Science Nation: Disappearing Red Shrimp

Molecular biologist Scott Santos and his team at Auburn University are studying an unusual and endangered ecosystem in Hawaii called Anchialine pools. A threatened ecosystem, Anchialine pools are inland lava depressions found near the ocean that feed off fresh water aquifers. Little is known about the creatures and plants that live in these brackish waters, but a number of the lava pools are being destroyed by invasive species and development. With support from the National Science Foundation, Santos and his team captured video and photographs of this unique habitat during a two month field study. He hopes his research will help save the pools before they totally disappear. One of the most famous creatures in the Anchialine pools is a legendary tiny red shrimp.

(Source: DCMP)