At one time salt marsh covered much of the shoreline of the Pensacola Bay system. Today much of this habitat has been removed. You may ask why? Why would they remove salt marsh? Basically, it was in the way of human development. We needed ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources
July 13, 2026 Saharan dust, a vast plume of fine particles lifted from the deserts of North Africa, may seem like a distant phenomenon—but it regularly reaches the Florida Keys, shaping the environment and skies in subtle but important ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, UF/IFAS Extension
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
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Indian River Research and Education Center’s (IRREC) aquaculture laboratory, directed by Dr. Cortney Ohs, has received a rare species of fish to try to culture at ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, UF/IFAS Research, Wildlife
One of the larger concerns within the Pensacola Bay community is the number of health advisories issued in our local waterways. For most of the bay area where people swim, health advisories are not as big of an issue. But they can be in ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, Water
Operation TRAP’s (Trash Reduction for Aquatic Preserves) mission is to partner with local government and state Aquatic Preserve systems to intercept litter at the source and reduce the amount of marine debris entering Florida’s coastal waterways. ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension, Water
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
Summer on Florida's Nature Coast means one thing for many families and outdoor enthusiasts - scallop season has arrived! From first-time snorkelers to seasoned scallopers, thousands of people will head to the seagrass beds this summer in search ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Natural Resources, Recreation, SFYL Hot Topic, UF/IFAS Extension, Water
Tampa Bay, Fla. — Hillsborough and Pinellas County 4-H, and the University of Florida Geomatics Extension program, welcomed intermediate and senior 4-H youth to the “Map Quest: Scallop Habitats” workshop. It was part of series ... READ MORE
Category: 4-H & Youth, Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Curriculum, Events, Natural Resources, Water
El Niño Conditions are Present As of June 11, 2026, NOAA assessments indicate El Niño conditions have officially begun and forecast to strengthen from the current time through winter in the Northern Hemisphere. This could once again elevate ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, UF/IFAS Extension