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Marine Ecosystems

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Interaction of living organisms with the physical or chemical environment in a body of saltwater.

Narrower Topics

Related Topics: Aquatic Organisms, Marine Ecosystems, 4-H Environmental Science

Related Topics: Invasive Species, Marine Ecosystems

Related Topics: Education, Marine Ecosystems

Related Topics: Wildlife, Marine Ecosystems

Recreational Waters

Recreational waters are considered to be any natural fresh, marine or estuarine bodies of water that are used for recreation.

Reefs

A shallow elevation composed of consolidated material that may constitute a hazard to surface navigation. (AGROVOC)

Publications

thumbnail for publication: Ocean Acidification: Effects on Sponges

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.  

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

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.

thumbnail for publication: The Florida Handbook of Solid and Hazardous Waste Regulation: Ocean Dumping Act (ODA)

The Florida Handbook of Solid and Hazardous Waste Regulation: Ocean Dumping Act (ODA)

Michael T. Olexa and Christopher Hill

Circular 1139, a multi-part handbook by Michael T. Olexa and Ian Goldfarb, helps Floridians recognize which agricultural and household activities may involve solid and hazardous wastes. It also provides an introduction to the agencies and statutes that govern solid and hazardous waste disposal. Published by the UF Department of Food and Resource Economics,  December 2013.