July 13, 2026 Saharan dust, a vast plume of fine particles lifted from the deserts of North Africa, may seem like a distant phenomenon—but it regularly reaches the Florida Keys, shaping the environment and skies in subtle but important ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, UF/IFAS Extension
El Niño Conditions are Present As of June 11, 2026, NOAA assessments indicate El Niño conditions have officially begun and forecast to strengthen from the current time through winter in the Northern Hemisphere. This could once again elevate ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, UF/IFAS Extension
June 2026 Potential New Invader: Pulse Corals There is the potential for a new aquatic invader in South Florida. Pulse Corals are bright-colored soft corals that are very popular in the saltwater aquarium trade. These soft corals are a type ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, UF/IFAS Extension
Sargassum: The Golden Tide The Florida Keys are currently experiencing a familiar golden-brown visitor: floating mats of sargassum seaweed. Scientists often refer to the annual influx of sargassum as a "golden tide" because of the macroalgae's ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, NATURAL RESOURCES, UF/IFAS Extension
The Florida Keys are characterized by coastlines, coral reefs, and marine life. Here in the Keys, protecting and conserving water is essential not only to our health but also to our economy, many of our jobs, and our way of life. Water conservation ... READ MORE
Category: , Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Lawn, Water
The Monroe County Extension Office is looking for commercial trappers and recreational stone crabbers to be on the lookout for a possible new invasive underwater species. It is a soft coral called Pulse Coral, which is common in the aquarium ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Invasive Species
Communications & Outreach Working Group: Florida Bleaching Summary, September 2025 OVERVIEW Corals rely on microscopic algae called zooxanthellae, which live within their tissues, give corals their color, and supply up ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine
Let’s be honest — we’ve all been there. You open your phone just to check one thing, and suddenly it's 45 minutes later, and you’ve been scrolling through a stream of disasters, drama, and depressing headlines. Sound familiar? That’s ... READ MORE
Category: , Health & Nutrition, Recreation, Relationships & Family, SFYL Hot Topic, UF/IFAS Extension, Water, Wildlife
Starfish, or sea stars, are iconic marine animals often found in tide pools, along the shoreline, in seagrass beds, and mangrove channels. Their unique appearance and vibrant colors make them an irresistible photo subject for snorkelers and ... READ MORE
Category: , Coasts & Marine, Conservation, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, Wildlife
May 16th is National Endangered Species Day. It is important to raise awareness of some of the most critically endangered species that call the Florida Keys home. The Florida Keys are known for their breathtaking coral reefs, diverse marine ... READ MORE
Category: , Conservation, NATURAL RESOURCES, Wildlife