This sounds similar to the idea that has been discussed about protecting some species of sharks. Do we really want to do this? It reminds me of an interesting situation that was created when they passed the Marine Mammal Act in ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, Wildlife
On any given day, a walk down the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier over the Gulf of Mexico will typically reward the observant visitor with what, for most places, is a rare treat—a sea turtle sighting. Today, on a 30-minute stroll, we saw four ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Natural Resources, Water, Wildlife
Highlights The long-spined sea urchin is an important species that helps keep coral reefs healthy. When long-spined sea urchins in the Caribbean began to die in large numbers in early 2022, scientists jumped in and discovered that a ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Research, Wildlife
A living shoreline uses natural materials such as marsh grasses, mangroves, and bags of oyster shell to stabilize the shoreline. Living shorelines prevent erosion while simultaneously restoring habitat. Residents living in coastal areas ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, UF/IFAS Extension, Water, Wildlife
2023 Central District All Faculty Symposium - Natural Resources Kovacs, C.J., UF/IFAS Extension Flagler County, 150 Sawgrass Rd Bunnell FL 32110 Situation and objectives: Plastic pollution is one of the most detrimental environmental issues ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Community Volunteers, Conservation, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension, Water
The word “jellyfish” tends to initiate a similar response in most people – “scream”, “run”, “this is going to hurt”. Being stung by a jellyfish is not pleasant and is something most would prefer to avoid. Our beaches warn ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources
As part of my Florida Sea Grant Extension work, I teach and present about elasmobranchs (which includes sharks, rays, and skates) to diverse groups of people. Topics vary, from basic biology to shark fishing regulations, conservation status, ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Natural Resources, Wildlife, Work & Life
Project Goal: To determine the central tendencies of salinity in different parts of the Pensacola Bay System. Historically, the Pensacola Bay area receives 65 inches each year1. But in the last decade this has increased to 75 inches2. ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural ResourcesMany who visit a seagrass bed for fishing or snorkeling, see many forms of marine life while there. There are numerous small silver fish darting in and out of the grass, an occasional stingray half buried in the sand waiting to ambush prey, ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources