Tag: Florida Sea Grant

Dense green mangrove trees line a calm waterway, with their reflection mirrored on the still water beneath a clear blue sky.

Mangroves: Nature’s Coastal Defenders and Climate Champions

by Holly Abeels
August 25, 2026

From protecting communities during storms to helping combat climate change, mangroves provide some of the most valuable ecosystem services on Earth. Understanding these benefits highlights why protecting and restoring mangrove forests is important ... READ MORE

Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Disaster Preparation, Natural Resources, Recreation, Water, Wildlife
Tags: Coastal Habitat, Conservation, Environment, Florida Sea Grant, Resiliency, Water Quality, Wildlife
Three-panel image showing the invasive seagrass Halophila stipulacea underwater and as a close-up specimen, highlighting its narrow, paired green leaves.

Getting Ahead of the Spread: Meet Halophila stipulacea, Florida’s New Invasive Seagrass

by Holly Abeels
July 9, 2026

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
Tags: Aquatic Invasive Species, Coastal Systems, Environment, Florida Sea Grant, Indian River Lagoon, Seagrass
A “Manatee Zone – Slow Speed, Minimum Wake” sign stands on posts in a calm coastal waterway, with a small motorboat traveling in the background and low green shoreline vegetation in the foreground under a partly cloudy sky.

Boating Responsibly This Fourth of July: Safety, Wildlife, and Florida’s Waterways

by Holly Abeels
June 30, 2026

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
Tags: Boating, Environment, Florida Sea Grant, Recreation, Water
scallops on a bag

Scallop Season is Here: Help Keep the Tradition Alive with a Scallop Sorter

by Brittany Hall-Scharf
June 25, 2026

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
Tags: Bay Scallops, Clean Scallops, Florida Sea Grant, Recreational Scalloping, Scalloping

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