Single-use plastic consumption has been steadily increasing since the 1950’s, leading to an increase of garbage in our rivers, streams, and oceans. Recent estimates indicate that 23 million metric tons of plastic end up in aquatic environments ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, Water
It is March and spring is in the air. Since we were kids, we all knew that spring was the time of flowers, nests, and new birth. And now it is here. Our first experience with the season was the pollen. Many plants mass broadcast ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, Wildlife
This past weekend, a sperm whale stranded at a beach in Venice, along the Gulf of Mexico. This event got a lot of attention because stranded large whales are not a common sight for beachgoers in this area. The cachalot eventually died, and ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, Wildlife
Although some may suggest Florida doesn’t have seasons, this is far from the truth. Florida’s seasons influence profound changes in the plants and wildlife that occur here. The month of March means spring is officially here, which means ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Forests, Invasive Species, Natural Resources, Professional Development, Recreation, UF/IFAS Extension, , Water, Wildlife
Beachcombing is a fun way to spend time on our local shorelines. While most people are interested in unusual shells or intact sand dollars, other fascinating organisms will wash up in the wrack line as well. One of my favorites is the unassuming ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, Wildlife
With seafood playing an important role in the diet of many, reducing food loss in the aquatic food industry is essential for improving global food security. The good news? Aquatic food loss and waste (FLW) in the United States may be as low ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources
The Gulf of Mexico is a powerful force. If you’ve ever experienced a hurricane, tried to paddle a kayak against the waves, or even just tried to keep your balance at the wave break, you know this firsthand. All along the Gulf Coast, barrier ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources
By: Caroline Nickerson, AEC Ph.D. Student Gainesville, FL – The Streaming Science project, a program associated with the University of Florida, is excited to announce ClimateCast Live, a groundbreaking series of digital field experiences ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Events, UF/IFAS Extension
Six months ago, they were predicting a colder than normal winter. In January that seemed to be the case. We had multiple fronts with high winds and temperatures dropping into the 20s. But February has been different. As I type this, ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, Wildlife
The leatherback sea turtle is the largest of the five species that have been found in the northern Gulf of Mexico. With a carapace (top shell) length between 6-7 feet and weighing between 800-1000 pounds it is truly a magnificent creature. ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, Wildlife