We are excited to invite you to Oceans Day 2025 in Tallahassee during the legislative session. This year’s main events are scheduled for April 1, with exhibits in the Capitol Courtyard along with a fish fry by our Board partners the Florida Institute of Oceanography and the annual Legislative Reception in the Historic Capitol by Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium.

For those who have attended in the past, you know how impactful this event is in advancing our shared priorities with policymakers. For those who are new to Oceans Day, we hope you will join us to advocate for Florida’s ocean and coastal resources and the ocean economy. 

The theme for this year’s Ocean Day is “Florida’s Ocean Economy: Building a Sustainable Future for Florida’s Economy and Environment.” Florida’s newly established Office of Ocean Economy represents a collaborative statewide initiative to leverage public and private research, education, technology, and business applications related to water resources. This office will be housed at Florida Atlantic University, one of our esteemed member organizations. 

This effort builds on the Florida Ocean Alliance's longstanding commitment to understanding the critical role our coasts and oceans play in Florida’s economy. In 2020, FOA analyzed a variety of data sets, including those from the Bureau of Economic Analysis and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, to uncover insights into Florida’s core strengths within the ocean economy, such as beach and coral reef tourism, and assess how these assets could be affected by emerging stressors. The team also emphasized the potential of Florida’s ocean economy, drawing on the NOAA Report on the U.S. Ocean and Great Lakes Economy: Regional and State Profiles.

As the Office of Ocean Economy continues to take shape, we eagerly anticipate further progress in these efforts and look forward to celebrating with all of you on April 1, at Oceans Day in Tallahassee. 

Thank you once again for your continued involvement and unwavering support of the Florida Ocean Alliance. Together, we are making a meaningful impact on the future of our oceans and the sustainability of our coastal communities.

Sincerely,

Glenn Wiltshire

President



Oceans Day at the Capitol

Oceans Day 2025 will take place Tuesday, April 1, in Tallahassee. On Tuesday, the day’s activities will feature the FIO's Member Exhibits and Fish Fry at the Capitol Plaza, followed by the Mote Legislative Reception at 5:30 p.m. at the Historic Capitol later that evening. Florida Oceans Day is an annual event focused on convening members, stakeholders, officials, and legislators. The goal is fostering a shared commitment to the preservation of Florida’s marine and coastal resources and recognizing their critical contribution to sustaining a robust ocean economy. This year’s events will focus on Florida’s Ocean Economy: Building a Sustainable Future for Florida’s Economy and Environment, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to ensure the long-term health and vitality of the State’s coasts and oceans. Florida Oceans Day is organized and hosted by the Florida Ocean Alliance, the Florida Institute of Oceanography, and Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium.

For further information about this event please contact the following:

• Lenore Alpert with the Florida Ocean Alliance at lalpert.foa@gmail.com
• Chris Sharp with Florida Institute of Oceanography at cssharp@usf.edu 
• Kevin Claridge with MOTE Marine Laboratory & Aquarium at kclaridge@mote.org 

To view previous Oceans Day Events, visit our webpage or our photo album.

FOA Board Members meeting with Secretary Alexis A. Lambert of the Florida Departent of Environmental Protection ahead of the Oceans Day festivities.



John Englander Joins the Alliance Board of Directors 

Florida Ocean Alliance is pleased to welcome John Englander to the Board. John is stepping in as the Nova Southeastern University representative as Dr. Holly Lynn Baumgarner begins a new role at Eastern Michigan University. We wish her the best and thank her for her service on the Alliance Board of Directors. John is an oceanographer, best-selling author, and internationally recognized expert on climate change and sea level rise. With decades of

experience translating complex science into actionable insights, he has educated policymakers, military leaders, and the public on the urgent need for intelligent adaptation to rising seas.

Englander’s 2012 book, High Tide on Main Street, was named one of Politico's top 50 books to read, and his 2021 release, Moving to Higher Ground: Rising Sea Level and the Path Forward, continues to receive 5-star ratings. Over a million people have engaged with his work through books, blogs, and global speaking engagements, including a TEDx talk. Englander has testified before the U.S. Congress and briefed top military officials across North America and Europe.

As a sought-after speaker, he is consistently rated among the best on climate resilience and the economic, business, and humanitarian challenges of rising sea levels. His work emphasizes the long-term consequences for 140 coastal nations and the necessity of proactive planning.

With a background as a scientist, explorer, entrepreneur, and former CEO of The International SeaKeepers Society and The Cousteau Society, Englander brings a holistic approach to climate solutions. He is the founding director of the Rising Seas Institute, a nonprofit initiative now part of Nova Southeastern University (NSU).

For more information, visit www.nova.edu.

View of mitigation work taking place at West Lake South in Hollywood, FL (courtesy of Port Everglades).

In August 2023, the port’s contractor began removing non-native plants such as Australian Pine in upland areas of the park that bordered the west side of the Intracoastal Waterway and had become overgrown with these exotics. Most of the areas are being scraped down to a few feet below the low-tide water elevation to provide seagrass habitat. Smaller areas are being replanted with native plants. This mitigation work is taking place between East Sheridan Street and the Dania Cutoff Canal. The work is expected to be complete by August of 2025.

Dozens of species of native plants have already been added to the 3-mile strip of mangrove estuary and uplands including: gumbo-limbo, mangrove, native lantana, paradise tree, seagrass, silver buttonwood and wild coffee. Riprap cribs are also being constructed to protect the mangroves to the west from erosion caused by wave action and to limit the easterly encroachment of the mangroves into the Intracoastal Waterway.

The mitigation work, which will cost approximately $44 million, is being done ahead of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Harbor Navigation Improvement project at the port. That project, pending federal approvals, will deepen and widen the port’s navigation channel to accommodate today’s larger and more efficient cargo ships. Nearly half of the $1.3 billion estimated cost is slated to minimize or mitigate for environmental impacts to the areas’ resources. Some of the approaches to reduce impacts include the collection of detailed resource surveys prior to construction; the implementation of an adaptive management plan during construction; construction techniques to minimize turbidity impacts to the surrounding waters; relocating and out-planting hundreds of thousands of corals; and the creation of artificial reefs.

To celebrate the SEASPAN LIMA’s first call, leaders from Port Tampa Bay and Maersk participated in a plaque exchange ceremony (courtesy of Port Tampa Bay).

New Maersk Service to make First Call at Port Tampa Bay

Port Tampa Bay will welcome the vessel SEASPAN LIMA as part of Maersk’s new America Shuttle 2 service on her inaugural call to our port. Last fall, Maersk announced plans to add a new weekly container service connecting Port Tampa Bay with Cartagena, Colombia as part of its new global East-West Network under the Gemini Cooperation. The new America Shuttle 2 service dramatically expands the port's connectivity to West Coast South America, East Coast South America, and the Caribbean via Maersk's worldwide network of services. The partnership will expand further, as Hapag-Lloyd joins the service later this quarter. 

Port Tampa Bay continues to see double-digit growth in its container business and is the closest port to the I-4 Corridor, home to Florida’s largest concentration of distribution centers (DCs), with over 550 million square feet of space stretching from Tampa to Orlando. Because of the port’s proximity to this huge market in its backyard, customers can make multiple round-trip deliveries per day between the Port and their DCs, resulting in significant savings in truck drayage costs.

Florida Ports Council Working to Secure New Business and Investments Gears up for the Trans-Pacific Maritime Conference 2025

The Florida Ports Council and its 16 member seaports continue to engage in the ongoing 2025 Legislative Session, and to encourage lawmakers to continue investing in Florida’s ports so that critical commodities like food, fuel and healthcare supplies continue to available to all Floridians.



Pictured above is the Lloyd’s Register Maritime Decarbonisation Hub and the Maersk McKinney Moeller Centre for Zero Carbon Shipping report.

The deadline to apply for the 2025 Internship Program is April 30, 2025.

To apply CLICK HERE

For more information on our association’s scholarship opportunities, please contact Gretchen Winters

This internship program is open to all cadets from one of the seven national maritime academies, who show enthusiasm and aptitude for a possible career as a state harbor pilot.

To qualify for this internship, the successful candidate must:

• Be enrolled in one of the following maritime academies:
• Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Maine
• Maritime Academy, S.U.N.Y. Maritime College
• California Maritime Academy, Texas A&M
• University at Galveston, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy – Kings Point, or
• Great Lakes Maritime Academy
• Have completed at least their first-year sea-term requirements
• Have a minimum 2.5 GPA
• Be planning to pursue a career as a state harbor pilot, preferably in the State of Florida
• Write a maximum 300-word essay explaining why they are interested in becoming a harbor pilot
• Submit at least one letter of recommendation from their academic faculty



Akerman LLP Navigates the Evolving Landscape of PFAS Regulation and Litigation

Akerman attorneys dive into the evolving landscape of chemical regulation and litigation, a threat to Florida’s pristine water resources. Three attorneys published an article discussing PFAS in Bloomberg Law. In summary the article noted that as 2025 begins, regulatory and litigation landscape surrounding PFAS, or "forever chemicals," remains dynamic. Under the previous administrations, the EPA made strides in regulating PFAS, establishing enforceable drinking water standards and investing significantly in related efforts. However, with the appointment of Lee Zeldin as the new EPA administrator, questions arise about potential deregulation in some areas, though Zeldin's past support for PFAS regulations suggests continued heightened attention to these chemicals. State-level actions, including bans on products containing PFAS, are also growing, further influencing the market. Litigation trends are shifting toward consumer product manufacturers, with plaintiffs alleging deceptive marketing of products containing PFAS, especially those marketed as "natural" or "pure." Akerman attorneys highlighted that the key to these cases is the growing use of fluorine testing, which some courts find unreliable. As these trends evolve, companies face increasing challenges in navigating PFAS-related claims as Akerman’s attorneys have clearly concluded.



Moffatt & Nichol Leads the Way in the Flagler Beach Pier Rebuild

A rendering of the reconstructed Flagler Beach pier design (Courtesy of Moffatt & Nichol).

Moffatt & Nichol is proud to be the project manager for the highly anticipated rebuild of the Flagler Beach Pier, with construction set to begin in May 2025. The $14.1 million project, approved by the Flagler Beach City Commission, is an important step toward restoring this iconic structure, which was damaged by a hurricane back in 2022. Under the expert management of Gabe Perdomo from Moffatt & Nichol, the project is on track for completion by July 4, 2026, with a focus on delivering high-quality work while minimizing disruptions to the community. Moffatt & Nichol’s leadership will also oversee the renovation of the beach walk and surrounding amenities, ensuring that the project stays on schedule and aligns with the city’s vision. This collaboration exemplifies Moffatt & Nichol’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure and contributing to the growth and revitalization of Florida's coastal communities.

(American Oystercatchers courtesy of Holley Short/Audubon Florida)

To mitigate disturbances, Audubon staff and dedicated volunteers have installed miles of protective string, flagging, and informational signage in key nesting areas. These marked zones help ensure birds can safely hatch and raise their young.

Audubon Florida continues to lead the way in shorebird conservation, with volunteer bird stewards playing a crucial role in monitoring nests and educating the public.



FWC researchers collect water samples in the Florida Keys with Capt. Chad Huff. Photo Courtesy LKGA (Courtesy of Bonefish & Tarpon Trust).

The initiative, in collaboration with several universities and agencies, aims to identify the root causes and develop solutions to mitigate future impacts. BTT is also working with local fishing guides to monitor the phenomenon and encourages the public to report unusual fish behavior to aid in research efforts.

For more info, visit BTT.org/Spinning-Fish.



The Everglades Foundation Wins

Suncoast Regional EMMY® Award for Groundbreaking Everglades Stories from Across the Watershed

Flyer Courtesy of The Everglades Foundation

Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida Funds Innovative Underwater Surveillance System To Protect Corals

A GoPro camera monitors predatory fish eating coral reefs off Key Biscayne, FL. (courtesy of Erin Weisman/University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science)

A groundbreaking research project funded by a grant from the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida has uncovered critical insights into fish predation on newly planted coral reefs. Marine scientists from the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School developed an innovative underwater surveillance system—nicknamed

C-Bruvs (coral-baited remote underwater video systems)—to identify the primary culprits behind coral loss at an offshore reef near Miami.

The study found that three species—redband parrotfish, foureye butterflyfish, and stoplight parrotfish—were responsible for more than 97% of coral predation. The discovery is crucial for improving reef restoration efforts, as Florida’s coral cover has declined by 90% since the 1970s, exacerbated by climate change and record ocean heatwaves.

Project leader Diego Lirman, a global expert in coral restoration, emphasized the importance of this research in overcoming a significant challenge in reef recovery. “Identifying the fish species responsible for coral predation allows practitioners to select suitable reef sites and coral species to improve restoration success,” he explained.

The team designed GoPro-equipped underwater cameras in waterproof housings to capture time-lapse footage over six weeks. Despite early setbacks—such as overheating batteries, flooding camera housings, and even equipment theft—the experiment proved successful. The results, presented by UM marine scientist Erin Weisman at the Reef Florida Symposium, provide a data-driven strategy for coral restoration practitioners to minimize predation losses before costly large-scale planting efforts.

Looking ahead, Lirman sees potential in artificial intelligence to streamline video analysis and automate fish behavior identification, reducing the labor-intensive process of manually reviewing footage. With continued research and innovation, this project is shaping a smarter, more effective approach to restoring Florida’s coral reefs.



NMFS-Sea Grant Fellow, Liam Kehoe with a red snapper (courtesy of Florida Sea Grant).

Reviving the Indian River Lagoon: Seagrass Restoration Efforts Underway with Brevard Zoo and Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute

A combined partnership between Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute and Brevard Zoo is working to restore seagrass in the Indian River Lagoon, aiming to reverse significant ecological damage. According to the study, conducted by the Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute, 17% of dolphins died due to starvation between 2002 and 2020 in cases where probable cause was found, peaking in 2013 at 61%. The zoo’s new seagrass nursery, located at the research institute in Melbourne Beach, collects seagrass fragments to grow new plants for replanting in the lagoon, helping to restore this crucial ecosystem. Volunteers are also contributing to an oyster restoration project, improving water quality by filtering pollution. These initiatives offer hope for the future health of the lagoon and its wildlife. 

Since the start of the program, seagrass restoration efforts have made significant strides, with 10 acres of seagrass planted and 34,200 planting units of three species cultivated. Four restoration sites have been successfully completed in the Indian River Lagoon and Stranahan River, Fort Lauderdale and the continuance of this program will only grow in 2025.



Building Momentum: Year 3 of Lagoonwide Capacity for

IRL Seagrass Recovery

Staff plants seagrasses in tanks at the seagrass nursery at FAU-Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution (courtesy of FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution).

Seagrass restoration in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) has reached an exciting milestone in its third year, thanks to a collaborative effort led by the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program (IRLNEP). This groundbreaking initiative, Building Lagoonwide Capacity for IRL Seagrass Recovery, is mobilizing resources and regional expertise to restore critical habitats in the IRL, which has been plagued by more than a decade of seagrass loss.

Funded with $500,000 annually from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this five-year project (2022-2026) has brought together a powerhouse team of partners: Sea and Shoreline, LLC; Florida Atlantic University-Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute; Florida Oceanographic Society; Brevard Zoo; and the Marine Discovery Center. Together, they are laying the foundation for long-term seagrass recovery by building infrastructure, equipping facilities, and training personnel to sustain restoration efforts and advance scientific understanding.

Growing a Stronger Future

The project’s cornerstone is the establishment of four regional restoration centers and a dedicated processing facility. These hubs are designed to support restoration practitioners by providing an ample supply of filter feeders, shoreline plants, and seagrasses while fostering research into seagrass cultivation and ecophysiology. In particular, the team is deepening knowledge of three important species: Halodule wrightii (shoal grass), Ruppia maritima (widgeon grass), and Syringodium filiforme (manatee grass). This work will also produce a manual of best practices for growing seagrasses—critical knowledge for restoration practitioners everywhere.

In late November, project partners gathered at Florida Atlantic University-Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute to tour the state-of-the-art seagrass facility. The meeting was an inspiring showcase of progress. IRLNEP provided funding updates, while partners shared news of their individual seagrass nurseries. These discussions underscored the power of collaboration, as partners brainstormed ways to expand their efforts and strengthen the lagoon’s ecological health.

A Growing Impact

Already, the project is achieving measurable success. Regional restoration centers are ramping up capacity to supply seagrasses , creating a brighter outlook for the IRL’s future. The work being done now will not only help revive the lagoon’s vital seagrass ecosystems but also bolster the IRL’s ability to remain a haven for diverse marine life and a treasure for the surrounding community.

The journey toward a restored Indian River Lagoon is well underway, and with continued collaboration, investment, and innovation, this vital ecosystem is on track for a vibrant resurgence. Stay tuned for more updates as the project progresses!



Innovative Solutions from the Marine Research Hub for Stronger Coastlines

In response to the increasing challenges posed by storm surges and flooding, coastal communities are adopting innovative strategies to reinforce shorelines while preserving marine ecosystems. The Marine Research Hub, based in South Florida, works to create collaboration and communication with stakeholders and elevate the visibility of regional oceanographic research institutions for the commercialization of research-based solutions. By facilitating the transfer of technology into marketable solutions, the Hub contributes to developing sustainable strategies for coastal protection, marine conservation, and sustainable jobs that build the blue economy. These efforts exemplify the creative approaches being used to safeguard coastlines and marine life, underscoring the importance of collaboration among academic and research institutions, government, businesses, conservation groups, and local communities. Recently, these initiatives were featured in a CBS News segment following the 2024 storm season.

Watch the segment here.



Miami-Dade Advances Ocean Outfall Legislation Compliance with Major Wastewater Projects

Miami-Dade is working to comply with the Ocean Outfall Legislation (OOL), which requires utilities in Southeast Florida to eliminate ocean outfall wastewater discharges by 2025, reduce nutrient discharges, and implement feasible reuse systems. The Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department (WASD), the largest water utility in the region serving nearly 2.4 million residents, is managing a $2 billion program with 24 major construction projects. This year, several significant wastewater treatment plant projects are moving forward while WASD implements cost-saving measures to ensure the program’s success.



Overlooking the beautiful Miami Dade County (Courtesy of Miami Dade County).

Mote Conducts First-of-its-Kind Red Tide Mitigation Field Test During an Active Bloom



Mote Marine Lab and Collaborators ready for field trials for red tide mitigation technologies (Courtesy of Mote Marine Lab).

In February, Mote Marine Laboratory and partners successfully conducted the first-ever field test deployment of two Florida Red Tide Mitigation and Technology Development Initiative products and technologies to an active red tide bloom. The two products, Mote’s CLEAR and Heartland Energy Group’s Xtreme, which both have completed rigorous laboratory testing and received regulatory approvals, were deployed by Mote scientists in collaboration with Heartland Energy Group and A-C-T Environmental & Infrastructure, in select canals during an active bloom in Venice. These advancements mark a significant milestone in the fight against Florida’s and harmful red tide, Karenia brevis blooms, and offer a science-based path toward reducing their detrimental effects on marine ecosystems, public health, and Florida’s economy.

Post-deployment analysis of both products demonstrated significant reductions of K. brevis cells, as expected based on years of successful large-scale multi-species mesocosm laboratory testing.

Read more about the field test’s success here.



The Nature Conservancy Working Towards Building a Sustainable Future with the Osceola Greenprint

The Osceola Greenprint, supported by The Nature Conservancy, is a free, web-based tool designed to help Osceola County balance growth with conservation. By providing planners, developers, and community leaders with valuable geospatial data, it helps guide sustainable land-use decisions that protect natural resources and enhance quality of life. With The Nature Conservancy’s expertise, the Greenprint highlights areas of ecological value and offers nature-based solutions to promote smart growth, economic opportunity, and resilience against climate-related risks, ensuring the county’s growth remains sustainable for the future.



Twin Oaks Conservatory at Lake Tohopekaliga, Osceola County (Courtesy of The Nature Conservancy, iStock ©

Team Ocean Captain, Napheesa Collier is a WNBA All-Star, Olympic champion, “Unrivaled” league co-founder and EcoAthlete Champion.

Ocean Conservancy Launches Innovative "Protect Where We Play" Campaign

Ocean Conservancy is leveraging the influence of sports and entertainment to drive ocean conservation through its groundbreaking Protect Where We Play initiative. This multi-year campaign enlists star athletes, artists, and teams to rally millions of fans in support of ocean health—underscoring its crucial role in maintaining a stable climate and healthy ecosystems.

Prominent athletes, including WNBA All-Star Napheesa Collier, NFL’s Kelvin Beachum, MLB’s Brent Suter, and Paralympian Ezra Frech, have signed on as “Team Ocean Captains” to lead the movement.

Their involvement highlights the increasing impact of climate change on sports and live entertainment—from extreme heat and flooding to wildfire disruptions.

“At Ocean Conservancy, we recognize that sports and entertainment unite people across the globe,” said Chief Brand and Communications Officer Jenna DiPaolo. “By tapping into that passion, we can inspire real action to protect our planet.”

The initiative will feature high-profile partnerships, including collaborations with the Green Sports Alliance, EcoAthletes, and Oak View Group’s GOAL program, which promotes sustainability in live event venues. Key activations include sponsoring the EcoAthlete Collegiate Cup to fund coral restoration and the Green Sports Alliance Summit in Miami.

With Protect Where We Play, Ocean Conservancy is redefining the relationship between sports, entertainment, and environmental responsibility—turning fans into advocates for the planet’s most valuable player: the ocean.



Ocean Exchange Announces Exciting Opportunity to attend EarthX2025 - Congress of Conferences, April 21-25, Hilton Anatole, Dallas, Texas.

EarthX2025 is one of the world’s largest, most comprehensive, and impactful gatherings of leaders and experts in sustainability. 

Ocean Exchange will be leading Brave New Ocean Day 1, Advancing Ocean Enterprise for Innovation and Commerce on the fourth day of EarthX - April 24th. You will learn about the Ocean Enterprise, how it will drive economic growth and support ocean technology advancement.

The Entire Week’s EarthX2025 Schedule is now online. 

What to expect on April 24th: Brave New Ocean, Advancing Ocean Enterprise for Innovation and Commerce.

• Understanding the Ocean Enterprise with three panels that will explore:

○     Ecosystem Services Driving Economies

○     Measurement, Reporting, and Verification

○     Coastal Resiliency

• Keynote address from Ruth Perry, Head of Permitting and Development, Power Generation at Shell Oil
• Lunch Keynote: Dr. Jennifer Jurado, Chief Resilience Officer for Broward County, Florida will deliver a presentation on preparing local communities for sea level rise.
• A section led by the Marine Technology Society’s President, Susan Hunt, on the Ocean Enterprise
• The day will wrap up with a Blue Economy Start-up Pitch Competition featuring six Ocean Exchange startups who will pitch for a $25,000 purse sponsored by EarthX and the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation. The ‘mini’ Ocean Exchange will feature 5 minute pitches and small group feedback sessions.

Friends of Ocean Exchange can register at a discounted price for EarthX using PITTS10



Sea World Orlando team releasing a rehabilitated manatee (courtesy of Sea World Orlando).

1,000 Manatee Rescues and Counting for Sea World Orlando!

Our Orlando rescue team recently hit a major milestone – we’ve successfully reached our 1,000th manatee rescue! While we hope no manatee ever requires our assistance, this achievement underscores our unwavering commitment to protecting this iconic and critically endangered species.

By collaborating with organizations like the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership, we’ve worked tirelessly alongside federal, state, and non-profit agencies to protect Florida’s manatee population. In the past year alone, we rescued 61 manatees and successfully returned 38 to their natural habitat.  

Since 1976, our facility has been one of three critical care centers in the nation dedicated to manatee rehabilitation. Equipped with specialized recovery pools, advanced diagnostic tools and a team of expert veterinarians, we’re proud and committed to providing the highest level of care for manatees in need.  

To learn more about our manatee rescue and conservation efforts, read here. 



FAU's Citizen Science Study Sheds Light on Shark Depredation in Florida's Recreational Fisheries

Researchers use a sterile swab on bite wounds from a depredated fish carcass to collect genetic samples to capture transfer DNA (courtesy of Florida Atlantic University).

Florida Atlantic University's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute is tackling the issue of shark depredation in recreational fishing through a groundbreaking citizen science study. Shark depredation—when sharks steal fish off anglers' lines—has become a significant challenge, especially in Florida's recreational fishing communities. The study, which involved a variety of methods such as social media analysis, surveys, and genetic sampling, found that bull and sandbar sharks were the most common depredators. Results revealed that 43% of anglers experienced depredation, with snapper-grouper species being the most targeted. This research, published in the ICES Journal of Marine Science, provides valuable insights into the scope and impact of shark depredation and offers strategies to manage this human-wildlife conflict, while also highlighting the role of citizen science in gathering critical data for fisheries management.



Florida Institute of Oceanography Partners with Marine Technology Society’s MATE ROV Competition to Expand STEM Opportunities

The University of South Florida’s Florida (USF) Institute of Oceanography (FIO) has officially partnered with the Marine Technology Society’s (MTS) MATE ROV Competition program through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), strengthening opportunities for students and educators in marine robotics. This partnership, launched with an underwater robotics workshop for Florida-based educators in January, establishes FIO and USF as key leaders in fostering hands-on STEM education in Florida.

As part of this collaboration, FIO will serve as the regional coordinating body for the Florida Regional MATE ROV Competition, which will be held at USF St. Petersburg on May 3. This annual event challenges students to design and then operate their remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to tackle real-world marine and freshwater science and industry tasks as teams.

Beyond the regional competition, FIO and USF plan to host regular workshops for educators, equipping them with the tools and knowledge to engage students in hands-on robotics and ocean science.

“This partnership is a game-changer for Florida’s STEM educators and students,” said Dr. Monty Graham, Director of FIO. “By providing direct access to marine robotics training and competition opportunities, we’re not only inspiring the next generation of ocean engineers and scientists but also strengthening Florida’s role as a leader in marine technology.”

Follow FIO’s channels for more information on the upcoming competition and announcements regarding workshops.



Jacksonville University Marine Science Summer Camp 2025

Led by JU Marine Science faculty and graduate students, you will be involved with all aspects of marine science. Spend the week learning numerous field work techniques and gaining hands-on experience by using standard marine science collection and monitoring equipment, as well as laboratory analysis methods. Data will be collected at the institute along the waterfront and off-site locations around the City of Jacksonville.

The faculty will also be assisted by Florida Fish and Wildlife and St. Johns Riverkeeper staff. Possible field trips include outings on the St. Johns River in downtown Jacksonville, Little Talbot Island, Ft. George Inlet, Matanzas Bay, Huguenot Park, Hanna Park, and Mayport. Activities may include touring Safe Harbor Seafood, kayaking, beach days, a behind the scenes trip to the zoo, learning about the North Atlantic White Shark Puzzle, beach clean ups, shark tooth hunts, and many more marine activities with JU staff. Campers may participate in fun activities surrounding OCEARCH and sharks. 



Summer Camp Details:

Ages 13 - 18

June 23rd – 27th

8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., M – F, $425

Extended day: 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., $100

Biologists from NSU conduct field research for Coral Resilience (courtesy of Nova Southeastern University).

NSU Researchers Uncover Coral Resilience Amid 2023 Bleaching Event in Florida Keys

In response to the unprecedented coral bleaching event of 2023, a team of researchers from Nova Southeastern University (NSU) studied the impact on brain and boulder corals in the Florida Keys still present in 2025. Despite widespread bleaching, their findings revealed surprising resilience, with minimal coral mortality in most affected areas. The study, led by NSU research scientist Karen Neely, showed that while brain corals faced higher mortality rates than boulder corals, overall, less than 2% of colonies at most sites died. The research, published in Frontiers in Marine Science, highlights that extreme heat stress—rather than starvation due to the loss of symbiotic algae—appears to be the primary cause of mortality at certain sites. This study provides important insights into coral resilience, but it also raises concerns about the long-term impact of rising sea temperatures on Florida’s vital coral reef ecosystem.



Follow FOA on social media for more industry news and information.



Glenn Wiltshire, President

Port Everglades

Jackie Larson, Secretary

Florida Shore & Beach Preservation Association

Spencer Crowley, Vice President

Akerman LLP



Jeff Eble, Ph.D., Treasurer

Hubbs-Sea World Research Institute

Paul Anderson

Executive Committee

Port Tampa Bay



Michael P. Crosby, Ph.D.

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

John Englander

Nova Southeastern University

Kumar Mahadevan, Ph.D.

Founding Member

Florida Ocean Alliance,

FOA Director Emeritus



Sherry Larkin, Ph.D.

Florida Sea Grant College Program



Jerry Sansom

Florida Ocean Alliance

FOA Director Emeritus



Monty Graham, Ph.D.

Florida Institute of Oceanography



Richard Dodge, Ph.D.

Director Emeritus

James F. Murley, Esq.

Miami-Dade County,

Florida Ocean Alliance

Founding Member and

Executive Committee

Becky Prado

Moffatt & Nichol

Phil Purcell

Marine Industries Association of South Florida

Bradley Watson

The Everglades Foundation



James Byrne

FL Strategy Director

Susan Zellers

Ocean Exchange



Sarah Nemes / United Parks & Resorts Jon Peterson / Sea World Orlando

Matthew Upton

Roffer's Ocean Fishing Forecasting Service

John B. Hutton

Greenbert Traurig, P.A.

David McDonald

McDonald, Miller & Coleman LLC

FOA Director Emeritus





Alexis Meschelle

Organized Fishermen of Florida

Kellie Ralston

Bonefish & Tarpon Trust

Jim Sullivan, Ph.D.

Florida Atlantic University- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute



Jeff Watters

The Ocean Conservancy





Julie Wraithmell

Audubon of Florida



Gretchen Winters

Florida Harbor Pilots Association



Ellen Prager, Ph.D.

Earth2Ocean, Inc.

Lenore Alpert, Ph.D.

Executive Director

www.FloridaOceanAlliance.org

Florida Ocean News is published by the Florida Ocean Alliance, a nonprofit, nonpartisan, private-public partnership of private industry, trade, academic and environmental organizations promoting awareness and understanding of the ocean’s importance to the economy and environment of Florida.