Florida Sea Grant

Charles Barrett, Lisa Krimsky, Andrea Albertin, James Fletcher, andMary G. Lusk

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. Published by ==Water==

Catherine Kaylor, Laura K. Reynolds, Shirley Baker, Angela B. Collins, Leslie Sturmer, andAshley Smyth

Hard clams provide many benefits to Florida’s coastal ecosystems beyond supporting the clam aquaculture industry. One of these benefits is improved water quality through filtration and nutrient cycling. However, both pollution and overharvesting have led to a decline in native clam populations for many areas, resulting in a growing interest among restoration practitioners to rebuild clam populations. There are two clam species native to Florida currently used in restoration: the northern hard clam, Mercenaria mercenaria, and the southern hard clam, Mercenaria campechiensis. This publication is intended for academics, restoration practitioners, and policy makers interested in shellfish restoration. The goal of this document is to describe the similarities and differences between these two species and to serve as a resource for selecting the best hard clam for a restoration project.

Joseph Henry, Roy P. E. Yanong, Maia McGuire, andJoshua T. Patterson

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.

Savanna Barry, Sara Martin, andEric 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

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

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

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.

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.

Edward V. Camp, Lawrence Jackson, Angela B. Collins, Holly Abeels, Michael J. Sipos, Brittany J. Scharf, Ana Zangroniz, Shelly L. Krueger, andVictor J. Blanco Marquez

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.

Lawrence Jackson, Edward V. Camp, Angela B. Collins, Holly Abeels, Michael J. Sipos, Brittany J. Scharf, Ana Zangroniz, Shelly L. Krueger, andVictor J. Blanco Marquez

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.

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.

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.

Angela B. Collins, Holly Abeels, Anna Braswell, Andrew Ropicki, andEdward 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.

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.

Lawrence Jackson, Angela B. Collins, Holly Abeels, Anna Braswell, Ana Zangroniz, Andrew Ropicki, andEdward 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.

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

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Fact Sheet. Published by Natural resources operations and Invasive Species

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

Elizabeth A. Staugler, Holly Abeels, Angela B. Collins, Shelly L. Krueger, andKai Lorenzen

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Fact Sheet. Published by Environmental Literacy and Sustainability. If you catch a fish you are not going to keep, help it survive and get back to the deep! Throwing back your unwanted catch is good practice because healthy released fish can live to grow and reproduce, which benefits the fish population and the future of fisheries. But deepwater fish can have trouble getting back where they came from without a little assist from the angler. This fact sheet describes barotrauma, a problem that, if left untreated, will kill otherwise perfectly healthy fish, and explains a few quick and simple methods to relieve fish suffering from barotrauma and help them get back home healthy and strong.

Brittany Hall-Scharf, Sarah Ellis, and Savanna Barry

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

Maia McGuire

Ashley R. Smyth, H. Dail Laughinghouse IV, Laura K. Reynolds, Edward V. Camp y Karl Havens. Traducido por H. Dail Laughinghouse IV.

Los estuarios económicamente importantes de Florida podrían verse fuertemente afectados por el aumento del nivel del mar y la alteración del flujo de los ríos, ambos causados por el cambio climático. La resultante mayor salinidad o salinidad del agua podría perjudicar plantas y animales, alterar el hábitat de peces y aves y reducir la capacidad de los estuarios para proporcionar servicios tan importantes como la producción de mariscos y la protección de las costas contra la erosión. Esta publicación contiene información para las partes interesadas, estudiantes, científicos y agencias ambientales interesadas en comprender cómo los cambios en la salinidad impactan los estuarios de Florida con estudios de casos específicos.

Victor J. Blanco Marquez, Cortney L. Ohs, Nicole Rhody, andRonald 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.

Lena A. Donnarumma, Brittany J. Scharf, Jeffrey E. Hill, andCortney 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.  

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.

Rose Omidvar andRazieh 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.

Rose Omidvar andRazieh 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.

Ruth Francis-Floyd andMaia McGuire

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

Maia McGuire andRuth Francis-Floyd

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

Maia McGuire andRuth Francis-Floyd

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

Maia McGuire andRuth Francis-Floyd

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

Ruth Francis-Floyd andMaia McGuire

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

Maia McGuire andRuth Francis-Floyd

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

Maia McGuire andRuth Francis-Floyd

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

Maia McGuire andRuth Francis-Floyd

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

Ruth Francis-Floyd andMaia McGuire

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

Maia McGuire andRuth Francis-Floyd

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

Maia McGuire andRuth Francis-Floyd

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

Maia McGuire andRuth Francis-Floyd

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

Maia McGuire andRuth Francis-Floyd

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

Maia McGuire andRuth Francis-Floyd

Students will develop a persuasive essay about North Atlantic right whales and create and give a presentation based on the essay.

Maia McGuire andRuth Francis-Floyd

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

Maia McGuire andRuth Francis-Floyd

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

Maia McGuire, Ruth Francis-Floyd, andBrenda Cannaliato

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

Maia McGuire, Jessica Hardy, Brenda Cannaliato, andRuth Francis-Floyd

A UF/IFAS numbered Curriculum for 4-H/Youth audience(s). Published by Youth development

Maia McGuire andRuth Francis-Floyd

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

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

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

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.

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

This publication is part of a series titled Contaminants in the Urban Environment. This series is intended to give state and local government officials, soil and water scientists, consulting engineers, Extension agents, and citizens (1) a basic understanding of the occurrence, toxic effects and source of various contaminants in the environment and (2) provide guidance on ways to protect human and environmental health.

Dharmendra Kalauni, Laura A. Warner, Lisa Krimsky, Shelli Rampold, andSravani 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.

Debbie Miller, Mack Thetford, Christina Verlinde, Gabriel Campbell, andAshlynn Smith

This manual provides an overview of the coastal systems located along the Florida Panhandle and outlines specific information regarding dune restoration and enhancement activities for this region of the northern Gulf of Mexico.

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.

Ashley Smyth, Laura K. Reynolds, Savanna Barry, Natalie C. Stephens, Joshua T. Patterson, andEdward 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.

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

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

Kelly Grogan, Russel Dame, Leslie Sturmer, Charles M. Adams, andRichard Weldon

Rose Omidvar, Michael J. Sipos, andRazieh 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.

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.

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

Sharon Xin Yang Chuah andRazieh 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.

Razieh Farzad andStephanie R. B. Brown

This publication offers a comprehensive list of definitions and acronyms intended as an educational tool for Extension educators and a reference for industry members developing traceability plans. The goal of this document is to ensure that key terms related to traceability requirements are clearly understood, thereby supporting compliance efforts for high-risk foods as mandated by the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). This resource also supports the accurate documentation of critical tracking events (CTEs) and key data elements (KDEs) across the food supply chain, helping industry members effectively implement and maintain traceability plans.

Razieh Farzad, Brittany J. Scharf, James E. Davis, LuAnn Duncan, andJanaFaye 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.

Heather Donnelly, Ashley Smyth, Shirley Baker, Laura K. Reynolds, andAngela B. 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.

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

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.

Gabrielle Love, Anna Braswell, Angela B. Collins, andEdward V. 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.

Brittany Hall-Scharf and Armando Ubeda

Shirley Baker, Denise Petty, Ruth Francis-Floyd, Roy P. E. Yanong, andLeslie Sturmer

Familiarizes clam growers with common clam diseases. Includes glossary of terms and resources for further reading..

Maia McGuire and Jeffrey Hill

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.

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.

Ashley Smyth, Laura K. Reynolds, Savanna Barry, Natalie C. Stephens, Joshua T. Patterson, andEdward 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. 

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

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.

Karl E. Havens

Bethany J. Lee, Alyssa Vinson, Armando Ubeda, Savanna Barry, andAnna Braswell

Mangroves are salt-tolerant coastal trees that sequester carbon, filter water, act as buffers from storms, and provide habitat for wildlife. In Florida, three native species—Rhizophora mangle (red mangrove), Avicennia germinans (black mangrove), and Laguncularia racemosa (white mangrove)—each with unique adaptations to salinity and hydrology, thrive along distinct zones of the intertidal gradient. As mangrove ecosystems migrate northward with climate change, their ecological value and economic value grow. But they face growing threats from development, pollution, and mismanagement. Improper trimming practices can harm mangroves' health and resilience, especially along developed coastlines. This publication aims to educate landowners, property managers, and the public on the ecological importance of mangroves, while providing best practices for responsible trimming and long-term preservation.

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.

Huiping Yang, Leslie N. Sturmer, and Shirley Baker

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.

Joshua Patterson and Lisa Krimsky

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.

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.  

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.

Lisa Krimsky, Joseph Henry, and Joshua Patterson

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

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.

Donald E. Sweat andRazieh 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.

Huiping Yang, Natalie Simon, and Leslie Sturmer

This publication is focused on basic aspects of triploid oyster aquaculture, including the general oyster aquaculture industry, the approaches for triploid induction, performance of triploids, and correlated ploidy determination to convey basic knowledge of triploid oyster aquaculture to the oyster industry and the general public.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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

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

Ashley Smyth, H. Dail Laughinghouse IV, Karl Havens, andThomas 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.

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.

Charles M. Adams, Lisa Krimsky, andBryan Fluech

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. Published by Citizen awareness of food systems and the environment

Razieh Farzad andJeanette 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.

Jesse Crawford, Ollie Montgomery, Marjorie Shropshire, Vincent Encomio, Savanna Barry, Laura K. Reynolds, Christine Rohal, Xiao Yu, Ashley McDonald, Holly Abeels, Annie Roddenberry, andCarrie Reinhardt Adams

The goal of this publication is to provide a roadmap of UF/IFAS and internet-accessible resources to living shorelines that will help coastal property owners or natural resource practitioners focused on coastal management. This information applies to the implementation of living shorelines on both private and managed lands. Across Florida, living shorelines are becoming a frequently used management tool for shoreline protection. Coastal armoring, in the form of seawalls, bulkheads, and concrete riprap, create an unnatural barrier to natural processes and can exacerbate sediment loss. As an alternative, living shorelines are shoreline stabilization methods that use planted vegetation and/or oyster reefs, sometimes in combination with other structures, to protect coastal properties. To most effectively plan a living shoreline, knowing when and where to start can be difficult. This publication maps out the broad steps for developing a living shoreline from start to finish.

Savanna Barry, Holly Abeels, and Shelly Krueger

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

Monica D. Schul, Ashley Smyth, Joshua T. Patterson, Ana Zangroniz, Shelly L. Krueger, andJulie 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.

Laura Tiu and Edward Camp