Fishing is a key component of the Florida lifestyle as well as the state’s economy. But fishing line and other fishing tackle frequently enter Florida’s aquatic systems as a result of incidental snags or improper fishing line disposal. When left in the aquatic environment, fishing...
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Environment, Fishing
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What do you do with an invasive fish, covered from head to fin with venomous spines as sharp as hypodermic needles; a fish that can’t be caught with a rod or in a trawling net as it multiplies rapidly, deep in our oceans, flummoxing fishermen...
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Environment, Exotic Invasives
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The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved Species Conservation Measures and Permitting Guidelines for eight of the more than 50 species, the only local is the Monroe County Osprey, in the agency’s Imperiled Species Management Plan. Based on thorough scientific review, FWC staff...
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Environment, Keys Critters
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The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Institute for Regional Conservation will begin a two-month restoration effort in the pine rockland habitats of the National Key Deer Refuge this week. This work, funded through a National Fish and Wildlife Foundation grant for hurricane restoration...
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Big Pine Key, Environment
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The Monofilament Recovery and Recycling Program (MRRP) is an innovative statewide project dedicated to reducing the environmental damage caused by discarded fishing line. MRRP aims to educate the public on the problems caused by monofilament line left in the environment, encourage recycling through a network...
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Environment, Fishing
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Florida Keys Sandbar. Dropping anchor or tying off at shallow sandbars has, in the last quarter-century, mushroomed at dozens of gathering spots from the Upper Keys to the Marquesas, a new state report says. The fastest-growing segment of Florida Keys boating activity seems to be...
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Boating, Environment
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The Research Natural Area (RNA) was designated as an area of special protection within Dry Tortugas National Park in 2007. The RNA was designed to work along with the two existing ecological reserves as a network to protect the shallow water habitats and reef fish...
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Diving, Dry Tortugas, Environment, Parks, Reefs
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Sunscreen is a necessity for most scuba divers, but not all sunblock is created equal. Some contain an ingredient that’s destroying coral reefs around the world. The evidence is so strong, Hawaii may pass a law banning certain sunscreens. The primary chemical culprit is oxybenzone, an...
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Beaches, Diving, Environment, Reefs
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The Mangrove is a shrub or small tree that grows in coastal saline or brackish water. The term is also used for tropical coastal vegetation consisting of such species. Mangroves occur worldwide in the tropics and subtropics, mainly between latitudes 25° N and 25° S. Mangrove are salt-tolerant trees, also called halophytes, and are adapted to live in harsh...
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Environment, Plants
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Wondering how you can help in the fight against the decline of corals? With a new smartphone app called OkCoral, the Coral Restoration Foundation is hoping it can answer that question by turning underwater photographers into a citizen scientists. Florida Reefs The idea behind the app is getting recreational...
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Environment, Reefs
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When it comes to sea level rise, Key West is pretty much as vulnerable as it gets. The island's average elevation is less than five feet above sea level. A tide gauge at Key West Harbor tracks the steady rising seas over the last century....
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Environment, Key West
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“It’s kind of a funny thing to say that we would conserve for fish pee,” says study author Jake Allgeier, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Washington. “But it is hopefully setting a precedent to think about these reefs differently.” Nearly 2,000 years ago, the...
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Environment, Reefs
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Every day is full of natural wonders throughout the Florida Keys, known for their sweeping, scenic backdrops of earth, sea and sky. Throughout April, Keys visitors and residents can celebrate Florida Keys Earth Day with unique outdoor activities to be experienced only in the Florida Keys. This year’s...
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Environment, Parks, Tourism
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Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuges' Outdoor Fest - March 10-17, 2017 - is a celebration of the unique plant and animal species and rare habitats that are found only in the Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuges. Guided walks, bike rides, kayak excursions, photography workshops, 'Nature Therapy', plus...
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Big Pine Key, Environment, Events, Key Largo
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The Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center has been approved for $67,500 in capital resources grant money from the Monroe County Tourist Development Center to improve its pelican pond. The Monroe County Tourist Development Council has OK’d the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center request for $67,500...
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Environment, Keys Critters, Tavernier
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Why it's Time For a Storm or Two in the Florida Keys. It has been over 10 years since the Florida Keys have seen even a close pass of any hurricanes. It was 1998 when the last hurricane actually hit the Florida Keys. Due to...
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Environment, Reefs, Weather
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Most people are familiar with the group of organisms called fungi, owing to the mushrooms that you can find in grocery stores. In addition to being a delicious ingredient used in many culinary creations, fungi play a very important role in the ecosystem. This week...
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Environment
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An organization focused on conserving and restoring bonefish, tarpon and permit populations through research and education has brought on a new leader to oversee its local efforts on the island chain. Last month, Ross Boucek, a Naples native, was hired as the Florida Keys initiative...
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Environment, Fishing
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After analyzing satellite and model data, NOAA’s experts say coral reefs around the world may finally catch a break from [ Coral Bleaching ] high ocean temperatures that have lingered for an unprecedented three years, the longest period since the 1980s. The latest NOAA forecast...
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Environment, Reefs
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An underwater concert is set to promote reef protection and entertain divers and snorkelers Saturday, July 8, during the Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival. The annual event takes place at Looe Key Reef, an area of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary approximately 6 miles...
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Diving, Environment, Events
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