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State Didn’t Use Proper Science or Ensure Adequate Public Participation 

SCUBA And Environmental Organizations Challenge Massive Dredging Project To Try To Save Threatened Corals.

The last few weeks, we’ve seen some of the worst algae blooms ever recorded in southeastern Florida. It’s not a natural event; it’s entirely manmade, stemming from overly-engineered waterways and industrial pollution. 

In a race to expand U.S. ports to accommodate larger, next-generation shipping vessels, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is targeting ports along the eastern seaboard for expansion and dredging. The Port of Miami was first on the list, where the shipping channel bisects a once-thriving coral reef and threatened staghorn corals and their critical habitat. Since construction began in November 2013, our reefs have been smothered by sediment from the dredging. Despite mounting recorded violations, the Army Corps failed to stop the impacts or its contractors, Great Lakes Dredge and Dock, accountable for the damage.

They say the definition of insanity is doing the same thing twice and expecting a different result. The Army Corps, after illegally wiping out over 250 acres of Miami’s reef during the dredging of the Port of Miami, has asked Congress for permission to do the same to Ft. Lauderdale.

Miami Waterkeeper (MWK) is thrilled to introduce Dr. Jessica Bolson as the new Director of Climate and Freshwater Programs. Jessica will focus on ensuring that climate and fresh water management decisions are based on the best available science and will work to develop resilience strategies aimed at mitigating the impacts of climate change in vulnerable South Florida, while also supporting ecosystem and clean water protections. "Jessica's extensive expertise will help to guide Miami Waterkeeper's positions and actions on these critical and timely issues," said Rachel Silverstein, Executive Director and Waterkeeper. 

The PortMiami expansion is nearly complete, making Miami the first port in the State of Florida capable of accepting the supersized ships that will soon sail through the expanded Panama Canal. But we do not believe that the PortMiami dredging project has been the unmitigated success its proponents claim it to be. The evidence is clear that the dredging operation, which began in November 2013, has deposited an asphyxiating blanket of sediment atop our coral reef: the same reefs that protect Miami Beach’s imperiled coastline from storm surges; support our teeming fish populations; and help sustain our booming tourist industry. Many Americans do not know that South Florida is home to the only coral reef tract in the continental United States: as unique as the sequoias of California or the geysers of Wyoming, and no less deserving of our protection.

Algae bloom visualization. Photo credit: Peter Essick, National Geographic / Resource Out of Place Visualization 2015

We are thrilled to announce that Miami Waterkeeper, along with our partners at University of Miami and Florida Sea Grant, have been awarded the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Habitat Focus Area grant!

We are thrilled to announce the addition of our newest board member, Greg Clark. Greg has already been an incredible asset to Miami Waterkeeper, bringing his positive energy and diverse experience to the organization. 

How much plastic have you used today? Chances are, quite a bit.

Plastic is found in products all around us and has become an integral part of our daily lives. Unfortunately, plastic is often not disposed of properly and is threatening the health of our oceans. From bottle caps and fishing lines to plastic bags and packaging, about 8 million tons of plastic enters the ocean each year. Most of this plastic is considered "single use" and is designed to be thrown away after just a few minutes.

Just how bad is the problem?