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February 14, 2024
Make a difference while you distance!
Join our "See a fish, Send a Fish" campaign and help Miami Waterkeeper spot wildlife, debris, and pollution by reporting or tagging us in your sightings.
During this time of low boat traffic and little rainfall, our water has been noticeably clearer and bluer. And while we're all taking a pause, many people are also connecting with the nature that's around them. For example, Miami Waterkeeper has been receiving increased reports of wildlife sightings including dolphins, turtles, sharks, manatees, rays, and even a pair of endangered smalltooth sawfish!
As part of our 1,000 Eyes on the Water program, we are launching our "See a Fish, Send a Fish" campaign! We are asking you to report any marine life sightings by emailing us or tagging us and using the hashtag #miamimarinelife and #seeafishsendafish.
Now, you can help conserve species right from home by reporting marine life sightings. It's important to record sightings of rare wildlife because it allows scientists to get a better understanding of where species are in Biscayne Bay and their numbers.
For example, scientists believe that the Miami Waterkeeper report of two endangered smalltooth sawfish was the first video ever captured of a pair of these rare creatures swimming in Biscayne Bay. This sighting, sent to us by a local resident Scott Zeigler, will be included in an upcoming research publication that may result in increased protection for this imperiled species in Biscayne Bay.
Check out some of the marine life sightings we've seen so far!
Screenshot from video taken by community member, Scott Z. Two smalltooth sawfish swimming side by side in Biscayne Bay, near Margaret Pace Park.
Screenshots from video taken by community member, William Perez of a Manta ray sighting, near Aventura.
These reports aren't limited to wildlife, either. We're still reporting pollution events, and we're helping the agencies locate and remove large marine debris, derelict vessels, or ghost traps that have become visible with the cleaner and quieter water. We'll report their locations so that they can be safely removed.
Your reports matter -- remember, #seeafishsendafish!
Help be our Eyes on the Water and report to [email protected] or tag us on social @miamiwaterkeeper and hashtag #seeafishsendafish.
"It's a silver lining in a dark time. With beaches and marinas opening in Miami Dade County, we ask everyone to stay safe and keep an eye out for marine life, derelict traps, debris, or pollution they may see and report it to Miami Waterkeeper." - Miami Waterkeeper, Rachel Silverstein.