Species Protection

Protecting vulnerable and endangered species that rely on healthy waterways and resilient ecosystems.

Species Protection

From coral reefs to manatees, protecting wildlife means protecting clean water, healthy ecosystems, and our future.

Why Species Protection Matters

Healthy ecosystems depend on healthy species.

From filtering water to supporting fisheries, wildlife like corals, manatees, and fish play essential roles in keeping Biscayne Bay and South Florida’s waters thriving.

When species decline, the systems we rely on begin to fail.

What’s Threatening South Florida Species

Wildlife across South Florida faces growing pressure from:

  • Habitat destruction from dredging and development
  • Water pollution that fuels algae blooms and kills seagrass
  • Climate change causing sea level rise and saltwater intrusion

These threats are interconnected—and they’re accelerating.

Holding Polluters Accountable

Our legal advocacy has led to real protections for South Florida species:

  • Coral reefs: Challenging dredging projects that buried hundreds of acres of reef habitat
  • Manatees: Advocating for stronger protections as habitat loss leads to mass starvation
  • Miami cave crayfish: Pushing for federal protections as sea level rise threatens its freshwater habitat

These efforts protect not just wildlife—but the ecosystems and communities that depend on them.

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PUBLISHED WORK

Media Coverage

Stories of Accountability & Recovery

Miami Waterkeeper has been cited by local and national outlets as a trusted source on South Florida water quality, policy, and environmental justice.

The Washington Post

An Army Corps project could wipe out one of Florida’s last thriving coral reefs

March 1, 2026

The Washington Post ran an in-depth feature on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ plans to dredge and widen the shipping channel at Port Everglades —…

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Nautical Voice

Concerns Rise Over Port Everglades Expansion’s Impact on Coral Reefs

January 19, 2026

NV Tech Desk reported on the scientific alarm surrounding the Port Everglades expansion, highlighting a landmark study by NOAA and the Shedd Aquarium that…

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The Invading Sea

Trashing our oceans: Feds plan the biggest permitted coral destruction in US history

January 8, 2026

The Invading Sea, Florida’s dedicated climate journalism outlet, published a stark account of what the Port Everglades dredge proposal actually entails: 400 underwater acres…

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Florida Solicitation of Contributions Registration #CH46021 A copy of the official registration and financial information for Biscayne Bay Waterkeeper (aka Miami Waterkeeper), a Florida-based nonprofit organization, may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) within the state or visiting www.800HELPFLA.com. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state.

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