In 2025 Florida Sea Grant trained 100 residents from Escambia and Santa Rosa County to survey for nesting horseshoe crabs in the Pensacola Bay area. Of those 21 (21%) participated in at least one survey. The objective of this project is ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, Wildlife
Formed at the edge of freshwater and salt, dense forest and open water, scrubby dune and open marsh, the diversity along and within coastal dune lakes is tremendous. Coastal dune lakes are shallow, irregularly shaped, permanent bodies of ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Forests, Natural Resources, Recreation, Water, Wildlife
When you think of self-defense in the natural world, it’s normal to lean towards the animal kingdom. Between their intimidating teeth, claws, horns, and venom, animals can hold their own in a physical battle for dominance or survival. But ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources
Many who have snorkeled or dove in the Florida Keys have most likely encountered nurse sharks there – they are quite common. But here in the northern Gulf – though present – encounters are not as frequent. In the Keys you can don a ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, Wildlife
Introduction The bay scallop (Argopecten irradians) was once common in the lower portions of the Pensacola Bay system. However, by 1970 they were all but gone. Closely associated with seagrass, especially turtle grass (Thalassia testudinum), ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources
Situation For decades resource managers and agencies have been interested in restoring seagrass in the Pensacola Bay system. Beginning in the mid-20th century seagrass habitat began to decline, in some locations over 80% were lost. This ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources
Florida’s geology is as varied as its plant and animal life. Here in the western Panhandle, we have extremely sandy soil along the coast and heartier loam, clay, and iron rock as you approach the northern border with Alabama. If you start ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources
In Japanese, “Satori” means “awakening,” “understanding,” or “comprehension.” It is the perfect term for a program started just 10 years ago here in Pensacola. A nonprofit housed at the Pensacola Yacht Club, the mission of ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, WaterSnails and slugs belong to one of the largest phyla of animals on the planet – the mollusks. Mollusks are known for their calcium carbonate shells and seashell collecting along the shoreline has been a popular hobby for centuries. There ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural ResourcesAs far as familiarity goes – everyone knows about worms. As far as seeing them – these are rarely, if ever seen by visitors to the northern Gulf. Most know worms as creatures that live beneath the sand – out of sight and doing what ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources