Each year Florida Sea Grant conducts a summer survey of selected invasive species of concern in the coastal area of Pensacola Bay. Below are the results of the 2025 survey. Beach vitex Beach vitex is an invasive vine that ... READ MORE
Category: Invasive Species, Natural ResourcesThey continue to come. Invasive species have always been a problem in Florida and many of the south Florida species are moving north. One of these is a new marine snail – the thrush cowrie. This snail is from the Red Sea and ... READ MORE
Category: Invasive Species, Natural Resources
If you live near or visit the Atlantic or Gulf of Mexico coasts, odds are you’re a fan of the Atlantic blue crab (Callinectes sapidus). Fried or steamed legs and claws, crabcakes, entire softshell crabs—that sweet crab meet is delicious ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Invasive Species, Natural Resources, Water, Wildlife
There have been a lot of things brought into and out of the deep South that seemed like a good idea at the time. From kudzu and mullet haircuts to deep-fried Twinkies and jorts, we should probably think twice about a few trends. One such ... READ MORE
Category: Forests, Invasive Species, Natural ResourcesNorthwest Florida Regional Lionfish Workshop Notes Feb 8, 2024 – Ft. Walton Beach Lionfish first appeared in the northern Gulf of Mexico in 2010. At that time, it was a huge concern – and still is – but it got the public’s ... READ MORE
Category: Invasive Species, Natural Resources
Beach vitex (Vitex rotundifolia) is an invasive plant that does well in sandy/sunny locations – the dunes. It has caused several problems in North and South Carolina (where it was first released to restore dunes after a hurricane). It ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Invasive Species, Natural Resources
Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) is one of the most noxious weeds in the U.S. and has been a problem in the agricultural and timberland for decades. In more recent years it has been found on our barrier islands. Stands of cogongrass on the ... READ MORE
Category: Invasive Species, Natural Resources
We have mentioned in past articles that cogongrass has reached the coastal areas of the Florida panhandle. This aggressive invasive plant was accidentally introduced to the U.S. in the early 1900s through the Port of Mobile. It was intentionally ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Invasive Species, Natural Resources
Walking through the forest, Japanese climbing fern (Lygodium japonicum) might catch your eye. The fronds are delicate and almost lacy in shape, winding their way along the stems of shrubs and trunks of trees. Like most vines, they rely on ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Forests, Invasive Species, Natural ResourcesIt’s October and That Means it’s Time for Halloweed What is Halloweed? It’s a national program where volunteers gather at a public space to help remove invasive weeds. In many cases they target one specific species. ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Invasive Species, Natural Resources