Quarterly News & Updates, Volume 2, April 2023

Conservation, Education & Economic Development

Greetings Members and Friends,

The Alliance recently celebrated another successful Oceans Day with many member organizations and friends in attendance. Coastal resilience was top of mind for many as the impacts of climate change and sea level rise, a rapidly growing population, and environmental and water quality issues bring dramatic change to every part of our state. But there is also a historic opportunity to proactively protect and restore our invaluable ocean and coastal resources and take advantage of the opportunities for innovation and economic growth they offer.

We recently documented our 2023 Priorities for a Sustainable Future for Florida’s Oceans and Coasts with these issues and opportunities in mind, and we encourage you to learn more about them in this newsletter.

Plans are underway for our second annual fall leadership meeting, which will focus on coastal resilience and its importance to the blue economy. We will share more details with you soon.

Florida Ocean Alliance is committed to building a more resilient and sustainable future for our state, and we need your ideas and participation in our initiatives. If you're not a member, I invite you to consider membership in the Alliance. We hope you will join us and help support local and state policies that will protect our marine and coastal resources and build Florida’s Blue Economy.

Sincerely,

A. Paul Anderson

President

Florida Ocean Alliance News

Florida Oceans Day Recap

Florida Ocean Alliance celebrated its 22^nd annual Florida Oceans Day on March 22 in Tallahassee, Florida. The theme of Florida Oceans Day—Coastal Resilience, A Key to Florida’s Blue Economy and Future—refers to Florida Ocean Alliance’s 2023 areas of focus and key priorities. A letter and summary of the Alliance's four priorities were shared with Governor Ron DeSantis, the Florida Legislature and Florida media prior to Oceans Day.

The Alliance's 2023 PRIORITIES FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR FLORIDA’S OCEANS & COASTS, which are closely aligned with and support the ocean and coastal priorities of the Governor, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, follow:

1. Coastal Resilience, Improving Water and Habitat Quality

2. Coastal Community Hazard Preparedness

3. Natural Resource Protections, the Foundation of Florida’s Blue Economy

4. Implementation of the Strategic Plan for Florida’s Oceans & Coasts

Ocean Climate Action Plan

Florida Ocean Alliance Priorities Align with the OCAP

On World Ocean Day in 2022, President Biden announced that his Administration would develop and implement a first-ever, whole-of-government Ocean Climate Action Plan (OCAP). The OCAP outlines three goals that mobilize the Federal Government and civil society to take

effective and innovative ocean climate action: (1) create a carbon-neutral future, without emissions that cause climate change and harm human health, (2) accelerate solutions that tap the power of natural coastal and ocean systems to absorb and store greenhouse gases, reduce the climate threat, and protect communities and ecosystems against unavoidable changes, and (3) enhance community resilience to ocean change by

developing ocean-based solutions that help communities adapt and thrive in our changing climate. The actions described in the OCAP also provide other benefits—good-paying jobs, workforce innovation, resilient food

production, ecosystem health, and scientific knowledge.

The Florida Ocean Alliance provided input to the Plan through formal response to a request for information from the NOAA Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) in October 2022. The Alliance's 2023 Priorities, as well as the shore power initiatives of Florida ports,

specifically align with the Goals of the OCAP in these two areas:

Develop federal agency adaptation and resilience plans in response to Executive Order 14008 (FACT SHEET: Biden Administration Releases Agency Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plans from Across Federal Government, October 7, 2021).

Achieve zero emissions from international shipping no later than 2050 (FACT SHEET: President Biden's Leaders Summit on Climate, April 23, 2021), working with the International Maritime Organization.

In addition, the Strategic Plan for Florida’s Oceans and Coasts developed by the Florida Ocean Alliance in 2020 also addressed three key policy issues consistent with OCAP – Florida’s Blue Economy, ocean and coastal resilience, and human and natural infrastructure. We recognize that the state’s economic viability relies on resilience and stability for the Blue Economy, which in turn depends on healthy oceans and coasts. Coastal resilience is paramount here to protect residents from harm, as well as minimizing damage to the state’s lengthy and multiple coastlines and beaches and invaluable marine environment. As ground zero for climate change, Florida must protect its extensive natural assets, e.g. reefs,

marshes and wetlands, to reduce potential damages from coastal storms and flooding. The state’s natural resources are essential to Florida’s residents, protecting their lives, property and livelihoods.

Background on Ocean Climate Action Plan

Download the Ocean Climate Action Plan

FDEP's Resilient Florida Grants Program Application Portal Opens July 1

The Resilient Florida Program includes a selection of grants that are available to counties, municipalities, water management districts, flood control districts and regional resilience entities. To effectively address the impacts of flooding and sea level rise that the state faces, eligible applicants may receive funding assistance to analyze and plan for vulnerabilities, as well as implement projects for adaptation and mitigation. The Application Portal for 2023 will open July 1, 2023. Contact Resilience@FloridaDEP.gov with any questions. Read more

Member News & Announcements

Jeff Eble of Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute and

Becky Prado of WSP Join the Alliance's Board of Directors

Jeff A. Eble is a Research Scientist and Florida Program Director at Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute (HSWRI). He obtained his PhD from the University of Hawaii where he worked at the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology investigating the genetic diversity of coastal fishes. More recently, Dr. Eble has been working with collaborators to optimize advances in genetic biomonitoring to improve understanding and management of marine biodiversity. Dr. Eble previously co-led development of the U.S. National Park Service Gulf Islands Research and Education Center (GIREC), and at Florida Tech he advanced development of a multi-disciplinary research program investigating eutrophication remediation strategies. At HSWRI, Dr. Eble will be working to build upon the Institute's more than 20 years of support for the Indian River Lagoon to help stakeholders and the public respond to emerging challenges and opportunities.

Dr. Jeff Eble, Ph.D., Florida Program Director, Hubb-SeaWorld Research Institute has joined the Florida Ocean Alliance Board of Directors.

Becky Prado, Florida Coastal Resiliency Leader at WSP USA has joined the Florida Ocean Alliance Board of Directors.

Becky Prado is the Florida Coastal Resiliency Leader at WSP USA.

Becky has more than 21 years of experience working on projects ranging from program development and office administration to habitat restoration and community resilience. Her expertise includes coastal zone resilience, restoration, management, and policy; developing multi-sector consensus and partnership expansion; grant development and funding strategies; and administration of large programs and budgets. Having begun her professional career regulating Florida’s beach and inlet shorelines, she has personally been involved in the authorization of and financial support to restore hundreds of miles of Florida coasts.

WSP USA is one of the nation’s largest environmental engineering and

professional services firms. Recognized on Fast Company’s Brands that Matter List for 2022 as a top Community-Minded Business, WSP USA brings together engineers, planners, technical experts and strategic advisors who are dedicated to collaborate in the best interests of serving local communities. With 15,500 employees in 300 offices across the U.S., WSP is a leader in environmental restoration, community assessment and planning, and coastal infrastructure providing Future Ready™ expertise and services for coastal and ocean stakeholders, businesses, government and non-governmental organizations. WSP is a trusted partner in developing effective, equitable solutions across the entire climate preparedness process. WSP promotes the development of state and regional strategies and action plans to adapt to extreme weather and sea level rise; and advocates for increased investments by state and federal government for critical infrastructure and habitat to mitigate impacts and develop adaptation responses through partnerships including Resiliency Florida. Reckon with the past. Innovate for the future. Learn more at wsp.com.

New Marine Mapping Tool Increases Access to Regional Ocean Resources and Use Data

The number and breadth of ocean uses is increasing. Enter TNC’s new Southeast Marine Mapping Tool, a digital tool that allows decision makers to draw from the best available regional data when making ocean planning decisions. Initially designed around offshore wind energy, the project combines two of The Nature Conservancy’s core goals: climate mitigation and ocean conservation. “Offshore wind energy is a key piece of climate mitigation, and we must develop offshore wind in a way that minimizes the negative impacts on the ocean. The Southeast Marine Mapping Tool provides greater access to crucial data needed for thoughtful decision making," says Mary Conley, director of TNC’s Ocean and Coasts Network.

Clicking a spot on the map pulls up a trove of information, including sea temperature, depth, currents, and vital information about the water column and seafloor. The tool also includes data on species that live in or migrate through the area, including marine mammals, fish and migratory birds. It provides details about ecologically important wildlife and habitats, including endangered species and coral reefs with high biodiversity. The mapping tool will aid state and local agencies with decision making on wind energy projects and will help inform conservation efforts for TNC’s Ocean and Coasts Network. Visit https://maps.tnc.org/marinemap.

Port Everglades Receives $32M State Grant for Sea Level Rise Infrastructure

Port Everglades was awarded a $32 million grant in February to mitigate environmental threats from flooding and sea level rise and ensure continued access for marine vessels. This grant is part of more than $275 million for resilience projects issued by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

The Port will use the Resilient Florida Infrastructure Grant to replace bulkheads in the northern part of the Port, which will assist in reducing the impacts of climate change to the Port and neighboring residents. In addition to replacing the aging bulkheads, there is a future opportunity to raise the bulkhead height. The bulkheads will be designed based on a projection of 4.36 feet in sea level rise by 2095. The estimate comes from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' High Scenario Sea Level Rise established by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Fifth Assessment Report.

"These new funds, a total of nearly $92 million for Broward County and cities, will help us accelerate the projects needed to mitigate adverse impacts," said Broward County Mayor Lamar P. Fisher. "The $32 million awarded to Port Everglades speaks to the Port's position as a vital seaport and driver of economic development and a leader of environmental stewardship in Broward County and Florida." Additionally, the Port will replace the north entrance channel bulkhead, which will support the continued safe navigation of the waterway for all marine traffic including cargo ships, cruise ships and energy vessels.

"This significant grant will strengthen Port Everglades' ability to adapt its critical assets, such as bulkheads, to address flooding and offset the impact of conditions that could be caused by climate change," said CEO and Port Director Jonathan Daniels.

Dr. Brian Lapointe of FAU Harbor Branch Offers Resources to Explain the Science Behind the Imminent Sargassum Invasion Expected on Florida Shores

You've seen the recent headlines about the massive seaweed belt headed for Florida. The expected Sargassum bio-invasion is not a new phenomena and has long been a focus of research for Dr. Brian Lapointe, Research Professor with Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute at Florida Atlantic University. Dr. Lapointe's research interests include algal physiology and biochemistry, seagrass and coral reef ecology, eutrophication, marine bio-invasions and marine conservation. His Sargassum research has yielded novel insights into the ecology of this macroalgae, the Sargasso Sea and associated communities.

Below are recent papers, resources and a video by Dr. Lapointe and others about Sargassum:

Nutrient Content and Stoichiometry of Pelagic Sargassum Reflects Increasing Nitrogen Availability in the Atlantic Basi n
The Recurring Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt Impacts the Caribbean and South Florida
"Secrets of the Sargasso Sea”, 2011 FAU Harbor Branch Ocean Science Lecture Series talk (2011) about the formation of the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt.
The University of South Florida February 2023 Sargassum Remote Sensing update
A Massive Seaweed Bloom in the Atlantic, NASA Earth Observatory

Above: Accumulation of Sargassum on a Bahia Honda State Park beach in the Florida Keys in early March 2023 Photo credit: Brian Lapointe, Ph.D., FAU-Harbor Branch

Above: Sargassum includes two pelagic species S. fluitans (left) and S. natans (right). Both reproduce by vegetative fragmentation.

Photo credit: Brian Lapointe, Ph.D., FAU-Harbor Branch

Top: Sargassum on a local beach in Fort Pierce

Bottom: Dr. Vincent Encomio, SeaGrant, collecting Sargassum from the Florida Power and Light power plant in St. Lucie County for the composting project.

Fighting Fire With Fire:

Using Sargassum Biochar to Control Harmful Algal Blooms

By Sarisha Boodoo, Florida Sea Grant

Florida Sea Grant’s multi-county extension agent Dr. Vincent Encomio is working with Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) researchers to reduce the impacts of harmful algal blooms (HABs) in the St. Lucie River and Estuary using Sargassum-derived biochar, an organic material rich in carbon with sponge-like properties. The proposal to use Sargassum as a source for the biochar originated from the necessity to repurpose excess seaweed found on shorelines.

“The intriguing thing about this work is using HABs to treat other blooms,” says Dr. Encomio. “Sargassum is an established problem in the Caribbean and South Florida as it is piling up on beaches, so there has been a growing industry of finding ways to use excess Sargassum in new, beneficial ways.”

Funded by Florida Sea Grant and the Environmental Protection Agency, Dr. Encomio and his colleagues focus on producing the desired quality and quantity of biochar under several pyrolysis treatments, or heating of organic material in the absence of oxygen. So far, the researchers have experimented with temperatures ranging from 180 degrees Celsius to 800 degrees Celsius. Once biochar samples are produced, researchers will observe the biochar adsorption of cyanobacterial toxins such as microcystin.

With its lightweight and porous properties, biochar is a suitable agent for absorbing nutrients and pollutants, and compared to other harmful algal bloom mitigation strategies, it is the least harmful to non-targeted species and the most cost-effective.

Read the full article

Save the Date – 2nd Annual Florida Resilience Conference

FSBPA and Resiliency Florida are excited to announce the 2023 Florida Resilience Conference will take place September 27-29, at the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale. The event will connect a patchwork of resilience programs by providing a forum for policy makers and stakeholders to discuss cross-industry initiatives of statewide importance. The meeting will also feature breakout sessions to highlight expert discussions on beach management, energy generation and distribution, green and gray infrastructure, and smart planning. Visit our conference website to review abstract topics or to submit an abstract today at

https://floridaresilienceconference.org/call-for-abstracts.

For more information, email us at mail@fsbpa.com.

How Florida Boaters and Marinas Can Help Manage Nonpoint Source Pollution

by Thomas J. Burrell in partnership with Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Clean Boating Program and Florida SeaGrant

Florida is world-famous for its beautiful beaches, lakes, rivers, and springs. Tourism is central to the state’s economy, and boating and marinas contribute significantly to the state’s economic health. In fact, activities on and near ocean and coastal resources contributed more than $73.9 billion to the state’s economy and added more than 1 million jobs in 2018.

Let's look at how Florida boaters and marinas can help manage nonpoint source pollution that enters the state’s waters, groundwater, and beaches. Read the article

Photo credit: Kamira, Shutterstock

Florida Ocean Alliance Members Celebrate Earth Day 2023

Read about Earth Day 2023 news and activities from our member organizations:

Port Tampa Bay Great Port Cleanup

The Nature Conservancy

Royal Caribbean Group

Miami-Dade County

Audubon Florida

Photo credit: NASA

Members in the News

Jon Paul “J.P.” Brooker is the director of Florida Conservation and an attorney for Ocean Conservancy. He is a native Floridian based in St. Petersburg.

Governor and Legislature

Need to Address Florida’s

Water-quality Challenges | Opinion

published by The Palm Beach Post, Feb. 21, 2023

As Florida continues to wisely invest in high-profile environmental initiatives such as the restoration of The Everglades and the Indian River Lagoon, the governor and the Legislature should remember Tampa Bay and other bodies of water also desperately need more attention.

To their credit, Gov. Ron DeSantis and state lawmakers have made The Everglades and Indian River Lagoon top priorities. The governor recently announced plans for $100 million a year in water quality projects for the Indian River Lagoon to help collect and treat stormwater runoff. The Everglades’ restoration efforts are expected to get additional billions in the coming years. Read more

Member Spotlight

Butterflies, Birds and Bees … Oh My!

How Port Everglades Supports Its Native Ecosystem

Florida is the native home of more than 160 butterfly species, according to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The Lepidoptera species is critical to a healthy plant life that people and other animals rely on for food.

The pretty pollinators have a habitat at the Port Everglades Administration Building that was replenished in March. The butterfly garden, which reflects the Port’s core values of sustainability, resiliency and strength, features native larval host plants such as corky stem passion flower that attracts Zebra Longwing, the state’s butterfly, and nectar food plants like the firebush for hummingbirds and other species.

The butterfly garden was established in May 2021 by the Port’s Seaport Engineering & Construction Division. The habitat, an 18-foot diameter circle, is one of the first things visitors and staff see when entering the administration building. Floating just above the garden is a quartet of solar butterflies created by Rein Triefeldt. The public art piece, Kaleidoscope, was installed in November 2021.

“One of our primary goals at Port Everglades is to sustain and encourage a healthy ecosystem,” said Jonathan Daniels, CEO & Port Director. “Staff from our Facilities Maintenance and the Seaport Engineering & Construction Divisions collaborated to plant vegetation that provides a refuge and source of food for Broward County’s native butterflies and birds migrating through the Port.”

The habitat is designed to host butterflies, dragonflies, moths, hummingbirds and other bird species. More than 10 larval host plants and nearly 25 species of nectar-producing plants native to Broward County were added to the restored garden.

Above: Port Everglades’ butterfly habitat is designed to also host dragonflies, moths, hummingbirds and other bird species. More than 10 larval host plants and nearly 25 species of nectar-producing plants native to Broward County were added to the refuge.

Above: The butterfly garden outside the Port Everglades Administration Building reflects the Port’s core values of sustainability, resiliency and strength. Floating above the garden is a public art installation of four solar butterflies created by Rein Triefeldt.

Florida Institute of Oceanography

Established in 1967 by the Florida Board of Regents to place Florida scientists at the forefront of efforts to understand and protect the oceans, the Florida Institute of Oceanography (FIO) became an Academic Infrastructure Support Organization (AISO) in 2009 with the University of South Florida (USF) designated as its host institution.

The FIO Consortium consists of 31 members including the State University System (SUS) of Florida, private universities and institutes, state agencies (FDEP, FWC), and associate and affiliate member organizations that collectively unite more than 800 marine scientists across the state.

Financial support comes from funds allocated by the state legislature, fees charged for use of vessels and facilities, and charges to administer contracts and grants awarded through FIO. FIO enables excellence in marine science, technology and education. The organization operates two large research vessels- the R/V Weatherbird II (115’) and the R/V W.T. Hogarth (78’), as well as a full-service field laboratory in the Florida Keys Keys Marine Laboratory (KML). The advanced infrastructure and programs managed by FIO provide access to coastal environments for students and researchers throughout the state; more than 10,000 students have gone to sea on FIO’s vessels. Additionally, FIO recently acquired a fourth research platform that will carry out a vital mission for Florida’s Blue Economy. It is currently undergoing the commissioning process, more information to come!

FIO’s third-generation Strategic Plan 2021-2025, developed following a 10-year period of growth of activities, incorporates the need for a sustainable future that extends beyond the sciences and into the realm of those who indirectly benefit from ocean and coastal science that contribute to a healthy and sustainable environment. The plan builds on a more comprehensive member-focused approach to identify key areas of focus and relies on the growing participation of its Associate Members like the Florida Ocean Alliance, which was unanimously approved as a member in 2021.

Ported in Bayboro Harbor in St. Petersburg, FIO’s Research Vessels, the R/V Weatherbird II and R/V Hogarth, support at- sea education and research.

FAMU/NOAA CCME students collect sediment core samples on an FIO-sponsored SUS educational cruise.

Dr. Stephen Kajiura, FAU Professor of Biological Sciences, helps students identify fish species aboard the R/V Hogarth.

World Oceans Day Is June 8

June 8, 2023 is UN World Oceans Day and World Ocean Day. Visit these sites to learn how you and your organization can participate and also find useful tools to help raise awareness of ocean issues:

https://unworldoceansday.org/

https://worldoceanday.org/

More Marine News & Information

World Ocean Outlook 2023

Economist Impact’s World Ocean Initiative - The blue economy was valued at an estimated US $2.5trn annually before the outbreak of covid-19, equivalent to the gross domestic product (GDP) of the world's eighth-largest economy. But the health of the ocean-and therefore the rest of the planet-hangs in the balance.

All That Plastic in the Ocean Is a Climate Change Problem, Too

When you think of plastic pollution, you might imagine ocean "garbage patches" swirling with tens of millions of plastic bottles and shopping bags. But unfolding alongside the "macroplastic" pollution crisis is another threat caused by much smaller particles: microplastics.

Climate Change Is Causing Droughts Everywhere

Much of the Northern Hemisphere is struggling with drought or the threat of drought, as Europe experiences an unusually warm, precipitation-free winter and swaths of the American West remain mired in an epic megadrought. But it's not just those pockets feeling the pain in the U.S.

'Headed Off the Charts': World's Ocean Surface Temperature Hits Record High

The temperature of the world's ocean surface has hit an all-time high since satellite records began, leading to marine heatwaves around the globe, according to US government data. Climate scientists said preliminary data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) showed the average temperature at the ocean's surface has been at 21.1C since the start of April - beating the previous high of 21C set in 2016.

New Study Provides First Comprehensive Look at Oxygen Loss on Coral Reefs

A new study is providing an unprecedented examination of oxygen loss on coral reefs around the globe under ocean warming. Led by researchers at UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography and a large team of national and international colleagues, the study captures the current state of hypoxia-or low oxygen levels-at 32 different sites, and reveals that hypoxia is already pervasive on many reefs.

Parks That Protect: Leveraging Waterfronts for Resilient Communities

ULI's new report, Parks That Protect: Leveraging Waterfronts for Resilient Communities, describes seven leading-edge waterfront park projects from around the world that are built to outlast rising waters and severe weather and protect adjacent neighborhoods from climate threats, all while improving residents' health and quality of life.

Scientists Envision an 'Internet of the Ocean,' with Sensors and Autonomous Vehicles that Can Explore the Deep Sea and Monitor Its Vital Signs

Deep below the ocean surface, the light fades into a twilight zone where whales and fish migrate and dead algae and zooplankton rain down from above. This is the heart of the ocean's carbon pump, part of the natural ocean processes that capture about a third of all human-produced carbon dioxide and sink it into the deep sea, where it remains for hundreds of years.

A 5,000-mile Seaweed Belt Is HeadedToward Florida

WASHINGTON (AP) - A 5,000-mile seaweed belt lurking in the Atlantic Ocean is expected in the next few months to wash onto beaches in the Caribbean Sea, South Florida, and the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico.

Seagrass Is Dying by Tampa and Sarasota as Red Tide Worsens

BRADENTON, Fla. (AP) - New surveys of seagrass on Florida's Gulf Coast show the vital marine plant is continuing to lose ground at a rapid pace in Tampa and Sarasota Bay. Since 2016, the Southwest Florida Water Management District has documented losses of almost 30% of Tampa Bay's seagrass and around 26% in Sarasota Bay.

Ocean Treaty: Historic Agreement Reached After Decade of Talks

Nations have reached a historic agreement to protect the world's oceans following 10 years of negotiations. The High Seas Treaty aims to help place 30% of the seas into protected areas by 2030, to safeguard and recuperate marine nature.

The High Seas Treaty, Explained

Global News The first international agreement to protect the world's oceans aims to create "international parks" in the high seas. After almost 20 years of negotiations, United Nations member countries have agreed upon an international treaty to protect oceans of the world that lie outside national borders.

UN Body Mulls Deep Sea Mining Amid Demand for Minerals

Pressure is mounting on an obscure U.N. body based in Jamaica to hit pause on plans to potentially open the world's deep seas to mining as companies push for permission to extract metals from seabeds in international waters.

Breathtaking Images from Underwater Photographer of the Year Competition - CNN

A photo of a river dolphin, or "boto," seemingly posing for the camera at dusk, with the tip of its nose above the water and the sun setting behind it, has won the 2023 Underwater Photographer of the Year competition.

NOAA Launches Next Generation Digital Coast Website

The Digital Coast was developed to meet the unique needs of the coastal management community. The website provides coastal data, and the tools, training, and information needed to make these data truly useful.

Kerry: Americans Don't Need to Have 'Lower Quality of Life' to Fight Climate Change

Americans do not have to compromise on their quality of life in order to help prevent catastrophic climate change, special presidential envoy for climate John Kerry told Yahoo News. When asked about the recent backlash regarding proposals to restrict the use of private jets or gas stoves, Kerry argued that no such changes are necessary in order to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Artificial Intelligence Predicts Climate Change Coming Faster Than We Recently Thought, New Study Says

The world faces a significant risk of passing a crucial global warming threshold earlier than scientists had suggested, possibly as soon as 2050, a paper published Monday found. The threshold is the point at which Earth's overall temperature has increased by 2.0 degrees Celsius, or 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Kissimmee River Has Been Brought Back to Life - and Wildlife IsThriving

If you've been to Disney World in Orlando, you've been to the Northern Everglades. Much of the water within the famous "river of grass" originates in Central Florida and flows south via the Kissimmee River-one of the more important and lesser-known waterways nationwide.

Pew's 2023 Marine Fellows Set to Advance Ocean Science and Conservation

Through its Fellows Program in Marine Conservation, The Pew Charitable Trusts supports a community of experts working to solve some of the most pressing and complex threats to the ocean. We are proud to announce the 2023 cohort of marine fellows-seven individuals from six countries who will conduct ambitious, three-year projects to produce evidence and tools that will underpin marine conservation around the world.

Earth Day 2023

Get Earth Day 2023 information from the official Earth Day site. Find events, see what you can do, and learn about this year's theme: Invest In Our Planet.

Book Review: Moving to Higher Ground by John Englander

John Englander's Moving to Higher Ground: Rising Sea Level and the Path Forward raises awareness of the ongoing sea level rise (SLR), a current reality that the public and institutions should accept and adapt to moving forward.

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

Florida Ocean Alliance Board of Directors

A. Paul Anderson

(FOA President)

Port Tampa Bay

Glenn Wiltshire

(FOA Vice President)

Port Everglades

Jackie Larson

(FOA Secretary)

Florida Shore & Beach Preservation Association

Richard Dodge, Ph.D.

(FOA Treasurer)

Nova Southeastern University

Anne Birch

The Nature Conservancy

Michael P. Crosby, Ph.D.

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

Josh Carroll

Royal Caribbean Group

Spencer Crowley

Akerman

Duane E. De Freese, Ph.D.

Indian River Lagoon Council

FOA Executive Committee

Jeff Eble

Hubbs-Sea World Research Institute

Monty Graham, Ph.D.

Florida Institute of Oceanography

Kumar Mahadevan, Ph.D.

Founding Member

Florida Ocean Alliance,

FOA Director Emeritus

James F. Murley, Esq.

Miami-Dade County,

Florida Ocean Alliance

Founding Member and

FOA Executive Committee

Sherry Larkin, Ph.D.

Florida Sea Grant College Program

Denise McCafferty

Lloyd's Register

Becky Prado

WSP

David McDonald

McDonald, Miller & Coleman LLC

FOA Director Emeritus

Alexis Meschelle

Organized Fishermen of Florida

Ellen Prager, Ph.D.

Earth2Ocean, Inc.

Phil Purcell

Marine Industries Association of South Florida

Kellie Ralston

Bonefish & Tarpon Trust

Jerry Sansom

Florida Ocean Alliance

FOA Director Emeritus

Jim Sullivan, Ph.D.

Florida Atlantic University- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute

Bradley Watson

The Everglades Foundation

Gretchen Winters

Florida Harbor Pilots Association

Matthew Upton

Roffer's Ocean Fishing Forecasting Service

Jeff Watters

The Ocean Conservancy

Julie Wraithmell

Audubon of Florida

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.

Subscribe to Florida Ocean News

Visit FloridaOceanAlliance.org

﻿Florida Oceans Day Recap

Ocean Climate Action Plan

Florida Ocean Alliance Priorities Align with the OCAP

FDEP's Resilient Florida Grants Program Application Portal Opens July 1

Jeff Eble of Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute and

﻿Becky Prado of WSP Join the Alliance's Board of Directors﻿

﻿New Marine Mapping Tool Increases Access to Regional Ocean Resources and Use Data

Dr. Brian Lapointe of FAU Harbor Branch Offers Resources to Explain the Science Behind the Imminent Sargassum Invasion Expected on Florida Shores

How Florida Boaters and Marinas Can Help Manage Nonpoint Source Pollution

Florida Ocean Alliance Members Celebrate Earth Day 2023

Governor and Legislature

﻿Need to Address Florida’s

Water-quality Challenges | Opinion

Butterflies, Birds and Bees … Oh My!

﻿World Oceans Day Is June 8

Florida Oceans Day Recap

Becky Prado of WSP Join the Alliance's Board of Directors

New Marine Mapping Tool Increases Access to Regional Ocean Resources and Use Data

Need to Address Florida’s

World Oceans Day Is June 8