October 2025

Scientists collaborating with the University of Miami's Rescue a Reef program are using an inventive approach to coral reef protection called the REEFLINE project. They submerged 22 concrete cars 780 feet offshore, creating a "surreal underwater traffic jam" embedded with over 2,000 native corals. This quirky combination of art and science aims to raise $40 million to extend the man-made reef across seven miles of coastline. Locals view the project as an "amazing addition" for those wanting to explore the beach in a new way, and something that will help "change the lives of the people here and more importantly, the ocean".

A study in the Indian River Lagoon has brought the danger of harmful algal blooms (HABs) into sharp focus. Dolphins stranded during the warmer "bloom season" (June to November) were found to have neurotoxin levels in their brains 3,000 times higher than those stranded during the non-bloom season.

The findings suggest that dolphins with high toxin levels also showed more signs of Alzheimer's disease in their brains. Since rising sea temperatures are expected to drive HABs that are more intense and last longer, this poses an increased risk, especially because dolphins consume 15–20 pounds of fish daily. Limiting rising sea temperatures and the excess nutrients which trigger algal blooms is key to protecting the marine eco-structure as a whole.

The endangered Florida crocodile, placed on the U.S. Endangered Species List in 1975 following disastrous impacts from Florida’s booming population growth, is experiencing a remarkable recovery thanks to an unlikely sanctuary: the Turkey Point nuclear power plant. The plant’s 168 miles of cooling canals, built in the early 1970s, unintentionally created a perfect, isolated habitat. This environment features raised banks ideal for laying eggs and ample food sources (fish and fowl). Since the first nest was sighted in 1978, biologists have tagged more than 10,000 baby crocodiles at Turkey point, establishing the area as the highest density crocodile habitat in North America.

Our look at this topic last year drew attention to some positive moves and innovations toward more sustainable irrigation practices in the golf industry as a whole. We'll be revisiting golf course irrigation again in the coming months to report on the progress being made, meanwhile, when we last covered the subject, we found that sustainability is no longer just an ethical choice for golf course management; it presents an achievable and economically sound business case. With growing concerns over drought and potential regulation, ignoring irrigation responsibility is impractical. The post notes that consumers, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, now treat sustainability as a baseline factor for choosing brands, making environmental stewardship vital for customer trust and retention. Moreover, the conflict between sustainability and playability is fading: industry leaders are advocating a "back to the future" trend toward firmer, faster fairways. This approach naturally requires less water than the traditional green aesthetic, making sustainable irrigation a key selling point that will only enhance the authentic golfing experience.

Florida residents who regularly cope with king tides — seasonal high tides causing minor coastal flooding—report that these tides are definitely getting higher. The rising tides serve as one of the alarm signals flagging the unavoidable impact of the climate emergency and rising sea levels. While South Florida authorities have already invested tens of millions in preventative mitigation measures like elevated roads, raised sea walls, and stormwater pump stations, experts predict sea levels will rise two feet by 2060. Fully preparing for future king tides is expected to require a bill that could run into billions of dollars.

A new partnership between Florida International University (FIU) and tech start-up Tekmara is leveraging AI and marine robotics to advance ocean conservation. Based at FIU Aquarius, the world's only underwater research laboratory, the project aims to move beyond simple data collection and interpretation into a new age of intelligent, real-time environmental monitoring. Scientists are developing autonomous systems, powered by solar and marine renewable energy, designed to instantly detect anomalies like pollution sources or oxygen depletion. The long-term ambition is for smart labs to be located on the seafloor globally, delivering continuous, real-time insights via wireless data transmission and storage.