its state of health.

Experts from the Biological Station, joined by young volunteers from the US group Earthwatch, this week began marking off sections of the swamp at Hungry Bay so changes can be measured.

The swamp is the oldest in the Atlantic, but it is now eroding.

Scientists Dr. Robbie Smith and Miss Joanna Ellison launched the project as part of CARICOMP, a joint study of the health of coastal environments by scientists throughout Bermuda and the Caribbean.

Miss Ellison believes the swamp's mangroves are dying -- at an increasing rate. She says natural causes, human mistreatment and official indifference are all to blame.

Another scientist, Dr. Martin Thomas of New Brunswick University, concluded recently that most of the swamp was "in generally excellent condition''. But he agreed there was erosion and a problem with garbage.

As well as the Hungry Bay mangroves, the study will look at sea grass at Brackish Pond Flats and coral at the Northern Rim Reef.

DAMP WORK -- Scientists and young US conservation volunteers are monitoring Hungry Bay mangrove forest to see how healthy it is. Pictured, left to right, are: Shale Rosen, 16; Dr. Robbie Smith of the Biological Station; Sarah Morby, 16; and Jennifer Vaughn, 18.