Category: Coasts & Marine

Making the case for managed moorings

by Alicia Betancourt
November 17, 2023

The Florida Keys, with their turquoise waters, vibrant marine life, and stunning coral reefs, have long been a haven for boaters and sailors. This unique and fragile ecosystem holds a treasure trove of natural beauty and wonders. However, ... READ MORE

Category: , Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Natural Resources, Recreation, SFYL Hot Topic, UF/IFAS Extension, Water
Tags: Boat Access, Boater Safety, Boating, Boca Chica Basin, Buoys, Coral Reefs, Economic Sustainability, Ecosystem Preservation, Ecotourism, Environmental Impact, Environmental Protection, Florida Keys, Infrastructure Development, Key West, Marine Biodiversity, Marine Conservation, Marine Ecology, Marine Resources Management, Maritime Conservation, Monroe County Commission, Mooring Fields, Revenue Generation, Seagrass Beds, Sustainable Boating, Sustainable Development, Tourism, Water Quality

Panhandle Terrapin Project 2023 Report

by Rick O'Connor
November 14, 2023

Diamondback terrapins are the only resident turtle within brackish water and estuarine systems. Their range extends from Massachusetts to Texas but, prior to 2005, their existence in the Florida panhandle was undocumented. The Panhandle ... READ MORE

Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, Wildlife
Tags: Florida Panhandle, Florida Sea Grant, Terrapins

The Magical Comb Jelly

by Rick O'Connor
November 10, 2023

Recently I was walking along the shore of Santa Rosa Sound near Park West searching for horseshoe crab nesting. I did not find any nesting activity, but the beach was covered with small comb jellies. These creatures reminded me of my childhood ... READ MORE

Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources
Tags: Comb Jellies, Florida Sea Grant

Florida 101: Tides

by Carolyn Kovacs
November 2, 2023

Welcome to the second blog of the Florida 101 series. If you haven’t read it yet, go back and check out our first entry on Florida weather. Understanding tides is vital to being able to appreciate life on the coast! Tides affect ... READ MORE

Category: Coasts & Marine, Recreation, UF/IFAS Extension, , Water
Tags: Beaches, Florida 101, Florida Sea Grant, King Tides, Tides, Water Safety

Catch a Tagged Greater Amberjack, Collect $250 (updated Oct 2023)

by Shelly Krueger
October 30, 2023

Greater Amberjack Seriola dumerili is considered overfished and overfishing is occurring in the Gulf of Mexico but not in the South Atlantic Ocean. In the Gulf, Greater Amberjack populations have not been recovering for more than 20 years, and ... READ MORE

Category: , Coasts & Marine, Recreation, UF/IFAS Extension
Tags: Fish Tag, Florida Sea Grant, Greater Amberjack

Pensacola Bay Health Advisory Report – 2023 3rd Quarter Update

by Rick O'Connor
October 27, 2023

Purpose From the moment I joined Florida Sea Grant our community has been concerned with the number of health advisories issued in the Pensacola Bay area. Bayou Chico is our local BMAP waterway (Basin Management Action Plan) which ... READ MORE

Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, Water
Tags: Florida Sea Grant, Health Advisories, Pensacola Bay, Water Quality

Florida 101: Florida Weather

by Carolyn Kovacs
October 26, 2023

Welcome to the first blog in the Florida 101 series! This series of blogs will be geared towards introductions to topics that are important to understand when living in coastal Florida. Whether you are one of the 1,000 new residents who ... READ MORE

Category: Coasts & Marine, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Recreation, UF/IFAS Extension,
Tags: Florida 101, Florida Sea Grant, Rain, Temperature, Weather

M.A.T.E.S. on the Weeki Wachee

by Brittany Hall-Scharf
October 24, 2023

Manatees are unquestionably one of the most fascinating and gentle creatures to grace the warm waters of Florida. These herbivores, renowned for their slow, deliberate movements, play a vital role in preserving the health and balance of their ... READ MORE

Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Natural Resources, Recreation, SFYL Hot Topic, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, Water, Wildlife
Tags: Florida Sea Grant, Manatees, Save The Manatee Club, Weeki Wachee

October Seafood – Flounder

by Rick O'Connor
October 13, 2023

For many who grew up in the Pensacola area October meant flounder gigging season. This once popular past time involved going out at night along the shores of Santa Rosa Sound with flounder lights and gigs seeking a local favorite flounder. ... READ MORE

Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources
Tags: Florida Sea Grant, Flounder, Seafood

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