piping plover.
Endangered sea turtles share the beaches and coastal mainland with two magnificent wildcats: ocelot and jaguarundi.
Only 80 ocelots remain in Texas; 35 of them live at the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge.
Ever see a dolphin smile?
Why it Matters
The Laguna Madre (Mother Lagoon) relies heavily on freshwater inflows from the rivers of Texas. Not everyone thinks we should just let water flow to this natural hatchery for young finfish, shrimp and shellfish. Sentiments include . . .
- Who cares if there are no more shorebirds, wintering whooping cranes or ducks?
- So what if we lose the last Ripley's turtles, native ocelots and jaguarundi?
- Why should we care that millions of birds migrate through Laguna Madre to shelter?
This post is in support of Blog Action Day 10/15/2007
How Can You Help?
Join or donate to the San Marcos River Foundation,
who is leading the fight to keep fresh water flowing
to the lagunas, bays and bayous.
Use PayPal on their secure website.
How Can You Help?
Join or donate to the San Marcos River Foundation,
who is leading the fight to keep fresh water flowing
to the lagunas, bays and bayous.
Use PayPal on their secure website.
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3 comments:
Aww, great pics. I've never seen a dolphin smile...at least not in person. I'm jealous. The ocelots pic is awesome.
@technogeek-Thanks for stopping by. Please stop by Endangered Spaces for more information about the environment.
I was bit by a dolphin at sea world ;) I'm sure he was just playing but it kinda hurt and I was little. It's a disgrace what were doing to our planet Earth...we should follow the rule don't sh*t where you eat. These creatures need to be flourishing, not diminishing.
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