Florida Sea Grant
The Florida Sea Grant College Program supports research and education activities that help Florida's shoreline communities, industries and citizens wisely use the state's coastal and marine resources.
Source: Florida Sea Grant Marine Extension
Editorial Team
- Maia McGuire - Editor, Chair, Approver
- Susan Gildersleeve - ICS Editor
- Sherry Larkin - Chair
- Donielle Nardi - Assistant
- Roberto Ferrer - Assistant
RECENT & REVISED PUBLICATIONS
Ocean Acidification: Effects on Sponges
FA263/FA263by Lena A. Donnarumma, Joseph Henry, Joshua Patterson, Shelly Krueger, Lisa Krimsky, and Shirley BakerJune 13, 2024Approximately 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. Critical Issue: 3. Natural Resources and Environmental Quality
Let ‘Em Grow: Scalloping Best Practices
FA262/FA262by Brittany Hall-Scharf and Victor BlancoMay 21, 2024Recreational 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.Critical Issue: 3. Natural Resources and Environmental Quality
Living Shoreline Ecosystem Service Valuation Tool
SS729/SL516by Ashley R. Smyth, Laura K. Reynolds, Savanna C. Barry, Natalie C. Stephens, Joshua T. Patterson, and Edward V. CampMay 8, 2024Living 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. Critical Issue: 3. Natural Resources and Environmental Quality
Climate Change: Effects on Salinity in Florida’s Estuaries and Responses of Oysters, Seagrass, and Other Animal and Plant Life
SG138/SGEF-218 by Ashley R. Smyth, H. Dail Laughinghouse, Laura K. Reynolds, Edward V. Camp, and Karl HavensApril 15, 2024Florida’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.Critical Issue: 3. Natural Resources and Environmental Quality
WebODM: An Open-Source Alternative to Commercial Image Stitching Software for Uncrewed Aerial Systems
AE593/AE593by Sahaj Patel, Jesse Chintanadilok, Brittany Hall-Scharf, Yilin Zhuang, Joseph Strickland, and Aditya SinghFebruary 16, 2024This publication aims to help UAS operators become familiar with advanced data processing tools integrated into the WebODM FOSS. The central aim of this publication is to underscore the process and sequence involved in producing data and outcomes by acquainting users with the fundamental features of WebODM. Written by Sahaj Patel, Jesse Chintanadilok, Brittany Hall-Scharf, Yilin Zhuang, Joseph Strickland, and Aditya Singh, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, February 2024.Critical Issue: 1. Agricultural and Horticultural Enterprises
