Biscayne Bay Habitat Focus Area

BISCAYNE BAY HABITAT FOCUS AREA

Miami Waterkeeper is the proud local partner of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s Habitat Blueprint Program. Since 2015, Miami Waterkeeper has been funded to support targeted efforts on the Biscayne Bay Habitat Focus Area (HFA) – an area specially designated by NOAA as “at-risk” for habitat decline and degradation. 

Biscayne Bay was chosen for its high economic and environmental value, and also because it is currently at a “tipping point” for nutrient pollution, resulting in algae blooms. 

Miami Waterkeeper is working with NOAA to reduce land-based sources of pollution by using our core approaches: community outreach, scientific research, and advocacy. 

In cooperation with academic and agency partners (including the University of Miami, Florida International University, and Florida Sea Grant), we have achieved a number of successes in our time working on HFA issues along with our NOAA partners, including:

Community Outreach & Education

• Reported fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) exceedances through the Swim Guide app

• Trained community members to observe and report pollution through the 1000 Eyes on the Water program

• Responded regularly to reports of pollution from citizens

• Established the Miami Waterkeeper Junior Ambassador program

• Developed and strengthened our stormwater enforcement notification efforts

• Developed A Biscayne Bay Economic and Spatial Study Story Map

• Developed A Web GIS for Biscayne Bay featuring:

  • Web Maps in Species, Sea Level Rise, Habitat, Boundaries, Boating, and Water Quality

  • Story Maps in Socioeconomic Characterization of Biscayne Bay, Explore Biscayne Bay, Biscayne Bay Economic and Spatial Study, and Determining Water Quality Trends Using High-Resolution Land Use Data

• Developed our Best Management Practices guide for reducing land-based sources of water pollution

• Developed educational materials to support new municipal fertilizer ordinances

• Developed stormwater runoff informational brochures in English and Spanish

Scientific Research

• Independently processed hundreds of water samples

• Completed A Socioeconomic Characterization of Biscayne Bay and its Uses and Activities

• Developed informational materials for Biscayne Bay Water Watch – a volunteer citizen science water quality monitoring program by Florida Sea Grant 

Civic Engagement 

• Secured multiple fertilizer ordinances to reduce nutrient pollution, including at the City of Miami

• Secured resolutions stopping the application of glyphosate by municipalities