At times, the upper branches of the mangroves weave together and form a tunnel beneath, while the tidal current keeps the lower branches from closing off the passageway. I find mangrove tunnels to be a place of magic and serenity. The mosquitoes, you ask? Their larvae are a favorite food of many small fish. I've spent many happy hours in the depths of Matheson Preserve with nary a skeeter to torment me, so I must pay homage to certain small fish with large appetites for mosquito larvae, the Gambusia, or mosquito fish. Also known to inhabit the mangrove creeks are mangrove rivulus, killifish, mojarra, Gulf menhaden, scaled sardine, Atlantic thread herring, bay anchovy and the aptly-named tidewater silversides.

As the levels of salinity in the corridors change with the seasons, so do the fish in the mangrove forests. More rain in summer freshens the salt water, while Florida's dry winter season allows oceanic fish to venture further inland as salinity levels rise. Matheson's location on the western shore of Biscayne Bay places it close enough to offshore reefs so that reef fish may use the mangrove corridors for food and shelter. We've captured and released tiny triggerfish and flying fish as well as a yellow mojarra (see photos); the latter's appearance was rewarding as it's a "certified" baitfish!

It surprises me that so few divers are aware of the proven connection between the health of the forest and the offshore reefs they love to explore. It baffles me that people who love to roar out to sea in their fishing boats are unaware of the link between mangroves and their catch of the day. And how many people even give a thought to where fish come from? The ocean is still a vast mystery to most of us. Certainly most people don't realize that the ocean's health is related to what happens on its coastlines. Could they, especially, imagine themselves to be small silvery fish in search of safe haven and food?

To become environmentally aware is a lifelong process. Sometimes projecting our human emotions onto animals is the only way to teach people to make the connection that will save the animal from destruction. Sometimes it's not enough to statistically prove economic benefits to humans. As animals ourselves, we share with creatures furred, feathered, and finned a similar need for a nest, a stronghold.

Tom Kazo possessed an unparalleled gift for empathy and communication with all creatures. He made it his life's work to teach others to see themselves through the eyes of these "critters." He could fully imagine what it would be like to be a fish in need of a friendly mangrove forest but finding only an unwelcoming seawall. Tom and I figured out together that only by expanding our view of life, and becoming less self-centered, human-oriented and just plain greedy will humans be able to save our planet from certain destruction. But after decades of hard-won experiences in over 60 countries, Tom knew it was hard to find a place to start.

Continued on next page.