Category: Coasts & Marine

Dense green mangrove trees line a calm waterway, with their reflection mirrored on the still water beneath a clear blue sky.

Mangroves: Nature’s Coastal Defenders and Climate Champions

by Holly Abeels
August 25, 2026

From protecting communities during storms to helping combat climate change, mangroves provide some of the most valuable ecosystem services on Earth. Understanding these benefits highlights why protecting and restoring mangrove forests is important ... READ MORE

Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Disaster Preparation, NATURAL RESOURCES, Recreation, Water, Wildlife
Tags: Coastal Habitat, Conservation, Environment, Florida Sea Grant, Resiliency, Water Quality, Wildlife
Three-panel image showing the invasive seagrass Halophila stipulacea underwater and as a close-up specimen, highlighting its narrow, paired green leaves.

Getting Ahead of the Spread: Meet Halophila stipulacea, Florida’s New Invasive Seagrass

by Holly Abeels
July 9, 2026

A new invasive seagrass is spreading in Florida waters, and scientists are asking people to help watch for it. Halophila stipulacea is a small tropical seagrass that was first found in Florida in 2024 in Biscayne Bay near Key Biscayne. Since ... READ MORE

Category: Coasts & Marine, Invasive Species, NATURAL RESOURCES, UF/IFAS Extension
Tags: Aquatic Invasive Species, Coastal Systems, Environment, Florida Sea Grant, Indian River Lagoon, Seagrass
A “Manatee Zone – Slow Speed, Minimum Wake” sign stands on posts in a calm coastal waterway, with a small motorboat traveling in the background and low green shoreline vegetation in the foreground under a partly cloudy sky.

Boating Responsibly This Fourth of July: Safety, Wildlife, and Florida’s Waterways

by Holly Abeels
June 30, 2026

The Fourth of July is one of the busiest weekends of the year on Florida’s waterways. From lifelong locals to first-time visitors, thousands of people head out to enjoy time on the water. No matter your level of experience, understanding how ... READ MORE

Category: Coasts & Marine, NATURAL RESOURCES, Recreation, UF/IFAS Extension, Water, Wildlife
Tags: Boating, Environment, Florida Sea Grant, Recreation, Water

Shrimpin’ in the Sunshine State: Florida’s Shrimp Species, Seasons, and Fun Facts

by Holly Abeels
October 7, 2025

This blog post was developed using original content by Laila Cohen, intern UF/IFAS Extension Brevard County, and Holly Abeels, FL Sea Grant Extension Agent, and edited with assistance from Microsoft Copilot. Shrimping is a beloved tradition ... READ MORE

Category: Coasts & Marine, Health & Nutrition, UF/IFAS Extension, Wildlife
Tags: Cooking, Fish, Florida Sea Grant, Food, Nutrition
Palm trees in a storm

Prevention Pays! The True Cost of Flying Storm Debris

by Britta Kellner
August 15, 2025

Iconic palms define our tropical Florida landscape, but beautiful palm fronds can become dangerous and even deadly during a storm.  Strong  winds from hurricanes and other storms often turn everyday items like palms and loose branches, patio ... READ MORE

Category: Coasts & Marine, Disaster Preparation, Home Management, Money Matters, UF/IFAS Extension
Tags: Brevard County, Britta Kellner, Environment, Family Safety, Finances, Hurricane, Storm Debris

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