Discovering the Secrets of Nature
At GTMNERR (Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve), research stands as the cornerstone of our commitment to understanding and conserving the coastal ecosystems that define the reserve. We actively engage in collaborative science, fostering partnerships to collectively advance our understanding of socio-ecological systems in a way that enables better-informed management, planning, and policy decisions.
Rigorous monitoring forms the backbone of our research efforts, encompassing water quality, marsh and oyster habitats, and plankton dynamics. This multifaceted approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of our coastal landscapes. Citizen science further enriches data collection, actively involving the community in our conservation endeavors.
Protecting What Matters:
Protecting What Matters:
GTM Research in Action
GTM Research in Action
Plankton are vital to estuarine ecosystems, playing key roles in the food web and responding to nutrient changes, with scientists monitoring their impact.
Oysters filter over 60% of water in GTMNERR, providing habitat, preventing erosion, and improving water quality, with scientists monitoring reefs year-round.
GTMNERR tracks water quality and weather via four stations, providing crucial data for understanding ecosystem health and supporting research projects.
GTMNERR fosters scientific collaboration, supporting research on biodiversity and climate change while offering a platform for impactful coastal studies.
GTMNERR shares research findings on biodiversity, climate change, and conservation through publications, fostering collaboration and scientific advancement.
Citizen science at GTMNERR involves volunteers in sea turtle surveys, invasive plant monitoring, and more, empowering the community in conservation efforts.