Biscayne Restoration Project
This summer, NPCA joined state and federal agency leaders at the ribbon cutting celebration for the S-709 structure, an important restoration feature of the Biscayne Bay Coastal Wetlands project that will provide direct and significant benefits to Biscayne National Park. The new pump will deliver more freshwater flow into the park’s coastal areas, improving marine health and climate resilience. Especially amid the ongoing extreme heat that has impacted both terrestrial and marine wildlife, news of more infrastructure to improve ecosystem health in Biscayne National Park is worth celebrating! NPCA has led advocacy efforts to support the Biscayne Bay Coastal Wetlands Project for years, and we were happy to celebrate with Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine-Cava, Chief Bay Officer Irela Bague, and Biscayne National Park Superintendent Penelope Del Bene among many other leaders and partners.
Welcoming the Inaugural Sun Coast Young Leaders Council
The Sun Coast Regional Office is thrilled to welcome eight advocates and public lands champions to our newly established Young Leaders Council. This year's Florida-based cohort hails from diverse backgrounds and represents future scientists, attorneys, architects, educators and more. More importantly, they are today's park advocates, already learning about and elevating awareness of key park issues in the Sun Coast Region – from threats to the Everglades to climate resiliency solutions.
Over the course of the year, they will continue to learn from NPCA staff about our programs, teach one other (and us!) about the park topics they're most passionate about, and learn how NPCA builds support for national parks with the public and our elected officials. They will also participate in two park trips, exploring some of our iconic Florida sites, and have opportunities to meet with elected officials and advocate for park protection. We hope you will join us in welcoming this stellar group of young leaders!
Meet NPCA's Everglades Fellow
Hi! I’m Marcelo Balladares and I'm so excited to join NPCA as an Everglades Fellow. I was born in Cuba but raised in Miami from a young age. I graduated with a B.S. in Environmental Studies from Florida International University, and a minor in Economics. Our national parks mean so much to me because they are a monument to the fact that we are capable of preserving and protecting our planet while still being able to enjoy its beauty. Outside of advocating for our parks, I also organize around environmental justice with a focus on Black & Latino communities in Miami being able to live in clean and healthy environments.
Marine Heat Wave Causes Coral Bleaching in Florida Reef Tract
In July and August, a major marine heat wave kickstarted a devastating coral bleaching event from Biscayne to Dry Tortugas National Parks, and throughout the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Temperatures exceeded 90 degrees Fahrenheit in some areas. Many coral in shallow reefs have died or experienced bleaching, but we will not know the full extent of the damage until late 2023 or early 2024.
Coral bleaching occurs when water temperatures exceed 88 degrees Fahrenheit for an extended period of time. The algae that live in coral, providing nutrition and color, are expelled by the coral when they become stressed by hot water temperatures. The loss of algae causes the distinctive white “bleached” appearance and means the corals are starving. If temperatures decrease and conditions stabilize, the algae can repopulate and the coral recovers – which gives us hope for Florida’s Reef Tract. However, if the hot temperatures persist long enough, the bleaching can ultimately kill the coral. The stress of marine heat waves and bleaching can also leave corals more susceptible to diseases, intensifying the impacts of the immediate crisis and long-term implications for the ecosystem.
Major mid-Barataria restoration project groundbreaking in Louisiana
Last month, Louisiana’s Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority – joined by multiple stakeholders – held a groundbreaking event for a massive restoration project decades in the making. The project focuses on restoring and expanding wetlands in the face of Louisiana's ongoing land loss crisis. In essence, by reconnecting the Mississippi river with surrounding wetlands, the innovative engineering design will use the river's natural power to rebuild deltas over time. Anticipated positive impacts include thousands of acres of wetland habitat restored, which will in turn help reduce storm impacts and impart greater resilience for adjacent communities and areas, including the nearby Barataria Preserve of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve.
Thank you for your support and for continuing to stay engaged on park issues.
Sincerely,
Melissa Abdo
Sun Coast Regional Director
Images from top: NPCA staff and partners celebrate restoration progress for Biscayne National Park in August 2023 © South Florida Water Management District; Sun Coast's new Young Leaders Council © NPCA; Marcelo Balladares © NPCA; Coral suffering from bleaching in Dry Tortugas National Park © USGS; Wildlife will reap benefits like restored foraging and nesting habitat from the mid-Barataria project © Gretta Blankenship/Pixabay.
