June 2, 2024
Featured image: Stephen Frink
(FLORIDA KEYS, USA) –
The Florida Keys and Ten Thousand Islands contain the iconic natural wonders of the Florida Coral Reef, mangrove, and seagrass habitats, as well as being home to Aquarius Reef Base, the world’s only underwater laboratory. This Hope Spot connects the waters of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS) with the waters of the National Parks of Everglades, Ten Thousand Islands and Biscayne Bay, forming a bridge between the established Florida Gulf Coast and Coastal Southeast Florida Hope Spots. Combined, this trio of Hope Spots signifies the need to highlight and protect much of Florida’s coast for the future.
International marine conservation non-profit Mission Blue has named the Florida Keys and Ten Thousand Islands, which includes Biscayne Bay, a Hope Spot in recognition of the area’s tremendous ecological and economic importance. Balancing the natural wonders of this region with significant anthropogenic impacts, the Florida Keys and Ten Thousand Islands Hope Spot sits just one meter above sea level – on the front line of climate change.
Dr. Sylvia Earle, founder of Mission Blue, says, “This new Hope Spot comes right into contact with the Florida Gulf Coast and Coastal South Florida Hope Spots, greatly expanding this area with Champions, communities, and organizations, and especially, Florida International University, home base for the Aquarius Underwater Laboratory. There are few places in the world that have so many scientists doing their special thing in one place over such a long period of time. This Hope Spot combines the mangroves, seagrass meadows, coral reefs and the deep waters beyond all together, making this an amazing place highly regarded by people all over the world.”
Dr. Mireya Mayor, Executive Director of Strategic Projects at Florida International University (FIU) and a National Geographic Explorer, Dr. Michael R. Heithaus, Executive Dean and Professor of Biological Sciences at FIU, and Dr. Heather Bracken-Grissom, Assistant Director of the Institute of Environment at FIU are recognized as the Hope Spot Champions for the Florida Keys and Ten Thousand Islands Hope Spot. Dr. Mayor, Dr. Heithaus and Dr. Bracken-Grissom are expert scientific communicators who are deeply dedicated to understanding and protecting this region. Partners for this Hope Spot include the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Florida Institute of Oceanography, Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and The Nature Conservancy.
“Not only is the Florida Keys and Ten Thousand Islands Hope Spot home to the only barrier reef found in the continental United States, it is also the largest sea meadow grass in the world. As a scientist, I recognize how critically important these areas are to the health of our environment and our community. Growing up in Miami these amazing areas were my personal wild playgrounds, and as a mother, I cannot imagine a world where the next generation does not have the ability to witness these remarkable habitats. My primary hope is that future generations can enjoy the Florida Keys and Ten Thousand Islands Hope Spot for decades to come and this is only possible if we act now,” says Dr. Mireya Mayor.
The Florida Keys and Ten Thousand Islands Hope Spot encompasses coral, mangrove, seagrass and tropical hardwood hammock communities which provide critical shelter, habitat, and food sources for over 6,000 species. The endangered West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus) and the green, hawksbill, and loggerhead turtles (Chelonia mydas; Eretmochelys imbricata; Caretta caretta) are found in the Florida Keys. The area is also home to terrestrial species endemic to tropical hardwood hammock habitats, such as the Key Deer (Odocoileus virginianus clavium) and endangered Key tree-cactus (Pilosocereus robinii).
Dr. Heithaus says, “We have so many unique and amazing ocean habitats surrounding us in South Florida, but they are facing tremendous challenges. There is a lot of work to do to not just protect them, but to restore them to what they once were. This Hope Spot designation helps shine a light on the tremendous work that our scientists and others are doing along with the community and government agencies to keep our oceans healthy. At FIU we are committed to making a positive impact by sharing our science and offering hope to the world.”
The Florida Keys and Ten Thousand Islands Hope Spot contains the Florida Coral Reef, the only barrier reef found in the continental United States, and one of the largest in the world. This reef is seriously threatened by massive coral bleaching in the face of warming waters and climate change. The loss of coral reef cover directly and negatively impacts biodiversity, shoreline protections, and the state’s economy.
“We are grateful for Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary’s inclusion in Mission Blue’s global network of Hope Spots,” said John Armor, director of NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. “The waters and diversity of life within the sanctuary are globally-significant and help conserve biodiversity and valuable habitats, factors critical to maintaining a healthy ocean. The sanctuary also embodies the hopes and dreams of generations of Florida Keys residents and of those who travel from afar and leave with a sense of wonder and stewardship for this special place.”
Two of the economic engines of the Florida Keys are tourism and fishing, which draw millions of visitors, and billions of dollars, to the region each year. Infrastructure across the islands has expanded to accommodate the increased visitation, significantly impacting mangrove forests and other terrestrial habitats. On the water, higher boating traffic threatens seagrass beds and recreational fishing impacts fish stocks.
“Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary has experienced significant declines to key resources and habitats caused by a variety of threats, leaving us at a critical juncture,” said Sarah Fangman, Superintendent of NOAA’s Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. “Establishing these waters as a Mission Blue Hope Spot strengthens our effort to build resilience, while inspiring hope for this national treasure.”
This area is also home to Aquarius Reef Base, the only underwater laboratory in the world. Situated in 60 feet of water on the edge of a coral reef, Aquarius is an unparalleled platform for the research, restoration and management of the Florida Coral Reef. Through collaborations with Florida International University, NOAA, and NASA, this Hope Spot can be the hub for local, regional, and global outreach to bring awareness to this fragile ecosystem.
The Florida Keys and Ten Thousand Islands Hope Spot is a critical piece to the puzzle of protecting the ecological treasures of the Florida coast. The establishment of this Hope Spot connects the waters of three National Parks, the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, and the existing Florida Gulf Coast and Coastal South Florida Hope Spots. The area is home to a robust and growing community of people, spearheaded by FIU and the Aquarius Reef Lab, who will safeguard the future of the priceless seagrass meadows, mangrove forests, terrestrial island ecosystems, and the Florida Coral Reef.
About Florida International University
Florida International University is a top public university that drives real talent and innovation in Miami and globally. Very high research (R1) activity and high social mobility come together at FIU to uplift and accelerate student success in a global city by focusing in the areas of environment, health and innovation. Today, FIU has two campuses and multiple centers. FIU serves a diverse student body of more than 56,000 and 300,000 Panther alumni. FIU is ranked No. 4 Best Public University by the Wall Street Journal and U.S. News and World Report places dozens of FIU programs among the best in the nation, including international business at No. 2. Washington Monthly Magazine ranks FIU among the top 20 public universities contributing to the public good and Degree Choices places it among the top 10 in the nation for return on investment.
