Estuaries celebrated at Florida Oceanographic Society
Florida Oceanographic Society celebrated estuaries at the Coastal Center on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. The event included ecosystem education with trail walks, oyster and water quality demonstrations, crafts, food and activities.
Are alligators common to see outside of freshwater? See one swim through a Florida lagoon
An American alligator was spotted last week swimming in the Indian River Lagoon near Crab-E-Bill's Indian River Seafood.
Blue-green algae not being discharged from Lake Okeechobee, experts cautiously optimistic
This summer, experts braced for an explosion of blue-green algae which could threaten local waterways on the Treasure Coast, including the St. Lucie River and the Indian River Lagoon.
Algaecides kill toxic algae blooms, but are they safe and effective long-term?
The South Florida Water Management District has used Lake Guard Oxy to kill toxic algae since 2021, but only just began to study whether it's safe for the environment.
Dead fish suddenly start turning up at Fort Pierce lake
A Fort Pierce resident said dead fish have been turning up in the lake behind her for months, but no one has come out to help with the problem.
The Florida Oceanographic Society said this is likely a fish kill situation, however, the cause can only be determined through an investigation by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Palm Beach County farmers exceed water quality requirements but activists say more can be done
Farmers in the sprawling Everglades Agricultural Area in western Palm Beach County exceeded water quality standards last year, but some farm critics say the phosphorus baseline the EAA is measured against was initially set too low.
Shell-shocked: Sea turtle nesting records shattered in St. Lucie County
The protection of sea turtles during nesting season has been championed for years. Now, nesting records are being broken. St. Lucie County has documented more loggerhead and green turtle nests this year than ever before.
Burlap is helping to stabilize seagrass in the Indian River Lagoon
The Florida Oceanographic Society is conducting waterway conservation research regarding seagrass restoration, water quality monitoring, and oyster development.
Is Lake Okeechobee's water level too high? Head of Florida Oceanographic Society says yes
The rainy season is far from over and worries grow about what that could mean for communities on the Treasure Coast and in Palm Beach County.
Health officials issued blue-green algae bloom advisory, residents say they are concerned
Residents in Pahokee say they are becoming more and more concerned about the toxic blue-green algae in Lake Okeechobee.
Lost Summer 10 years on: Are Lake Okeechobee, Indian River Lagoon, estuary woes too big?
"As we continue through the 10th anniversary of the Lost Summer of 2013, I’m going to make a pessimistic prediction," writes Laurence Reisman. "Like Ernie Lyons, Nathaniel Reed, Maggy Hurchalla ― some the past century’s greatest advocates for the Indian River Lagoon and the estuaries that feed it ― I doubt many of us my age will be around to see the day when folks never think twice about swimming in those waterways."
Spot treatment of blue-green algae proving effective in early stages, experts encouraged
A treatment for blue-green algae seems to be working at least in concentrated areas of the C-44 canal.
Experts say the South Florida Water Management District has been using hydrogen peroxide to help lower the toxicity in the water coming from Lake Okeechobee, stopping the algae from reaching estuaries.
Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center teaches protection, conservation
The Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center is located on Hutchinson Island in Martin County, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River Lagoon. This interactive facility allows visitors to explore the native ecosystem of Florida in a way that some people may never experience.
Algae Alert: blue-green algae spreading into C-44 Canal, visible in Indiantown
Toxic algae is now making its way outside of Lake Okeechobee and into the canals along the Treasure Coast.
The algae has been spotted Wednesday at Timer Powers Park along with warning signs to keep people away from the toxins in the water.
Blue-green algae at Indiantown boat ramp 100 times more toxic than what's considered safe
The excessive heat across South Florida is fueling more toxic blue-green algae along the Treasure Coast.
The Florida Department of Health in Martin County issued a health alert Tuesday for the presence of harmful blue-green algal toxins in the C44 Canal near the boat ramp at Timer Powers Park in Indiantown.
Sebastian fish kill could be warning sign of more to come due to rising temperatures
A fish kill in Indian River County could be the first warning sign of more marine life dying off due to high temperatures and runoff, according to a biologist.
Grassroots effort: Tackling seagrass scarcity in Indian River Lagoon to save starved sea life
Florida's seagrass is dying off, creating a massive issue in the Indian River Lagoon. It's leading to a spike in starvation deaths for the animals that rely on it, like manatees.
Environmental leaders meet in Martin County to discuss 'imminent' Lake O discharges
Mark Perry, Florida Oceanographic Society Executive Director & CEO, discusses Lake Okeechobee water management with Steve Davis, Everglades Foundation chief science officer, at the St. Lucie Lock and Dam on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, in Martin County.
Citizen scientist teens identify fish during Stuart summer camp
Kids identify fish while snorkeling during Florida Oceanographic Society's Teen Immersion Experiences Camp at DuBois Park on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, in Jupiter.
'There isn't a cure or an antidote': Experts say to keep pets away from blue-green algae
Blue-green algae’s toxicity is a worry for both wildlife and humans. With the algae spreading beyond Lake Okeechobee and into canals, there’s ample cause for concern.
Sea turtle lovers swarm beach for nest dig in Jensen Beach
Sea turtle enthusiasts watch as Ecological Associates Inc. and Florida Oceanographic Society staff excavate a loggerhead nest in front of Hutchinson Shores Resort and Spa.
'Real toxic levels:' Blue-green algae bloom crisis escalates in Lake Okeechobee
The algae problem in Lake Okeechobee is becoming more prevalent.
The blue-green algae is now even visible on the canal-side of the Port Mayaca Lock, which means it is now starting to spread.
Florida Oceanographic Society committed to improving water quality in St. Lucie Estuary, Indian River Lagoon
"We need everyone to be involved in that process and stand up for our waters," Casey Kniffin, advocacy coordinator, said. "We do a lot behind the scenes."
Florida Oceanographic Society committed to improving water quality in St. Lucie Estuary, Indian River Lagoon
'I think we've recognized we can't continue to pollute it and think it’s going to survive,' Mark Perry says.
DEP investigates hacked mangroves at Sandpiper Bay Resort in Port St. Lucie
A Port St. Lucie resort has been under investigation since the state found about 944 mangrove trees — a swath the length of the Caribbean Princess cruise ship — illegally cut down to nubs on the shoreline.
