The Nature Coast Currents webinar series aims to communicate and catalog research happening along Florida’s Nature Coast. In 2022-2023, the series focuses especially along the southern portion encompassed by the Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve (Citrus, Hernando, and Pasco County waters). Talks are 30-40 minutes plus Q&A and focus on coastal and marine science topics. Webinars are free and all are welcome! Recordings are posted on our archive page for later viewing.
Talks are on Wednesdays at 2 PM once per month (Jan 18, Feb 15, Mar 15, Apr 19, and May 17). Scroll on to find out about and register for the programs on offer through May 2023.
Dr. Jamila Roth – Seagrass species richness improves resilience to tropicalization
2-3 PM EST, Wednesday, January 18, 2023. There are 5 species of seagrass in the Nature Coast, and that diversity might help our seagrasses withstand climate change. Join us as Dr. Jamila Roth tells us how.
Alex Bijak – Think small: Seagrass species identity is a small-scale driver of meadow carbon storage and emissions
2-3 PM EST, Wednesday, February 15, 2023. Carbon dioxide is causing the world to get warmer. Learn more about how seagrasses both store and emit carbon and how that varies across the Nature Coast.
2-3 PM EDT, Wednesday, March 15, 2023. There are a lot of propeller scars in the Nature Coast! Come find out how they impact the ecology of the system – everything from sediment nutrients to fish behavior.
Adam Searles – Seagrass vs. Macroalgae: How do animal communities differ across habitats?
2-3 PM EDT, Wednesday, April 19, 2023. Both seagrasses and macroalgae are green and photosynthesize. Adam will present his research on how they are different and how plant cover type can impact what animals live there.
Trent Aguilar – Insights on disturbance of Florida green sea turtles by boating activity in the Crystal Bay area
2-3 PM EDT, Wednesday, May 17, 2023. If you’ve been boating off Crystal River before, chances are you have seen a green sea turtle from the boat. Join us for this talk by Trent about his research on turtle response to boating activity.
University of Florida is committed to providing universal access to all of our events. For disability accommodations such as sign language interpreters and listening devices, please contact Savanna Barry, savanna.barry@ufl.edu, 352-325-6080 at least 2 weeks in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.
The Nature Coast Currents webinar series focuses on research happening within or relevant to the Big Bend Seagrasses, St. Martins Marsh, and Nature Coast Aquatic Preserves. This is driven by the regional focus of the UF/IFAS Nature Coast Biological Station and because the University of Florida (UF), Florida Sea Grant, and UF/IFAS Extension work closely with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) within the regional Aquatic Preserves of the Nature Coast under the guidance of Regional Manager Tim Jones and the Regional FDEP management team.
Funding from FDEP supports UF to carry out monitoring and other programs within the Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve (NCAP). The NCAP is managed by FDEP’s Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection. The views, statements, findings, conclusions and recommendations expressed in Nature Coast Currents webinars are those of the presenter and do not necessarily reflect the views of the State of Florida or any of their sub-agencies. Learn more about Florida’s Aquatic Preserve Program.
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