Tag: Charlotte Harbor

Oh, Poop! Is that what I think it is?!

by Kate Rose
July 14, 2023

In recent years, Charlotte Harbor (and the Southwest coast of Florida in general) has seen the periodic episodes of floating grey and brown carpet-like blobs. Their appearance, and the fact that they sometimes have a strong smell, gives the ... READ MORE

Category: Coasts & Marine, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Recreation, SFYL Hot Topic, UF/IFAS Extension, Water
Tags: Algae, Charlotte Harbor, Florida Sea Grant, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Harmful Algal Blooms, Nuisance, Seagrass, Water, Water Quality

Baby sportfish need estuaries

by Betty Staugler
May 31, 2018

Perhaps the most well-known function of estuaries, such as Charlotte Harbor, is their role as nursery grounds for growing fish, shrimp and shellfish. Very few marine species spawn in estuaries, but estuaries are used extensively as nursery grounds. Most ... READ MORE

Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension, Water, Wildlife
Tags: Charlotte Harbor, Estuaries, Gag, Juvenile, Snook, Sportfish

The Seagrasses of Charlotte Harbor

by Betty Staugler
December 21, 2017

Seagrasses are flowering plants that grow underwater in marine and estuarine environments. In addition to flowers and their seeds, seagrasses, like plants on land, have roots and leaves that do different “jobs” for the plant... that is, ... READ MORE

Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources
Tags: Charlotte Harbor, Hurricanes, Restoration, Seagrass

Charlotte Harbor: And how it was formed

by Betty Staugler
December 11, 2017

Last month, I was asked why there is less natural relief and hard bottom habitats in the Gulf off of Charlotte Harbor compared to areas north and south. Not knowing the answer, I offered to do some research and write about my findings. The ... READ MORE

Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources
Tags: Charlotte Harbor, Geologic Formations, Geology, Karst, Tampa Bay

What happens to the critters in a hurricane?

by Betty Staugler
October 4, 2017

Hurricanes are no fun! But, if there is a small silver lining to hurricanes, it’s that scientists are provided rare opportunities to gain new insights into some plant and animal species. It’s a field called disturbance ecology, and I ... READ MORE

Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources
Tags: Charlotte Harbor, Fish, Habitats, Hurricanes

Seagrass Awareness – All Year Long

by Betty Staugler
April 1, 2017

March was National Seagrass Awareness Month. And although it's now April, one could argue that we should not ONLY be aware of seagrass one month out of the year. Seagrass is important and deserves our attention throughout the year! Seagrass ... READ MORE

Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Natural Resources
Tags: Charlotte Harbor, Nutrients, Seagrass

Lionfish in the Bay!

by Betty Staugler
February 16, 2017

Late last month, an FWC officer observed a lionfish swimming off the Laishley Pier in Punta Gorda. This is the third documented lionfish sighting inside Charlotte Harbor, and it’s also the most up harbor. Laishley Pier is actually on the ... READ MORE

Category: Coasts & Marine, Invasive Species, Natural Resources, Recreation
Tags: Charlotte Harbor, Invasive, Lionfish, Peace River, Red Grouper, Scorpionfish

Water in the South Central Extension District: Big Issues Part II

by marylusk
August 25, 2016

~A look at National Estuary Programs on Florida's Gulf Coast and 5 things we can do to protect them If you live in Florida, chances are you have a water story. Whether it involves childhood memories of a day at the beach, water skiing on ... READ MORE

Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Turf, Water
Tags: Caloosahatchee, Charlotte Harbor, Estuary, Sarasota Bay, Tampa Bay, UF IFAS Water Agents

Smalltooth Sawfish Research in Southwest Florida

by Betty Staugler
April 25, 2016

Sawfish are modified rays with a shark-like body. Sawfish get their name from their “saws”, which are used for defense and to locate, stun, and kill prey; mostly fish. The earliest sawfish arose about 200 million years ago. These sawfish ... READ MORE

Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources
Tags: Charlotte Harbor, Florida Fish And Wildlife Research Institute, Research, Smalltooth Sawfish

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