Florida Ecosystem Restoration: How to See it Happening

 Florida Oceanographic Society & Coastal Center 

Mackenzie Briggs

Stockton University

Florida Oceanographic Society

The Florida Oceanographic Society and Coastal Center is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 1964. It has a mission to inspire environmental conservation of Florida’s beautiful ecosystems through education, research, and advocacy. The Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center is in the sunny state of Florida on Hutchinson Island in Stuart Florida. It is a 57-acre marine life sanctuary. The people have easy access to the Indian River Lagoon and the St. Lucie River. Every year this organization teaches thousands of students from around the world virtually and physically. One of the most popular topics is the issues of the local waterways. The teaching can take place through field trips, virtual activities, summer camps, and special education activities. People are educated on Florida’s marine life and coastal ecosystems. It is important for those visiting to gain an understanding of the conservation of Florida’s natural resources. 

 

 People can also view fish and other organisms any time of the day from anywhere through the Fish Cam. The Gamefish Lagoon is a saltwater aquarium filled with 750,000 gallons (about 2839057.5 L) of saltwater. It has over 20 different fish species and it has stingrays, nurse sharks, and 4 turtles that cannot be released back into the wild. People can join online and in-person and can attend daily educational programs and live gamefish feeding.  

The link to the fish came is here Fish Cam  or use the QR Code to view the live fish cam.

 The Florida Oceanographic Society has been researching, monitoring, and restoring South Florida habitats. Some of the habitats they have worked on are the southern portion of the Indian River Lagoon. This lagoon has the most biodiverse estuary in North America. It is home to about 4,300 species of plants and animals. It is made up of mangrove swamps, oyster and seagrass beds, sand and mudflats, and coral reefs. It also houses 36 rare and endangered species.  

Male Green Sea Turtle Anna Belle (ABE) 

Habitat Restoration is important for all environments, but in the Florida Keys and Everglades, it is serious business. When coral or seagrass beds are damaged by a vessel or other human-related events the Florida Keys Marine Sanctuary steps in to save the day. They work to get the area restored to the condition it was in before it was injured. This sanctuary can seek damages from those responsible through law enforcement. Funds that are collected are used on restoration projects. Sanctuary biologists will continue to monitor the site years after restoration to see if the restoration was effective. Biologists and volunteers want to work together with the public to help protect and restore coral reefs, seagrass beds, and marine life. 

Habitat Restoration Project