Florida Sea Grant

A Brief Summary of the Water Bill, SB 552

Lisa Krimsky, Andrea Albertin, Charles Barrett, James Fletcher, and Mary Lusk

A Guide to Common Stony Corals of Florida

Joseph A. Henry, Roy P. E. Yanong, Maia P. McGuire, and Joshua T. Patterson

A Guide to Nesting Sea Turtles in Florida

Analisa Duran, Ruth Frances-Floyd, Maia Patterson Mcguire, and Iskande Larkin

Florida’s coastline provides critical habitat for sea turtle nesting, as it has for millions of years. Throughout the state, three of the seven species of sea turtles in the world have significant nesting populations. Loggerhead, green, and leatherback sea turtles use Florida’s beaches to lay nests each year. This publication provides information on the identification, nesting characteristics, and abundance of each of the common sea turtle species who nest in Florida.

A Homeowner's Guide to the Living Shoreline Permit Exemption Part 2: United States Army Corps of Engineers

Savanna Barry, Sara Martin, and Eric Sparks

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Fact Sheet for Homeowner audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Natural resources operations and Invasive Species

A Homeowner's Guide to the Living Shoreline Permit Exemption, Part 1: Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Savanna Barry, Sara Martin, and Eric Sparks

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Fact Sheet for Homeowner audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Environmental Literacy and Sustainability

A Response to Frequently Asked Questions about the 2018 Algae Blooms in Lake Okeechobee, the Caloosahatchee, and St. Lucie Estuaries

Lisa Krimsky, Ed Phlips, and Karl Havens

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Fact Sheet for General Public audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Natural resources operations and Invasive Species

Agricultura celular para la producción de pescados y mariscos a base de células

Razieh Farzad

Este artículo pretende proporcionar información básica sobre el sistema de producción de pescados y mariscos a base de células a los consumidores y productores de pescados y mariscos. Translation of "Cellular Agriculture for Production of Cell-Based Seafood," FSHN21-2/FS432. Written by Razieh Farzad and published by the UF/IFAS Food Science and Human Nutrition Department.

An Introduction to Harvest Tags for Marine Recreational Fisheries

Edward Camp, Zachary Siders, Andrew Ropicki, and Frank Asche

Managing recreational fisheries requires balancing sustainability against allowing as much access and harvest as possible. Maintaining sustainability is made harder by discard mortality where any fishing activity, even catch and release, risks fish dying from injuries, predation, or other causes. This is especially a problem for Florida reef fish species that live at depths and habitats where barotrauma increases mortality and depredation by larger fish, sharks, or marine mammals increases it further. Harvest (or trip) tags could reduce overharvest, lower discard mortality, and allow anglers more freedom to choose when to fish. Harvest tags would limit the total fish harvested, but could eliminate one of the least popular current management restrictions, harvest seasons. This publication describes harvest tag approaches, discussing how they are already used in fishing and hunting and describing some of the potential benefits and costs if they were applied in Florida.

An update on Florida’s Artificial Reefs: recent deployments and trends

Edward V. Camp, Lisa Chong, Angela B. Collins, Holly Abeels, Keith Mille, Michael Sipos, Brittany Hall-Scharf, Ana Zangroniz, Scott Jackson, Shelly Krueger, and Victor Blanco

Popular marine habitat enhancements, artificial reefs can benefit sea life and humans. Floridians visit them every year to fish, dive, snorkel, or boat around. The number of artificial reefs is growing around Florida, but their function and impact are difficult to describe because artificial reefs change over time as they become encrusted with fouling organisms or altered by storms and shifting sands. As reefs change, expectations shift, and advances in research and monitoring allow us to learn more about them. This publication provides an update of Florida’s recent artificial reef activities. It focuses on new deployments, designs, and monitoring objectives from 2015 to 2021. It should help management agencies and outreach and education professionals understand recent trends in priorities. Fishing and diving clubs, monitoring programs, local artificial reef planners and coordinators, and other stakeholders can discover and share information learned across counties.

An Update on Florida’s Artificial Reefs: Recent Research and What It Means for Florida

Edward V. Camp, Lisa Chong, Angela B. Collins, Holly Abeels, Keith Mille, Michael Sipos, Brittany Hall-Scharf, Ana Zangroniz, Scott Jackson, Shelly Krueger, and Victor Blanco

As coastal managers and practitioners continue placing artificial reefs in marine waters, the scientific understanding of the effects and implications of artificial reefs is changing. It is especially important for resource managers and Extension and outreach personnel, as well as the interested public, to keep aware of these changes as they occur, but usually scientific studies are first published in peer-reviewed journals that may be inaccessible. This publication describes some of the most recent artificial reef studies that are likely to be especially relevant to Florida. Each is summarized and its potential relevance to Florida described. This is not a complete record of recent research, but it should help the interested public, managers, educators, and outreach personnel stay informed of recent developments in artificial reef science that should be considered when making decisions about artificial reefs.

Artificial Reefs and People: How We Create Them and How They Affect Us

Lisa Chong, Keith Mille, Holly Abeels, Victor Blanco, and Edward V. Camp

Artificial reefs are constructed to provide several important ecosystem services to coastal communities and fisheries around the world, and their deployment results in significant socio-ecological and economic effects.

Artificial Reefs in Florida 101 – effects on fish: Part 2 of an Artificial Reef series

Lisa Chong, Angela B. Collins, Holly Abeels, Anna Braswell, Ana Zangroniz, Andrew Ropicki, Scott Jackson, and Edward V. Camp

Increasingly, coastal managers are placing artificial reefs in marine waters. These long-lasting habitat alterations have measurable effects on fish, fishers, divers, fisheries, and marine social ecological systems. Understanding how artificial reefs function is necessary to make good decisions about future artificial reefs. Scientific research on many aspects of artificial reefs is not always summarized and explained. In response to this need, we designed a 4-part series called Artificial Reefs 101. This publication, part 2 of the Artificial Reefs series, explains how artificial reefs affect fish populations. It will help the interested public understand more about the ecological effects of artificial reefs and provide detailed information to stakeholders including management agencies, local governments, artificial reef manufacturers, and Extension agents, to allow for better-informed decisions about building and managing artificial reefs.

Artificial Reefs in Florida 101 – effects on fisheries: Part 4 of an Artificial Reef series

Lisa Chong, Angela B. Collins, Holly Abeels, Anna Braswell, Andrew Ropicki, and Edward V. Camp

Increasingly, coastal managers are placing artificial reefs in marine waters. These long-lasting habitat alterations have measurable effects on fish, fishers, divers, fisheries, and marine social ecological systems. Understanding how artificial reefs function is necessary to make good decisions about future artificial reefs. Scientific research on many aspects of artificial reefs is not always summarized and explained. In response to this need, we designed a 4-part series called Artificial Reefs 101. This publication, part 4 of the Artificial Reefs series, explores a complicated but fascinating aspect of artificial reefs—should we expect them to lead to better fishing in the long run? Many people think artificial reefs should be a “win-win” since both fish and fishers seem to like them. But it is increasingly apparent that they are likely to increase fishing mortality more than they increase fish populations. So they could lead to more restrictive regulations.

Artificial Reefs in Florida 101 – why are they built? Part 1 of an Artificial Reef series

Lisa Chong, Angela B. Collins, Holly Abeels, Anna Braswell, Andrew Ropicki, Scott Jackson, and Edward V. Camp

Increasingly, coastal managers are placing artificial reefs in marine waters. These long-lasting habitat alterations have measurable effects on fish, fishers, divers, fisheries, and marine social ecological systems. Understanding how artificial reefs function is necessary to make good decisions about future artificial reefs. Scientific research on many aspects of artificial reefs is not always summarized and explained. In response to this need, we designed a 4-part series called Artificial Reefs 101. This publication, Part 1 of the Artificial Reefs 101 series, explains why artificial reefs are built. It defines what artificial reefs are and explains why people build and deploy artificial reefs. It should help the interested public understand how artificial reefs affect marine resources, and provide a background and baseline of information for decision-makers such as local officials, management agency personnel, and Extension agents.

Artificial Reefs in Florida 101: Effects on Fishers (and Divers)—Part 3 of an Artificial Reef Series

Lisa Chong, Angela B. Collins, Holly Abeels, Anna Braswell, Ana Zangroniz, Andrew Ropicki, Scott Jackson, and Edward V. Camp

Increasingly, coastal managers are placing artificial reefs in marine waters. These long-lasting habitat alterations have measurable effects on fish, fishers, divers, fisheries, and marine social ecological systems. Understanding how artificial reefs function is necessary to make good decisions about future artificial reefs. Scientific research on many aspects of artificial reefs is not always summarized and explained. In response to this need, we designed a 4-part series called Artificial Reefs 101. This publication, part 3 of the Artificial Reefs series, explains how artificial reefs affect fishers and divers. It will help the interested public understand more about the ecological effects of artificial reefs and provide detailed information to stakeholders including management agencies, local governments, artificial reef manufacturers, and Extension agents, to allow for better-informed decisions about building and managing artificial reefs.

Assessment of the Economic Impact Associated with the Recreational Scallop Season in Hernando County, Florida

Brittany Hall-Scharf, Charles Adams, Alan Hodges, and Stephen Geiger

Awareness, Knowledge, and Perceptions of Barotrauma and Barotrauma Mitigation: A Survey of Florida Anglers

Charles Adams, Joy Hazell, Lisa Krimsky, Bryan Fluech, Elizabeth Staugler, John Stevely, and Robert Botta

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Environmental Literacy and Sustainability

Barotrauma and Successful Release of Fish Caught in Deep Water

Betty Staugler, Holly Abeels, Angela Collins, Shelly Krueger, and Kai Lorenzen

Best Practices for Scalloping: From the Boat to Your Plate

Brittany Hall-Scharf, Sarah Ellis, and Savanna Barry

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Ecotourism and Agritourism

Bioplastics—a better option for the environment?

Maia Patterson McGuire

Candidate Species for Florida Aquaculture: Almaco Jack, Seriola rivoliana

Victor Blanco, Cortney Ohs, Nicole Rhody, and Ronald Hans

Almaco jack, Seriola rivoliana, is a perciform within the order Perciformes, family Carangidae; which includes jacks and pompanos. They are members of the genus Seriola, a species of interest for aquaculture diversification worldwide. Like other commercially farmed Seriola species, almaco jack (also known as longfin yellowtail and kampachi) are fast growers, have a high market value, and are increasingly well-regarded among chefs for their versatility in both cooked and raw preparations. These characteristics, among others, have made them favorable candidates for both land-based and offshore aquaculture.

Candidate Species for Florida Aquaculture: American Horseshoe Crab Limulus polyphemus

Lena Donnarumma, Brittany J. Scharf, Jeffrey E. Hill, and Cortney L. Ohs

The American horseshoe crab, Limulus polyphemus, is a member of the phylum Arthropoda, subphylum Chelicerata, and class Merostomata. Although there are four horseshoe crab species worldwide, the American horseshoe crab is primarily found in the Atlantic Ocean along the East Coast of North America. The species ranges from Maine to Mexico, but is absent between Texas in the United States and Tabasco in Mexico. They mainly inhabit estuarine areas; however, juveniles and adults can venture into the shallow oceanic environments. Embryo development occurs in the intertidal zone of sandy beaches. Sandy or muddy bottom habitats are necessary for burrowing and benthic feeding. This publication will cover their natural history, aquaculture techniques, common diseases, and their uses and markets.  

Cellular Agriculture for Production of Cell-Based Seafood

Razieh Farzad

This new 4-page article intends to give basic information about the cell-based seafood production system to consumers and seafood producers. Written by Razieh Farzad and published by the UF/IFAS Food Science and Human Nutrition Department.

Cellular Agriculture for Production of Cell-Based Seafood: Part 2— Why should we start with lean fish?

Rose Omidvar and Razieh Farzad

This EDIS publication is the second in cellular agriculture series in which we provided information on why some fish species are better candidates for cell-based seafood production. In addition, we discussed why zebrafish could be a suitable animal model for the research and development of cell-based seafood.

Cellular Agriculture for Production of Cell-Based Seafood: Part 3— Regulatory Framework in the United States and Food Safety Considerations

Rose Omidvar and Razieh Farzad

In this EDIS publication, we provide information on the current regulatory framework for cell-based seafood production in the United States, food safety considerations, and the path forward for cell-based seafood products to get approved for selling in the marketplace. Additionally, drawing on the available science-based risk analysis methods for seafood production such as Hazards Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP), we provided a simple hazard analysis to identify the potential seafood hazards that can potentially compromise the safety of cell-based seafood products.

Cetaceans 4 Grade Curriculum—Lesson 1: Starting to Learn about Whales

Maia Patterson McGuire and Ruth Francis-Floyd

A UF/IFAS numbered Curriculum for 4-H/Youth audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Youth development

Cetaceans 4 Grade Curriculum—Lesson 10: Summarizing What We Know about Cetaceans

Maia Patterson McGuire and Ruth Francis-Floyd

A UF/IFAS numbered Curriculum for 4-H/Youth audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Youth development

Cetaceans 4 Grade Curriculum—Lesson 11: Introduction to Right Whales

Ruth Francis-Floyd and Maia Patterson McGuire

A UF/IFAS numbered Curriculum for 4-H/Youth audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Youth development

Cetaceans 4 Grade Curriculum—Lesson 12: Identifying Individual North Atlantic Right Whales

Maia Patterson McGuire, Ruth Francis-Floyd, and Brenda Cannaliato

A UF/IFAS numbered Curriculum for 4-H/Youth audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Youth development

Cetaceans 4 Grade Curriculum—Lesson 13: North Atlantic Right Whale Migration

Maia Patterson McGuire and Ruth Francis-Floyd

A UF/IFAS numbered Curriculum for 4-H/Youth audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Youth development

Cetaceans 4 Grade Curriculum—Lesson 14: How Do Right Whales Communicate?

Maia Patterson McGuire and Ruth Francis-Floyd

A UF/IFAS numbered Curriculum for 4-H/Youth audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Youth development

Cetaceans 4 Grade Curriculum—Lesson 15: Technology and North Atlantic Right Whales

Maia Patterson McGuire and Ruth Francis-Floyd

A UF/IFAS numbered Curriculum for 4-H/Youth audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Youth development

Cetaceans 4 Grade Curriculum—Lesson 16: North Atlantic Right Whales and Ship Strikes

Maia Patterson McGuire, Jessica Hardy, Brenda Cannaliato, and Ruth Francis-Floyd

Cetaceans 4 Grade Curriculum—Lesson 17: How Can We Reduce Threats to North Atlantic Right Whales?

Maia Patterson McGuire and Ruth Francis-Floyd

A UF/IFAS numbered Curriculum for 4-H/Youth audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Youth development

Cetaceans 4 Grade Curriculum—Lesson 18: Bringing It All Together

Maia Patterson McGuire and Ruth Francis-Floyd

A UF/IFAS numbered Curriculum for 4-H/Youth audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Youth development

Cetaceans 4 Grade Curriculum—Lesson 2: Cetaceans—What Makes a Whale a Whale?

Ruth Francis-Floyd and Maia Patterson McGuire

A UF/IFAS numbered Curriculum for 4-H/Youth audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Youth development

Cetaceans 4 Grade Curriculum—Lesson 3: Researching Individual Whale and Dolphin Species

Maia Patterson McGuire and Ruth Francis-Floyd

A UF/IFAS numbered Curriculum for 4-H/Youth audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Youth development

Cetaceans 4 Grade Curriculum—Lesson 4: How Big Are Cetaceans?

Maia Patterson McGuire and Ruth Francis-Floyd

A UF/IFAS numbered Curriculum for 4-H/Youth audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Youth development

Cetaceans 4 Grade Curriculum—Lesson 5: Scientific Names—Understanding Where Those Funny Words Come from

Maia Patterson McGuire and Ruth Francis-Floyd

A UF/IFAS numbered Curriculum. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Youth development

Cetaceans 4 Grade Curriculum—Lesson 6: Cetacean Behaviors

Ruth Francis-Floyd and Maia Patterson McGuire

A UF/IFAS numbered Curriculum. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Youth development

Cetaceans 4 Grade Curriculum—Lesson 7: How Do Whales Eat?

Maia Patterson McGuire and Ruth Francis-Floyd

A UF/IFAS numbered Curriculum for 4-H/Youth audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Youth development

Cetaceans 4 Grade Curriculum—Lesson 8: Food Chains

Maia Patterson McGuire, Brenda Cannaliato, and Ruth Francis-Floyd

A UF/IFAS numbered Curriculum for 4-H/Youth audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Youth development

Cetaceans 4 Grade Curriculum—Lesson 9: How Do Whales Stay Warm?

Maia Patterson McGuire and Ruth Francis-Floyd

A UF/IFAS numbered Curriculum for 4-H/Youth audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Youth development

Cetaceans 4 Grade Curriculum—Outline

Maia Patterson McGuire and Ruth Francis-Floyd

A UF/IFAS numbered Curriculum for 4-H/Youth audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Youth development

Climate Change and Florida: Frequently Asked Questions

Joshua Papacek, Ashley Smyth, Holly Abeels, and Alicia Betancourt

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Fact Sheet. Published by Climate

Climate Change: Effects on Salinity in Florida’s Estuaries and Responses of Oysters, Seagrass, and Other Animal and Plant Life

Ashley R. Smyth, H. Dail Laughinghouse, Laura K. Reynolds, Edward V. Camp, and Karl Havens

Florida’s economically important estuaries could be heavily impacted by sea-level rise and altered river flow, both caused by climate change. The resulting higher salinity, or saltiness of the water, could harm plants and animals, alter fish, and bird habitat, and reduce the capacity of estuaries to provide such important services as seafood production and the protection of shorelines from erosion. This publication contains information for stakeholders, students, scientists, and environmental agencies interested in understanding how changes in salinity impact Florida’s estuaries.

Contaminants in the Urban Environment: Microplastics

Maia McGuire, Yun-Ya Yang, Ignacio A. Rodriguez-Jorquera, Gurpal S. Toor, and Alexander J. Reisinger

Diffusion of Innovation Explaining Support for Septic to Sewer System Conversion Programs Among Florida Residents: Lessons for Educators and Related Stakeholders

Dharmendra Kalauni, Laura Warner, Lisa Krimsky, Shelli Rampold, and Sravani Pasula

Water quality impaired by excess nutrients has been linked to negative effects on human health, the environment, and the economy. Residential septic systems (i.e., onsite sewage treatment) contribute to these excess nutrients. Conversion from a septic system to a sewer system (hereafter referred to as S2S) is one way to mitigate pollution from excess nutrients. There are voluntary and mandatory S2S conversion programs throughout and beyond Florida. While there are multiple benefits of making such a change, S2S conversion is a complex and costly process. This document was developed to aid environmental management professionals, policymakers, and communication and education professionals (e.g., Extension agents) in understanding residents’ perceptions pertaining to S2S conversion. More details on the study presented in this document are available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.115651.

Dune Restoration and Enhancement for the Florida Panhandle

Debbie Miller, Mack Thetford, Christina Verlinde, Gabriel Campbell, and Ashlynn Smith

Ecological Influences on Coastal Finfish Recruitment

Gabrielle Love, Anna Braswell, Angela B. Collins, and Edward Camp

Florida is experiencing many human and climate-related changes to the aquatic environment that can affect fish. Lost or altered habitat, for instance, can lead to changes in fish populations that may impact survival, growth, or recruitment of those populations. Recruitment influences how many adult fish are later available for spawning and continuing the population. Understanding recruitment and how it is affected by ecological influences is important for considering the potential effects of ongoing climate change, as well as restoration and management of water quality and habitat. This publication provides background information useful to anyone interested in understanding more about factors affecting fish populations and should be especially useful to Extension agents and management agency personnel who would like an overview of these topics before engaging with stakeholders.

Ecosystem Services Provided by Living Shorelines

Ashley R. Smyth, Laura K. Reynolds, Savanna C. Barry, Natalie C. Stephens, Joshua T. Patterson, and Edward V. Camp

The purpose of this new 6-page document is to explain the types of ecosystem services provided by different types of living shorelines and how to quantify these values. The target audience for this document is local governments and municipalities that make decisions about developing, conserving, and restoring living shorelines; state management agencies that oversee broader scale habitat management; and finally, homeowners who will be immediately affected by any of these decisions. Written by Ashley R. Smyth, Laura K. Reynolds, Savanna C. Barry, Natalie C. Stephens, Joshua T. Patterson, and Edward V. Camp and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences.

Ecosystem Services Valuation for Estuarine and Coastal Restoration in Florida

Susanna Blair, Carrie Adams, Tom Ankersen, Maia McGuire, and David Kaplan

El sapo de caña o "Bufo" (Rhinella marina) en Florida

S. A. Johnson, A. Wilson, and Armando J. Ubeda

A UF/IFAS numbered Translation. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: ==Natural Resources==

Financial Risk in Off-Bottom Oyster Culture along Florida's West Coast

Russel Dame, Leslie N. Sturmer, Charles M. Adams, Richard Weldon, and Kelly A. Grogan

Fish Fillet: White Versus Red, Structure and Nutritional Composition

Rose Omidvar, Michael Sipos, and Razieh Farzad

Fish is one of the primary sources of protein and other nutrients globally. There are thousands of food fish species with different chemical compositions and nutritional characteristics of fillets. Therefore, this EDIS publication has provided information on fish muscle structure and differences between red muscles and white muscles in fish. In addition, discussions on fish muscle composition and the effect of heat on the muscle are provided.

Fish Population Recruitment 2: Stock Recruit Relationships and Why They Matter for Stock Assessment

Edward V. Camp, Robert N.M. Ahrens, Angela B. Collins, and Kai Lorenzen

A good understanding of stock recruit relationships is essential for accurate stock assessment and good fisheries management. But the concept is complicated and can be difficult to understand. This publication uses a recent Florida spotted seatrout stock assessment as an example to show how the stock-recruit relationship allows managers to determine whether or not a given fish population is overfished.

Fish Population Recruitment: What Recruitment Means and Why It Matters

Edward V. Camp, Robert N. M. Ahrens, Angela B. Collins, and Kai Lorenzen

Florida Marine Baitfish Aquaculture Series – Part 1: Marketing Opportunities and Challenges

Marissa Drake, Andrew Ropicki, Matthew A. DiMaggio, Kelly Grogan, Cortney L. Ohs, Laura Tiu, Edward V. Camp, and Jordan Moor

This publication, Part 1 in the Florida Marine Baitfish Aquaculture series, outlines opportunities and challenges associated with marketing aquacultured live marine baitfish in Florida. It examines why Florida is uniquely suited for the continued development of this industry, reviews the marine recreational angling baitfish market, and describes the opportunities and challenges associated with marine baitfish marketing and selling live baitfish to marine baitfish retailers. This publication is intended to provide information to current and potential farmers, as well as management agency and outreach personnel and the interested public. It should help farmers, potential farmers, and perhaps investors understand the potential scale, opportunities, and challenges of live baitfish aquaculture in Florida. This same information can assist policymakers and outreach personnel in their management decisions and the communications of those decisions.

Food Traceability Rule Overview: A Guide for Florida Food Industry

Sharon Xin Ying Chuah and Razieh Farzad

The FSMA's Traceability Rule, finalized in 2022, aims to establish a comprehensive system for tracking specific foods along the value chain from farm to fork, to prevent and respond to foodborne illnesses more effectively. The industry should implement the rule by 2026. This revision is part of the FDA's New Era of Smarter Food Safety blueprint and implements Section 204(d) of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). The FDA's Final Traceability Rule initially focuses on specific food categories identified as higher risk for contamination and foodborne illnesses. These categories are referred to as the "Food Traceability List" (FTL). In this EDIS publication, we have provided to the food industry background information and an overview of the rule's key components and the foods covered by it. Additionally, available resources have been compiled in a table to help the industry understand the rule better and find more information about it.

Frequently Asked Questions about Vibrio in Florida

Gabby Barbarite, Peter J. McCarthy, Holly Abeels, and Anita Wright

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Natural resources operations and Invasive Species

Healthy Living Lifestyle Habits: Land and Sea

Razieh Farzad, Brittany Scharf, Jim E. Davis, LuAnn Duncan, and Jana Anderson

This new 5-page publication of the UF/IFAS Food Science and Human Nutrition Department provides information for the general public about the benefits of incorporating land- and water-based natural resource activities to achieve a healthy lifestyle. Written by Razieh Farzad, Brittany Scharf, Jim E. Davis, LuAnn Duncan, and Jana Anderson.

How Do Oysters Remove Nitrogen?

Heather Donnelly, Ashley Smyth, Shirley Baker, Laura Reynolds, and Angela Collins

Nitrogen is natural and necessary, yet nitrogen levels above natural levels can cause algal blooms and eutrophication of coastal systems. The purpose of this document is to describe how oysters and oyster reefs remove nitrogen. This new 7-page publication of the UF/IFAS Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences is intended for policymakers, environmental organizations, and coastal residents who want to know about oysters' role in improving water quality through nitrogen removal. Written by Heather Donnelly, Ashley Smyth, Shirley Baker, Laura Reynolds, and Angela Collins.

How Ecosystem Services are Measured and Why it Matters for Florida

Charles Wallace, Anna Braswell, Mysha Clarke, Andrew Ropicki, Tara Wade, Frank Asche, Ashley Smyth, Armando Ubeda, and Ed Camp

Florida has many ecosystems that are thought of as especially important such as springs, coasts, dry prairies, and the Everglades. One of the ways importance is measured is through value. The term ecosystem services describes the benefits ecosystems and their components provide humans. This publication describes some of the ways to measure ecosystem services and explains how the different approaches to assess ecosystems might be selected, depending on what is most important to the user. This publication should help Extension and outreach agents, as well as agency personnel better understand ecosystem services values and explain them to the public. It should also help interested members of the public who wish to learn more about ecosystem services for themselves.

How Oyster Reefs Can Affect Finfish Recruitment

Gabrielle Love, Anna Braswell, Angela B. Collins, and Edward Camp

Recruitment is a very important life stage for fish which has direct impacts on size of the whole fish population. During this phase, the mortality juvenile fish experience is affected by their density because of competition for the available resources. How much fish density affects mortality in recruitment is itself affected by many factors, but one of the most important is the structural habitat available to juvenile fish. Structurally complex habitats like oyster reefs are thought to have a particularly strong influence on the recruitment process of certain species. Here we describe the ways that habitat can alter recruitment success. We focus on how oyster reefs affect recruitment of fish in Florida and the particular issues related to management of this important habitat.

How Red Tides Impact Manatees

Brittany Hall-Scharf and Armando Ubeda

Introduction to Infectious Diseases in Hard Clams

Shirley Baker, Denise Petty, Ruth Francis-Floyd, Roy Yanong, and Leslie Sturmer

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.

Invasive Species of Florida's Coastal Waters: The Red Lionfish (Pterois volitans) and Devil Firefish (P. miles)

Maia McGuire and Jeffrey Hill

Invasor de Florida: El Lagarto Overo

Steve A. Johnson y Monica McGarrity Traducido por Alejandra Areingdale, Miguel Acevedo, Juan Campos Krauer y Armando Ubeda

Esta publicación resume el conocimiento general sobre el tegu Argentino blanco y negro (Salvator merianae) en Florida. Es parte de una serie de publicaciones similares sobre reptiles establecidos en el estado. Este documento está dirigido a una audiencia general.

Let ‘Em Grow: Scalloping Best Practices

Brittany Hall-Scharf and Victor Blanco

Recreational scalloping is a popular summertime activity that attracts participants from far and wide to Florida's Gulf Coast. Coastal counties that serve as vessel launch points rely on this fishery for economic viability, but the biology of the bay scallop and the environmental stressors this species endures have led to limited populations of bay scallops remaining along Florida's Gulf Coast . Therefore, it is essential to implement best practices for harvesting bay scallops so that future generations can enjoy this marine resource activity. This publication gives recreational scallopers tips on how to sort through scallops in the water so that scallops that are too small are returned immediately to the same spot where they were taken. Improving harvesting techniques can help sustain this valuable fishery.

Living Shoreline Ecosystem Service Valuation Tool

Ashley R. Smyth, Laura K. Reynolds, Savanna C. Barry, Natalie C. Stephens, Joshua T. Patterson, and Edward V. Camp

Living shorelines are an increasingly popular way to protect and stabilize waterfronts for coastal property owners. Living shorelines provide valuable benefits to humans, including water quality improvement, habitat, fisheries, and carbon sequestration. Estimating the economic value of the ecosystem services living shorelines offer is an integral part of management decisions. The living shoreline valuation tool can help quantify the costs and benefits of living shorelines projects. This publication briefly describes the ecosystem services associated with living shorelines. The purpose of this publication is to introduce the ecosystem service valuation tool. Our target audience for the living shoreline evaluation tool includes natural resource extension agents, community organizations, and coastal homeowners who want to calculate the value of ecosystem services provided by coastal restoration projects, including living shorelines. 

Living Shoreline Monitoring—How do I evaluate the environmental benefits of my living shoreline?

Laura K. Reynolds, Natalie C. Stephens, Savanna C. Barry, and Ashley R. Smyth

Los colibríes de Florida

Joe Schaefer y Craig N. Huegel, y traducido por Alejandra Areingdale, Miguel Acevedo y Armando Ubeda.

En el pasado, el plumaje de los colibríes se usaba para adornar los trajes ceremoniales de los nativos americanos. Incluso hoy en día, algunos creen que el plumaje brillante del colibrí tiene poderes místicos. Sin embargo, la mayoría de nosotros simplemente disfrutamos solo de observar a estas aves maravillosas en la naturaleza.

Managing High Water Levels in Florida's Largest Lake: Lake Okeechobee

Karl E. Havens

Market Opportunities for Florida Farmed Oysters

Robert Botta, Taryn Garlock, Edward V. Camp, Andrew Ropicki, and Frank Asche

The oyster aquaculture industry has grown quickly in recent years. New farming techniques target specific attributes that increase oysters' value and allow them to be sold in the high-value, half-shell market. A lack of economic data makes it difficult for growers to determine which specific attributes increase oyster value, however. This publication summarizes findings from a recent study that examined restaurant menus to obtain economic data on raw, half-shell oysters. Major findings indicate that brand is an oyster attribute that provides value, and that marketing oysters with information on two or more attributes can also result in higher prices. Additionally, locally sourced oysters are often sold at cheaper prices, providing an opportunity for growers from outside regions to enter new markets. The findings will be useful to Florida oyster growers as attempts to expand Florida’s oyster aquaculture industry continue.

Molluscan Shellfish Aquaculture and Production

Huiping Yang, Leslie N. Sturmer, and Shirley Baker

Natural Climate Variability Can Influence Cyanobacteria Blooms in Florida Lakes and Reservoirs

Karl E. Havens, Mark V. Hoyer, and Edward J. Phlips

Norma HACCP para pescados y mariscos: Información básica para la industria de pescados y mariscos de Florida

Razieh Farzad

Este documento es el primero de una serie de "Guías de mariscos", que busca ayudar a la industria de mariscos en FL a entender las normas de inocuidad de pescados mariscos. Translation of FS436, Seafood HACCP Regulation: Basic Information for the Florida Seafood Industry. Written by Razieh Farzad and published by the UF/IFAS Food Science and Human Nutrition Department; 3 pp.

Ocean Acidification: An Introduction

Joshua Patterson and Lisa Krimsky

Ocean Acidification: Calcifying Marine Organisms

Joseph Henry, Joshua Patterson, and Lisa Krimsky

This document is one in a series on ocean acidification (OA). The series Introduction, Ocean Acidification: An Introduction, contains a general overview and information on the causes and chemistry of OA. Because OA is very large-scale and complex, each document in the series addresses a specific aspect of this issue. Florida, with an extensive coastline and deep cultural and economic ties to marine resources, will be directly affected by changes in seawater chemistry. Thus, each topic in the series also highlights information of specific relevance for Florida.

Ocean Acidification: Effects on Sponges

Lena A. Donnarumma, Joseph Henry, Joshua Patterson, Shelly Krueger, Lisa Krimsky, and Shirley Baker

Approximately 30% of the carbon dioxide (CO2) released into the atmosphere has been absorbed by the world’s oceans. As CO2 emissions increase due to human activities so does the amount of CO2 absorbed by the oceans. Carbon dioxide lowers the pH of the ocean system, causing ocean acidification (OA). The effects of OA on economically and ecologically important aquatic species is a subject of interest. Sponges are important reef-associated species that provide shelter for fish and crustaceans in reef habitats and can also structure ecosystems through bioerosion, water filtration, and colonization of coral reef areas. This publication considers the effects of OA on marine sponges, with a focus on Florida’s coral reef.  

Ocean Acidification: Fish Physiology and Behavior

Joshua Patterson, Lisa Krimsky, and Joseph Henry

This document is one in a series on ocean acidification (OA). The series Introduction, Ocean Acidification: An Introduction, contains information on the causes and chemistry of OA. Because OA is very large-scale and complex, each document in the series addresses a specific aspect of this issue. Florida, with an extensive coastline and deep cultural and economic ties to marine resources, will be directly affected by changes in seawater chemistry. Thus, each topic in the series also highlights information of specific relevance for Florida.

Ocean Acidification: pH Variability across Space and Time

Lisa Krimsky, Joseph Henry, and Joshua Patterson

Overview of Urban Aquaculture

Emily H. Roan, Laura Tiu, Roy P.E. Yanong, Matthew A. DiMaggio, and Joshua T. Patterson

Oyster Habitat Restoration and Shoreline Protection

Charles Wallace, Edward Camp, and Ashley Smyth

As the climate continues to change, coastal areas and the people that live there face increasing risks from erosion and wave damage. This is made worse by declines in natural oyster reefs, which would provide some natural protection. However, oysters can be restored for the specific purposes of protecting shorelines. The practicality and cost effectiveness of using oysters in this way is described in this publication, which is intended to be used by coastal property owners, as well as local governments that must make decisions about protecting shorelines in the face of a changing climate.

Preparation, Safe Handling, and Nutritional Value of Blue Crab: A Seafood Delicacy

Donald E. Sweat and Razieh Farzad

This document provides basic information regarding the preparation, safe handling, and nutritional value of blue crab for seafood consumers. Written by Donald E. Sweat and Razieh Farzad; published by the UF/IFAS Food Science and Human Nutrition Department; 3 pp.

Production and Performance of Triploid Oysters for Aquaculture

Huiping Yang, Natalie Simon, and Leslie Sturmer

Reconociendo las Serpientes Venenosas de Florida

Steve A. Johnson y Martin B. Main, y traducido por Alejandra Areingdale, Miguel Acevedo, y Armando Ubeda

En Florida habitan más de 50 especies de serpientes nativas, de las cuales sólo seis son venenosas. Las especies venenosas incluyen cinco víboras crotalinas (la serpiente oriental de cascabel de dorso de diamante, el crótalo de los cañaverales, el crótalo pigmeo, la cabeza cobriza, la boca de algodón) y la serpiente coral. Las cabezas cobrizas y las serpientes crótalo de los cañaverales tienen un rango de distribución limitado en Florida. Esto incluye una área pequeña al oeste de Tallahassee y algunos condados al Noroeste de la Florida para las cabezas cobrizas, y el norte de Florida cerca de la ciudad de Gainesville para las serpientes crótalo de los cañaverales. Las otras cuatro especies venenosas son comunes en todo el estado. Las serpientes venenosas de Florida viven en una variedad de hábitats naturales, que incluyen desde los humedales hasta los bosques secos.

Recreational Fishing Effort and How Management Actions Can Affect It—Part 1: Theory

Edward Camp, Micheal S. Allen, Thomas T. Ankersen, Savanna Barry, and Mark W. Clark

Recreational fishing is especially important to Florida’s economy and ecosystems. One of the most important metrics of recreational fisheries is “effort”—defined as the number of trips taken during a time and place. Effort is so important because it directly affects fish population sustainability, economic value and market activity. But what determines fishing effort? This publication describes the mechanisms that drive fishing effort. It specifically details the processes by which management actions can directly and indirectly affect fishing effort, and how feedbacks between these actions can change effort. The information in this document is critical for people involved with management decisions, like agency personnel and their stakeholders; those wanting to explain it to others, like extension agents; directly affected stakeholders like recreational fishers and guides; or simply the general public who want to know more about recreational fisheries in Florida.

Recreational Fishing Effort and How Management Actions Can Affect It—Part 2: Literature and a Case Study

Edward Camp, Micheal S. Allen, Thomas T. Ankersen, Savanna Barry, and Mark W. Clark

Recreational fishing, crucially important to Florida’s economy and ecosystems, can be affected by management decisions. Decisions that change the allowable harvest or the type of access to certain fishing areas are often expected to have strong effects on fishing effort, but the outcome of these actions is not always obvious. To provide greater insight into what may happen to fishing effort after management decisions, we describe case studies from the North American fisheries literature, some Florida-specific. These illustrate that the same or similar management actions (e.g., a more restrictive harvest policy) can have opposite effects on total fishing effort depending on the specifics of the case. We use this information as well as additional fisheries theory to explore a specific case study—what might happen if special harvest or access regulations were applied to a popular but ecologically and environmentally sensitive habitat—Florida's St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve.

Repensando el papel del nitrógeno y fósforo en la eutrofización de los ecosistemas acuáticos

H. Dail Laughinghouse IV, Ashley Smyth, Karl Havens y Thomas Frazer

Históricamente, las agencias ambientales han buscado mejorar la calidad del agua de los lagos y ríos de agua dulce mediante el manejo de un solo nutriente. El fósforo era el nutriente principal de preocupación en los sistemas de agua dulce y el nitrógeno estaba regulado en los sistemas costeros y estuarios. Investigaciones recientes indican que debemos reducir tanto el fósforo como el nitrógeno para revertir los síntomas de eutrofización en todos los sistemas acuáticos. This new 5-page publication of the UF/IFAS Department of Soil and Water Sciences, written by H. Dail Laughinghouse IV, Ashley Smyth, Karl Havens, and Thomas Frazer, is a translation of SGEF190/SG118, "Rethinking the Role of Nitrogen and Phosphorus in the Eutrophication of Aquatic Ecosystems."

Responsible Boating Protects Coral Reefs

Ana Zangroniz, Savanna Barry, and Joy Hazell

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for General Public audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Ecotourism and Agritourism

Responsible Boating Protects Seagrass Meadows

Savanna Barry, Ana Zangroniz, and Joy Hazell

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for General Public audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Ecotourism and Agritourism

Rethinking the Role of Nitrogen and Phosphorus in the Eutrophication of Aquatic Ecosystems

Ashley Smyth, H. Dail Laughinghouse IV, Karl Havens, and Thomas Frazer

Nitrogen and phosphorus are two nutrients that are essential for the growth and survival of plants and animals but are often present in short supply. Both nitrogen and phosphorus are applied regularly through fertilizer to increase the yield of crops needed to feed human populations and for residential and commercial landscaping purposes. This publication contains information for stakeholders, students, scientists, and environmental agencies interested in understanding how nitrogen and phosphorus affect water resources. Major revision by Ashley Smyth, H. Dail Laughinghouse IV, Karl Havens, and Thomas Frazer; 5 pp.

Seafood HACCP Regulation: Basic Information for the Florida Seafood Industry

Razieh Farzad

This new 3-page document is the first in a "Seafood Guide" series, which seeks to help the seafood industry in Florida understand seafood safety regulations. Written by Razieh Farzad and published by the UF/IFAS Food Science and Human Nutrition Department.

Seafood Knowledge, Perceptions, and Use Patterns in Florida: Findings from a 2013 Survey of Florida Residents

Lisa Krimsky, Charles Adams, and Bryan Fluech

Selenium and Mercury Toxicity: The Tale of Fish

Razieh Farzad and Jeanette Andrade

Not only is fish a good source of protein, but it also provides essential fatty acids such as omega-3, vitamins such as vitamin D, and minerals such as selenium. However, consumers are concerned about exposure to mercury through fish consumption. The degree of exposure to mercury depends on both the amount and the type of fish consumed. Additionally, recent studies have shown that Se can prevent mercury poisoning. To better understand the risk of mercury exposure through seafood consumption, understanding selenium-mercury interaction is useful. This new 4-page document is the first in a "Fish and Human Nutrition" series, which seeks to help consumers make a knowledge-based decision when choosing their seafood. Written by Razieh Farzad and Jeanette Andrade and published by the UF/IFAS Food Science and Human Nutrition Department.

The American Horseshoe Crab (Limulus polyphemus)

Savanna Barry, Holly Abeels, and Shelly Krueger

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Fact Sheet. Published by ==Natural Resources==

The Coral Holobiont: A Brief Overview of Corals and Their Microbiome

Monica D. Schul, Ashley R. Smyth, Joshua T. Patterson, Ana N. Zangroniz, Shelly L. Krueger, and Julie L. Meyer

Caribbean and tropical western Atlantic reefs have declined drastically since the 1970s. In some locales like the Florida Keys, the decline of branching corals approached 98%. These declines are widely attributed to recurring stressors such as high ocean temperatures and disease. The preservation and restoration of reefs is imperative as coral reefs support 25% of the world's known marine species and create billions of dollars in economic value. However, current restoration efforts have low success rates, so researchers are looking to better understand how stony corals respond to and overcome these stressors. Pioneering efforts to elucidate the role of the coral microbiome have shown that microbes are an important component for stony coral health, nutrition, and disease defense. This publication is for various natural resource professionals who want information on corals, microbiomes, and how coral microbial ecology research is pushing our knowledge of corals and restoration forward.

The Economic Benefits Associated with Florida's Artificial Reefs

Andrew Ropicki, Chuck Adams, Bill Lindberg, and John Stevely

Florida has the most permitted artificial reefs in the nation. This publication presents the results of several studies to determine the economic benefits of artificial reefs. It is intended as a helpful reference for resource managers, coastal community and state government agencies, reef user groups including fishers and divers, and Extension agents.

The History of Offshore Aquaculture Governance in the Gulf of Mexico

Laura Tiu and Edward Camp