Subscribe Now

Erosion is a normal occurrence on any coastal shoreline, but because of the loss of wetlands and other natural guards against erosion, it now poses a risk to homes and coastal communities. In the past, most techniques used to stabilize coastal erosion included the construction of hard structures, such as seawalls and bulkheads, but scientists [...]

Seagrasses and other submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) are essential to the commercial and recreational vitality of Galveston Bay. They support a diversity of aquatic life by providing food and protective cover, and also play a role in physical shoreline processes – including the prevention of erosion and the control of sediments and nutrients in the [...]

Did you know that the tourism industry employs one million Floridians? During last year alone, 82 million people made Florida’s coasts their vacation destination, largely as a result of natural resource-based recreation such as sandy beaches and fresh seafood. A clean, healthy, natural ecosystem is essential to a thriving Florida economy. Viewer Tip: Help keep [...]

In Tampa Bay, there are more than 100,000 boats registered to anglers and recreational sailors! While boating can be great fun, it can also have negative impacts on the Bay’s water quality and wildlife. More than 267 marine animals are known to become entagled in or ingest trash and other items that make their way [...]

Since the 1950′s, when Tampa Bay Watershed’s population really began to boom, about half of the Bay’s marshes and 40 percent of its sea grass beds have disappeared. Marshes and underwater grasses provide vital habitat for aquatic wildlife, help to buffer coasts from storms and help to protect water quality in marine, estuary and freshwater [...]

Did you know that the Laguna Madre is one of only six hypersaline lagoons in the world? Hypersaline refers to a body of water with extremely high salinity compared to normal ocean levels, due to high evaporation rates and little or no freshwater inflow. At 115 miles long, Laguna Madre is home to roughly 80 [...]

Motor boats can be a lot of fun, but can also cause problems for marine life. Fuel, oil, grease and lubricants used in maintaining and cleaning boats may contain petroleum hydrocarbons, toxic elements and metals that are harmful to small, aquatic bottom-feeding animals when ingested. When fish and other larger animals eat these small animals, [...]

Since 1987, Alabama has participated in the International Coastal Cleanup, a volunteer event organized by the Ocean Conservancy to clear trash from oceans and other waterways worldwide. Over the last 20 years, 48,446 volunteers removed 951,987 pounds of trash on 2,847 miles of Alabama shoreline. The most common trash items found were cigarettes and cigarette [...]

In 2007, 24,494 volunteers in Florida removed 442,599 pounds of debris and trash from 1,891 miles of shoreline. The most common trash items found were cigarettes and cigarette filters, caps and lids, and food wrappers and containers. Viewer Tip: The International Coastal Cleanup happens every September. To learn more and register for a clean-up near [...]

In 2007, 413 volunteers in Louisiana removed 5,483 pounds of debris and trash from 48 miles of shoreline. The most common trash items were caps and lids, cigarettes and cigarette filters, and food wrappers and containers. Viewer Tip: The International Coastal Cleanup happens every September. To learn more and register for a clean-up near you, [...]

In 2007, 3,483 volunteers in Mississippi removed 52,195 pounds of debris and trash from 156 miles of shoreline. The most common trash items found were cigarettes and cigarette filters, plastic bags, and plastic beverage bottles. Viewer Tip: The International Coastal Cleanup happens every September. To learn more and register for a clean-up near you, visit [...]

In 2007, 9,610 volunteers in Texas removed 379,721 pounds of debris and trash from 189 miles of shoreline. The most common trash items found were caps and lids, cigarettes and cigarette filters, and bags. Viewer Tip: The International Coastal Cleanup happens every September. To learn more and register for a clean-up near you, visit www.oceanconservancy.org/icc. [...]

The amount of untreated sewage from one weekend boater can contain as many bacterial pollutants as treated sewage from 10,000 people! When boat sewage is discharged into the water, it can cause illness and even death for marine animals and humans that swim in contaminated waters. Viewer Tip: Please make sure you dispose of your [...]

Coastal habitats, such as tropical coral reefs and seagrass beds, are fragile ecosystems that are sensitive to human impacts like marine debris. Abandoned fishing gear and other trash can be carried long distances by currents and caught in reefs, harming corals and the marine life they support. Viewer Tip: Be a responsible visitor. If you [...]

Did you know that Florida’s coast is home to the most extensive, continuous coral reef system in North America? Not only do coral reefs support hundreds of aquatic species and provide spectacular underwater snorkeling sights, but they also help to protect the shoreline from destrucive tropical storm waves! Unfortunately, through the reduction of freshwater inflow [...]

With over 1,350 miles of coastline, Floridians depend on water more than any other natural resource. Commercial and recreational boaters are numerous, and along with their use and enjoyment of the coasts come serious environmental impacts. Marinas can be especially stressful to the local environment as they concentrate a large number of boats in one [...]

Underwater grasses and other plants provide important habitat for aquatic wildlife, help to buffer coasts from storms and help to protect water quality in marine, estuary and freshwater habitats. One assessment of underwater grasses in Mobile Bay showed that they had declined by 55 percent in Mobile County (between 1940 and 2002) and by 88 [...]

Did you know that on average, Louisiana has the highest rates of erosion in the Gulf Region? Wind and waves cause beach erosion, increasing the amount of sand and soil washed into the ocean. Sand and soil can cloud the water, block sunlight needed by aquatic plants for photosynthesis (food-making) and smother important fish habitat. [...]

Did you know that recreational boaters sometimes dump raw or partially treated sewage from their boats directly into the water instead of practicing proper disposal at pump-out stations? This creates bacterial presence in the water that can cause major health concerns for Galveston Bay and the humans and wildlife that use it. Viewer Tip: Observe state [...]

The maintenance of recreational boating vessels often produces waste, in the form of solid debris and both liquid and gas chemicals. If these pollutants make it into the water, they can make Galveston Bay’s wildlife sick and degrade or close favorite recreation areas. Viewer Tip: If you are a recreational boater, participate in a hazardous [...]