Tagging and releasing a juvenile shark in the Caloosahatchee River Shark scientist and Florida Sea Grant extension agent Armando Ubeda loves talking about sharks, regardless of the audience. Over his career, he’s been involved with studies related to the movement and distribution of coastal sharks, shark fishing-related issues, and shark identification. As a UF/IFAS Florida…
Sophie Maginnes, a rising senior studying both environmental science and biology with a concentration in marine science and conservation at Duke University, is a recent recipient of the NOAA Hollings Scholarship. Maginnes discovered her passion for coral restoration during her time at Duke, during which she had the opportunity to take classes and conduct research…
Credit: Susan J. Cole Each year, Florida Sea Grant awards the $1000 Skoch Scholarship to an outstanding high school senior competing in the State Science and Engineering Fair of Florida. The scholarship recognizes promising young researchers in a coastal or marine science-related field. This year’s winner is Mary Reed, a senior in the International Baccalaureate…
Over 28 ‘Scars Hurt’ outreach signs are placed at boat ramps around Florida and internationally in Tasmania, Australia and the Seychelles. Interested in sponsoring a sign in your community? Email beseagrasssafe@gmail.com. Since 2015, Florida Sea Grant and UF/IFAS Extension’s Be Seagrass Safe campaign has educated Florida’s boaters and coastal communities alike about the devastating impact…
Marty the Manatee, a Florida native, is a part of an extensive line of modern manatee species that have inhabited Florida waterways for millions of years. Marty, who has been grazing seagrass for forty years, tells us about his role in the ecosystem and what we can do to help him and his friends. Q:…
Carolyn Kovacs, a former resident lecturer of tropical coastal ecology at The School for Field Studies, has been named the new Florida Sea Grant agent with UF/IFAS Extension for Flagler and Volusia Counties. In her new role, Kovacs will develop and lead a marine and coastal resources education and outreach program that will work to…
Ben Murphy, a proud Gainesville native, is Florida Sea Grant’s Communications Program Assistant. Wearing many hats, he’s been supporting the marine and coastal research, education and extension program since 2018. Q: Tell us about your role at Florida Sea Grant. Ben: I do a little bit of everything. I’m a part of the Communications team,…
From stewarding healthier waterways to creating representation and pioneering new discoveries, Black marine scientists and educators throughout history have made Florida and coastal environments everywhere a better place for all. Read on to discover some key leaders whose work shaped different spheres of science and environmentalism in the Sunshine State. Consider following (on Twitter, follow…
Katherine Rose, a University of Florida graduate of fisheries and aquatic sciences, has been named the new Florida Sea Grant agent with UF/IFAS Extension for Charlotte County. In her new role, Rose will lead a marine and coastal resources education and outreach program that will work to adapt science-based ocean and coastal research to meet…
Victoria (Vicki) Gambale, a former Community Engagement Program Director for The Bay Foundation, part of Santa Monica Bay’s National Estuary Program, has been named Florida Sea Grant’s Clean Vessel Act Education Coordinator. In her new role, Gambale will work collaboratively with Florida’s recreational boating community to reduce boat-based pollution. Her efforts are currently focused on…