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Articles by Holly Binns
New Plan Aims to Protect the Gulf of Mexico's Largest Seagrass Bed
Florida’s top environmental agency has approved an extensive plan to conserve some waters off the state’s west coast by expanding water quality monitoring, restoring damaged seagrass, and encouraging community groups to work together to address pollution and other problems. Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Shawn Hamilton approved the plan for the Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve, which Governor Ron DeSantis (R) and the legislature created in 2020.
In Puerto Rico, Flooding and Loss of Coastal Habitat Are Top Conservation Concerns
Survey results will inform environmental department’s plans for island’s extensive—and economically valuable—natural assets Article March 16, 2022 By: Holly Binns & Yasmin Velez-Sanchez Read time: Share In Puerto Rico, Flooding and Loss of Coastal Habitat Are Top Conservation Concerns Puerto Rico’s residents say flooding, erosion, and loss of wetlands and other coastal habitats are among the most important threats the island’s government should prioritize in coastal resource planning,...
Expanding Seagrass Beds Are Good News for Florida’s West Coast
Research shows healthy areas that will benefit manatees and other wildlife, coastal economies, and the new Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve Article February 23, 2022 By: Holly Binns & Justin Grubich Read time: Share Read Mode Navigate to: Expanding Seagrass Beds Are Good News for Florida’s West Coast In a positive development for southwest Florida wildlife, coastal communities, and economies, scientists there recently discovered that some areas gained significant amounts of seagrass from 2016 to...
In Puerto Rico, New Coastal Management Plan Must Protect Nature and Economy
Officials want public input on strategy to safeguard corals, mangroves, fisheries—and a thriving local culture Article December 3, 2021 By: Holly Binns & Yasmin Velez-Sanchez Read time: Share Read Mode Navigate to: In Puerto Rico, New Coastal Management Plan Must Protect Nature and Economy Puerto Rico’s coasts, home to 2.4 million people, are an economic force, drawing tourists from around the world and supporting nearly 700,000 jobs that generate about $20 billion in earnings annually.
Plan Unveiled for Restoring Florida's Apalachicola Bay and Its Oysters
Work should help once-thriving shellfish industry recover by expanding reef habitat and improving management Article November 16, 2021 Updated: November 16, 2021 By: Holly Binns & Chad Hanson Read time: Share Read Mode Navigate to: Plan Unveiled for Restoring Florida’s Apalachicola Bay and Its Oysters Editor’s note: This analysis was updated on Nov. 16, 2021 to reflect that the plan to restore Apalachicola Bay could be revised after implementation begins.
Gulf Coast Oysters, and the Reefs They Need, Stand to Benefit from Oil Spill Settlement Funding
States will use $38.5 million from Deepwater Horizon payouts to help declining shellfish rebound Share Read Mode Navigate to: Gulf Coast Oysters, and the Reefs They Need, Stand to Benefit from Oil Spill Settlement Funding Oyster populations in the Gulf of Mexico, like those in many areas of the U.S., have declined in recent years for a variety of reasons, including the loss of habitat to storm damage, pollution, and other factors.
Florida Seeks Public Input on How to Manage New Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve
Plan for vibrant, biodiverse waters should balance conservation with business, recreation, and human uses Article September 20, 2021 Share Read Mode Florida Seeks Public Input on How to Manage New Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve Florida created the Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve last year to conserve more than 700 square miles of coastal habitat north of Tampa and give the public a healthy outdoor space for both recreation and tourism businesses.
10 Strategies for Restoring Florida's Apalachicola Bay and Its Oysters
Public input on stakeholder-led plan can help revive ecosystem and reopen bay to wild oyster harvesting Article August 23, 2021 Share Read Mode 10 Strategies for Restoring Florida's Apalachicola Bay and Its Oysters Plans are underway to restore Florida’s most famous oyster bay, and local communities can weigh in on what should be done. Apalachicola Bay once accounted for 90% of all wild oysters harvested in the Sunshine State and 10% of those in the United States.
11 Ways You Can Enjoy Salt Marshes Also Show Why They Need Protection
Coastal wetlands—ecologically and economically vital—are a paradise for birdwatchers, fishermen, and water lovers Article August 20, 2021 Share Read Mode 11 Ways You Can Enjoy Salt Marshes Also Show Why They Need Protection For millions of people around the U.S., fun on the coast means more than just a dip in the ocean. Coastal salt marshes, which lie between the land and sea, are home to abundant wildlife that gives rise to activities ranging from fishing to photography.
Louisiana Builds Reefs to Give Oysters Protected Places to Reproduce
Plan will boost decimated shellfish populations and help struggling industry Article May 6, 2021 Share Read Mode Louisiana Builds Reefs to Give Oysters Protected Places to Reproduce Louisiana oyster reefs once produced much of the nation’s wild harvest, but droughts, hurricanes, floods, and other natural and manmade disasters decimated those breeding grounds.
Louisiana Builds Reefs to Give Oysters Protected Places to Reproduce
Plan will boost decimated shellfish populations and help struggling industry Article May 6, 2021 Share Read Mode Louisiana Builds Reefs to Give Oysters Protected Places to Reproduce Louisiana oyster reefs once produced much of the nation’s wild harvest, but droughts, hurricanes, floods, and other natural and manmade disasters decimated those breeding grounds.
Louisiana Builds Reefs to Give Oysters Protected Places to Reproduce
Plan will boost decimated shellfish populations and help struggling industry Article May 6, 2021 Share Read Mode Louisiana Builds Reefs to Give Oysters Protected Places to Reproduce Louisiana oyster reefs once produced much of the nation’s wild harvest, but droughts, hurricanes, floods, and other natural and manmade disasters decimated those breeding grounds.
Military and Government Leaders Recruit Nature to Protect Shoreline
Officials seek to conserve vast area of salt marsh as bulwark against storm surge, erosion, flooding Article May 4, 2021 Share Read Mode Military and Government Leaders Recruit Nature to Protect Shoreline Along the U.S. Southeast coast, communities and military installations face a common enemy—floods, erosion, and rising seas. In response, military and government leaders are looking to fight nature with nature.
Along Southeast Coast, Plan to Protect 1 Million Acres of Salt Marsh Draws Broad Support
Fishermen, hunters, and others say safeguards would help nature and communities from North Carolina to Florida Article April 28, 2021 Share Read Mode Along Southeast Coast, Plan to Protect 1 Million Acres of Salt Marsh Draws Broad Support Salt marshes—sinewy channels of coastal grasslands—protect coastlines from flooding, erosion, and storm surge; filter upland runoff; and serve as vital habitat for fish, birds, and other animals.
6 Types of Wildlife and Plants That Thrive in Salt Marshes
Tidal wetlands host fish, birds, and other animals that support coastal economies Article March 22, 2021 Share Read Mode 6 Types of Wildlife and Plants That Thrive in Salt Marshes Life in salt marshes is good for birds, fish, and a variety of other animals that nest, breed, eat, and flourish in these salty, grassy wetlands.
11 Facts About Salt Marshes and Why We Need to Protect Them
These coastal habitats help wildlife, ecosystems, and economies thrive Article March 1, 2021 Share Read Mode 11 Facts About Salt Marshes and Why We Need to Protect Them Between land and sea lie the ecological guardians of the coast—salt marshes. Their grassy and sinuous channels fill and drain with saltwater as the tides ebb and flow, providing food, shelter, and nursery grounds for birds, fish, and other wildlife, ranging from dolphins and otters to snails and turtles.
11 Facts About Salt Marshes and Why We Need to Protect Them
These coastal habitats help wildlife, ecosystems, and economies thrive Article March 1, 2021 Share Read Mode 11 Facts About Salt Marshes and Why We Need to Protect Them Between land and sea lie the ecological guardians of the coast—salt marshes. Their grassy and sinuous channels fill and drain with saltwater as the tides ebb and flow, providing food, shelter, and nursery grounds for birds, fish, and other wildlife, ranging from dolphins and otters to snails and turtles.
New Rule Gives Breeding Fish a Safe Haven Off Key West
Florida officials vote to halt fishing during critical spawning months at Western Dry Rocks Article February 26, 2021 Share Read Mode New Rule Gives Breeding Fish a Safe Haven Off Key West Giving fish space to spawn helps them thrive, and today Florida officials protected an important mating spot for numerous species near Key West.
Louisiana Tries New Recipe for Saving Its Oysters
State plan aims to reverse years of decline through reef building, aquaculture support, and other means Article February 18, 2021 Share Read Mode Louisiana Tries New Recipe for Saving Its Oysters Louisiana once produced half of the nation’s wild oysters, but shellfish populations have declined in recent years. Now the state has a new plan to boost the mollusks’ reproduction, restore its decimated oyster population, and eventually return to bountiful harvests.
Louisiana Tries New Recipe for Saving Its Oysters
State plan aims to reverse years of decline through reef building, aquaculture support, and other means Article February 18, 2021 Share Read Mode Louisiana Tries New Recipe for Saving Its Oysters Louisiana once produced half of the nation’s wild oysters, but shellfish populations have declined in recent years. Now the state has a new plan to boost the mollusks’ reproduction, restore its decimated oyster population, and eventually return to bountiful harvests.
Main U.S. Fisheries Law on Track for Overdue Improvements
Buried in the unprecedented news cycle of the past month was a story that could deeply affect conservation in U.S. ocean waters: In December, Representatives Jared Huffman (D-CA) and Ed Case (D-HI), released draft legislation for the next reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA), the bedrock law governing management of our country’s marine fisheries.
Guide Shows Gulf of Mexico Fishery Managers How to Take Big-Picture Approach
Successful football coaches don’t call plays in a vacuum. They consider a host of factors, including the score, field position, time on the clock, and how well their team is playing at the time. Successfully managing fish populations requires a similarly broad look at the field—that is, the ocean ecosystem. Like a football playbook, a fishery ecosystem plan (FEP) is a guidebook for fishery managers who want to adopt a more comprehensive way of overseeing fish and fishing.
Guide Shows Gulf of Mexico Fishery Managers How to Take Big-Picture Approach
By considering ecosystem, economy, and other species, plans can safeguard nature and fishing Article January 6, 2021 Share Read Mode Guide Shows Gulf of Mexico Fishery Managers How to Take Big-Picture Approach Successful football coaches don’t call plays in a vacuum. They consider a host of factors, including the score, field position, time on the clock, and how well their team is playing at the time.
Florida Halts Apalachicola Wild Oyster Harvest to Restore Dwindling Species
Plans to boost populations should improve ecosystem health and help industry recover Article December 16, 2020 Share Read Mode Florida Halts Apalachicola Wild Oyster Harvest to Restore Dwindling Species Florida’s most famous but beleaguered oyster grounds are poised for a recovery. Wildlife officials took the first major step toward helping Apalachicola Bay oysters today by suspending wild harvest for five years.
Florida Halts Apalachicola Wild Oyster Harvest to Restore Dwindling Species
Plans to boost populations should improve ecosystem health and help industry recover Article December 16, 2020 Share Read Mode Florida Halts Apalachicola Wild Oyster Harvest to Restore Dwindling Species Florida’s most famous but beleaguered oyster grounds are poised for a recovery. Wildlife officials took the first major step toward helping Apalachicola Bay oysters today by suspending wild harvest for five years.
Gulf of Mexico deep-sea corals win protection Original
They are fragile, ancient, and vital to the marine ecosystem. And now they’re protected. Federal officials today issued a final rule to safeguard Gulf of Mexico deep-sea coral hot spots — priority areas for conservation, management, and research — by restricting damaging fishing gear in most of those areas.
Gulf of Mexico Deep-Sea Corals Win Protection
Federal rule restricts harmful fishing gear where critical, vulnerable species grow Article October 16, 2020 By: Holly Binns Read time: Share Read Mode Navigate to: Gulf of Mexico Deep-Sea Corals Win Protection They are fragile, ancient, and vital to the marine ecosystem. And now they’re protected.
Caribbean Blazes New Path Toward Protecting Corals, Fish, Communities
Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands to get customized fishery rules Article October 13, 2020 Share Read Mode Caribbean Blazes New Path Toward Protecting Corals, Fish, Communities One size doesn’t fit all, and that cliché was at the heart of a recent decision to revamp fishing guidelines in the U.S. Caribbean.
Eight Reasons to Safeguard Western Puerto Rico’s Ocean and Coast
From fishing and diving to community gatherings, region’s culture and economy rely on a healthy environment Article September 16, 2020 Share Read Mode Eight Reasons to Safeguard Western Puerto Rico's Ocean and Coast Puerto Rico’s west coast boasts vibrant beachfront communities, world-class water sports, historical artifacts, and traditional celebrations that showcase the region’s cultural history and identity.
15 Facts About Oysters and the Need to Protect Them
Trust Magazine Healthy populations buffer coastlines, boost economies, and benefit marine life Trust Article August 21, 2020 Share Read Mode 15 Facts About Oysters and the Need to Protect Them Katie Orlinsky for The Pew Charitable Trusts Did you know a raw oyster is still alive as you eat it? Or that people have consumed them since prehistoric times? Or that oysters filter and clean water while they eat?
10 Ocean and Coastal Jewels Worth Safeguarding in Western Puerto Rico
Array of marine life—along with local businesses and tourists—relies on healthy ecosystems Article August 21, 2020 Share Read Mode 10 Ocean and Coastal Jewels Worth Safeguarding in Western Puerto Rico From an undersea mountain to deserted islands, western Puerto Rico boasts abundant wildlife and largely undisturbed habitat. Colorful corals, lush mangroves, and miles of coastline host an array of animals from manatees and fish to sea turtles and migrating humpback whales.
10 Ocean and Coastal Jewels Worth Safeguarding in Western Puerto Rico
Array of marine life—along with local businesses and tourists—relies on healthy ecosystems Article August 21, 2020 Share Read Mode 10 Ocean and Coastal Jewels Worth Safeguarding in Western Puerto Rico From an undersea mountain to deserted islands, western Puerto Rico boasts abundant wildlife and largely undisturbed habitat. Colorful corals, lush mangroves, and miles of coastline host an array of animals from manatees and fish to sea turtles and migrating humpback whales.
10 Ocean and Coastal Jewels Worth Safeguarding in Western Puerto Rico
Array of marine life—along with local businesses and tourists—relies on healthy ecosystems Article August 21, 2020 Share Read Mode 10 Ocean and Coastal Jewels Worth Safeguarding in Western Puerto Rico From an undersea mountain to deserted islands, western Puerto Rico boasts abundant wildlife and largely undisturbed habitat. Colorful corals, lush mangroves, and miles of coastline host an array of animals from manatees and fish to sea turtles and migrating humpback whales.
15 Facts About Oysters and the Need to Protect Them
Trust Magazine Healthy populations buffer coastlines, boost economies, and benefit marine life Trust Article August 21, 2020 Share Read Mode 15 Facts About Oysters and the Need to Protect Them Katie Orlinsky for The Pew Charitable Trusts Did you know a raw oyster is still alive as you eat it? Or that people have consumed them since prehistoric times? Or that oysters filter and clean water while they eat?
Friday Catch Up: Short takes on the news we missed last week
Trout country. Image Settlers Inn. By Tony Bonavist / River Reporter / August 12, 2020 The other night, after a so-so day on the river, I stopped in at one of the local watering holes to grab a burger and a beer, much like my friend Dave Brandt and I used to do after a day’s teaching at the Wulff School. At the bar, I found two of my fishing buddies who had quit the river a bit early, which is never a good sign. Fly fishers seldom leave the water if trout are feeding at the surface.
Florida Algae Blooms May Harm Places Where Fish Find Food
The Indian River Lagoon in east Central Florida is one of the most biodiverse estuaries in North America—home to more than 4,300 species of plants and animals, including manatees, dolphins, roseate spoonbills, tarpon, and red drum. The 156-mile-long lagoon covers 40% of the state’s east coast and draws tourists from around the world, many of whom come to fish. But in recent years, harmful algal blooms fueled by nitrogen pollution have taken a toll on this ecosystem and its resident wildlife.
Florida Suspends Apalachicola Oyster Fishing to Help Species Rebound
Restoring decimated shellfish populations will help fishermen, ecosystem, and Panhandle communities Article July 22, 2020 Share Read Mode Florida Suspends Apalachicola Oyster Fishing to Help Species Rebound In communities around Florida’s Apalachicola Bay, oyster fishing is a tradition that goes back generations. In fact, oysters from the bay once accounted for about 90% of all those harvested in Florida and 10% in the United States.
Conservation: FL Aquatic Preserve Good For Environment and Fly Fishers
The St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve in Crystal River, Florida, safeguards water quality and coastal habitat vital to wildlife and local communities. A new Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve, extends these protections to about 400,000 acres of seagrass meadows off Citrus, Hernando, and Pasco counties.
New Aquatic Preserve Off Florida Is Big Win for Wildlife, Habitat, and Long-Term Economy
Law protecting Gulf of Mexico’s largest seagrass meadow will support jobs, tourism, and a way of life Article June 29, 2020 Share Read Mode New Aquatic Preserve Off Florida Is Big Win for Wildlife, Habitat, and Long-Term Economy Off Florida’s west coast, seagrass beds stretch for miles and for decades have supported a significant part of the regional economy.
Texas Says Shucks, Let's Give Oyster Growing a Try
Wild oyster populations are struggling in Texas waters, so state officials want to let people start growing the mollusks off the coast. To that end, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission this week issued rules to guide oyster-growing operations. The guidelines, which take effect in September, are meant to give the new industry a good shot at success while protecting important coastal habitat such as seagrass meadows and natural oyster reefs.
15 Facts About Oysters and the Need to Protect Them
Healthy populations buffer coastlines, boost economies, and benefit marine life Article May 12, 2020 Share Read Mode 15 Facts About Oysters and the Need to Protect Them Did you know a raw oyster is still alive as you eat it? Or that people have consumed them since prehistoric times? Or that oysters filter and clean water while they eat? Oysters play a big role in marine and coastal environments but face many threats, from pollution to changing ocean conditions to dredging.
15 Facts About Oysters and the Need to Protect Them
Healthy populations buffer coastlines, boost economies, and benefit marine life Article May 12, 2020 Share Read Mode 15 Facts About Oysters and the Need to Protect Them Did you know a raw oyster is still alive as you eat it? Or that people have consumed them since prehistoric times? Or that oysters filter and clean water while they eat? Oysters play a big role in marine and coastal environments but face many threats, from pollution to changing ocean conditions to dredging.
Florida Poised to Protect Gulf of Mexico's Largest Seagrass Bed
Governor can sign off on a new aquatic preserve to help safeguard coastal economies—and a way of life Article March 11, 2020 Share Read Mode Florida Poised to Protect Gulf of Mexico’s Largest Seagrass Bed Florida’s west coast is home to vast seagrass beds where fishing, scalloping, and ecotourism form the backbone of coastal economies.
Public Has Chance to Help Save Gulf of Mexico Deep-Sea Corals
NOAA seeks input before final decision on plan to safeguard vital ecosystems Article October 1, 2019 Share Read Mode Public Has Chance to Help Save Gulf of Mexico Deep-Sea Corals NOAA When Gulf of Mexico fishery leaders approved a first-of-its-kind proposal to protect ancient deep-sea coral ecosystems last summer, more than 16,000 people submitted public comments supporting the plan. Now people have another chance to speak up to make sure those measures become final.
Seagrass, Vital to Wildlife and Ocean Health, Thrives Along Florida’s Gulf Coast
Map shows extent and density of one of country’s largest seagrass beds Article September 23, 2019 By: Holly Binns Read time: Share Seagrass, Vital to Wildlife and Ocean Health, Thrives Along Florida’s Gulf Coast An approximately 400,000-acre habitat along Florida’s Nature Coast—which encompasses the shorelines of Citrus, Hernando, and Pasco counties bordering the Gulf of Mexico north of Tampa—is one of the healthiest seagrass habitats in the state.
9 Facts About One of Earth’s Most Vital Habitats
It’s the world’s perfect lawn: lush, green, and doesn’t need commercial fertilizer. Seagrass—underwater plants that form dense beds extending for miles—play host to animals ranging from scallops and fish to crabs and shrimp, all of which are vital to marine ecosystems and many coastal businesses. These saltwater grasslands also provide services from erosion control to absorbing pollutants that run off land.
Commentary: Fishery Council OKs Island-Based Management Plans
A coral reef is a cornucopia of sea life, and new rules approved Tuesday by the Caribbean Fishery Management Council will allow for fishery protection plans tailored to the specific waters of individual islands, rather than the entire zone. (Photo by David Holzman) It’s said that no two places are alike, and Tuesday fishery managers in the U.S. Caribbean took that to heart.
Commentary: Fishery Council OKs Island-Based Management Plans
A coral reef is a cornucopia of sea life, and new rules approved Tuesday by the Caribbean Fishery Management Council will allow for fishery protection plans tailored to the specific waters of individual islands, rather than the entire zone. (Photo by David Holzman) It’s said that no two places are alike, and Tuesday fishery managers in the U.S. Caribbean took that to heart.
Commentary: Fishery Council OKs Island-Based Management Plans
A coral reef is a cornucopia of sea life, and new rules approved Tuesday by the Caribbean Fishery Management Council will allow for fishery protection plans tailored to the specific waters of individual islands, rather than the entire zone. (Photo by David Holzman) It’s said that no two places are alike, and Tuesday fishery managers in the U.S. Caribbean took that to heart.
Pew Launches Efforts to Protect, Restore Oyster and Seagrass Habitats
Conservation of East Coast, Gulf of Mexico ecosystems offers benefits far beyond shore Article March 5, 2019 Share Read Mode Pew Launches Efforts to Protect, Restore Oyster and Seagrass Habitats Over the past decade, The Pew Charitable Trusts’ U.S. marine conservation team has advocated for an ecosystem-based perspective in fisheries management—one founded on science and on advancing the public interest.
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