This theme introduces participants to the flora and fauna of tropical marine ecosystems and nearshore environments. Participants focus on coral reefs and nearshore communities, their inhabitants, trophic food dynamics, and identification of seagrasses, corals, algae, and marine organisms. Participants also learn how to use transects, seine nets, secchi discs, and various laboratory skills. Field trips will visit some of Dade County's most remarkable examples of marine and nearshore communities - Crandon Park, Matheson Hammock, and various reefs in Biscayne National Park. You should enjoy being on and in the water for this theme.