• A Tampa Bay Times investigation revealed that nearly one in four of Florida’s waterways are dangerously polluted, with many worsening over the past two decades. The study analyzed over four million water quality tests, uncovering elevated levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and other pollutants in crucial ecosystems like the Indian River Lagoon, Old Tampa Bay, and the Myakka River. These imbalances have led to significant environmental harm including destroying seagrass beds — the primary food source for manatees — and the proliferation of harmful algal blooms. The investigators argue that despite state efforts to address pollution, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s approach remains largely reactive, often waiting until water quality standards are exceeded before implementing corrective measures. As a result, many affected waterways continue to deteriorate, threatening both wildlife and public health.   

• Researchers in Florida are using biodegradable, 3D-printed “coral defenders” to protect lab-grown corals from predators like parrotfish in a bid to restore Florida’s threatened coral reef ecosystem. These small tripod-like structures, made from a plastic called PHA, are designed to naturally degrade in about a month after shielding young corals during their most vulnerable stage. The initiative is led by the Florida Aquarium in partnership with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, targeting species like brain and cactus coral, which have suffered massive losses due to disease and environmental stress. Rising ocean temperatures, pollution, and diseases like stony coral tissue loss disease have made natural recovery difficult. The coral defenders were developed after a recent incident in which parrotfish ate newly planted brain coral off Miami-Dade’s coast. Scientists are studying predator behavior to understand why some areas face more coral predation than others. The project aims to improve coral survival through ongoing monitoring and adaptive strategies, with hopes of scaling this method as a key tool in broader reef restoration efforts.

• A recent study reveals that dolphins, like manatees, are severely impacted by the decline of seagrass in Florida’s Indian River Lagoon. Researchers from the University of South Florida and the University of Central Florida analyzed decades of data from stranded dolphins and found their diets shifted to less nutritious prey following major algal blooms that wiped out seagrass meadows. This dietary change led to increased malnutrition and mortality, with 61% of dolphin deaths in 2013 (after a major algae bloom) linked to malnutrition, compared to a 17% average between 2000 and 2020. Seagrass loss reduces the availability of high-energy prey like ladyfish and increases reliance on lower-nutrition species like sea bream. Despite food shortages, dolphins rarely migrate from their home territories, making adaptation difficult. The root cause of seagrass die-offs is nutrient pollution, which fuels algae blooms that block sunlight and deplete oxygen. While some seagrass has recently begun to recover, the broader food chain remains vulnerable, as seen in recent manatee and dolphin die-offs tied to starvation.   

• A team of scientists from the University of South Florida’s College of Marine Science in St. Petersburg are working on a project to study the potential chemical contaminants in Tampa Bay’s most popular recreational fishing species. The Tampa Bay Surveillance Project is a five-year study funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Because these species are primarily fished for food, the chemicals that they may contain can have serious implications for any humans that consume them. Collaboration is a key aspect of this project; the scientists work with fishing charter captains and local government to not only navigate the waters with professionals, but also highlight where pollution and sources of these chemicals are coming from. The main goal of the project is to educate the public and guide future decisions in the management of these areas to protect the species and human health.  

• Within the Atlantic Ocean, there is an underlying ocean current called the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC). It acts as the planet’s regulatory system as it pushes warm water northward and cold water southward. Recently, there have been speculations that the AMOC is in danger of collapsing due to climate change, so this a project by the University of Miami and NOAA aims to monitor its changes with “sensors and ship-based readings.” So far, the monitoring efforts have shown that the ocean is already becoming warmer and saltier. These could have serious implications for coastal communities and marine ecosystems reliant on the ocean maintaining normal conditions.   

• An Orlando judge recently declared that Florida’s wastewater discharge regulations are violating the federal Endangered Species Act. As harmful discharge is disposed of in the Indian River Lagoon on the east coast of Florida, studies have shown declines in seagrass growth, the primary diet of Florida’s endangered manatees. This lawsuit was filed in 2022, after a record breaking 1,100 manatee deaths the previous year, with many linked to starvation. This decision will require the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) to create actionable “habitat protection plans” to help mitigate these mass marine mammal mortality events.

• To address the long-standing pollution and water quality issues in Biscayne Bay, Miami-Dade County has launched a series of pilot projects focusing on filtering polluted stormwater before it reaches the bay. The three main projects test advanced filtration systems that mimic natural water filtration systems using rocks, sand, and biofilters to remove trash, fertilizers, and bacteria from stormwater runoff. The county has secured $22 million in state grants for this project with the long-term goal of implementing green technology throughout the county’s public spaces.

• In a new study by NatureServe that evaluated 1,600 species, it was found that 22% of North America’s native pollinators are at an elevated risk for extinction. The American Southwest was found to have the highest concentration of at-risk species. Bees were identified as the most imperiled pollinators, with more than a third of bee species at increased risk for extinction. According to Jaret Daniels, study co-author and curator of Lepidoptera at the Florida Museum of Natural History’s McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity, even small actions from Floridians can help pollinators recover. He suggests reducing the amount of turf grass on your property and replacing it with native pollinator-attracting plants, which also tend to be more drought tolerant. “Even for people who live in apartments, container gardens can be useful,” he said. “They can attract species and can provide resources in an area where, traditionally, very little is around.” Learn more about insect decline and what you can do to help here.

• Hope is on the horizon for predicting and mitigating red tide thanks to a study by St. Petersburg-based University of South Florida researchers. After testing water samples off the Southwest Florida coast, researchers found several viruses, including a new viral species within Karenia brevis (the organism that causes red tide). The viruses found in K. brevis only infects the organism itself, and does not transmit to humans or animals. Though it will likely take quite some time, researchers hope that they may one day be able to use the virus to kill K. brevis. In the meantime, they will also continue to look for other viruses associated with red tide blooms. 

• A recent proposal from the Trump administration redefines harm to endangered species. The proposed change involves limiting the current definition of “harm,” meaning that if a company inadvertently causes habitat destruction but says that there was no intent to directly harm or threaten the species, then it would not violate the Endangered Species Act, as stated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service. Environmental groups argue that this change could lead to more development, deforestation, and habitat destruction – the primary cause of species extinctions. Animals at risk include Florida manatees, Florida panthers, bald eagles, and humpback whales. This proposal has been published in the Federal Register for public comment for the next 30 days.