NOVEL RESEARCH

We fill critical knowledge gaps, producing science that informs policy and protects South Florida’s waterways, ecosystems, and communities.

Why It Matters

Our research connects science to actionβ€”helping policymakers, communities, and advocates make informed decisions that protect water quality, ecosystems, and public health.

Published Work

Septic Return Flow Pathlines, Endpoints, and Flows Based on the Urban Miami-Dade Groundwater Model

August 07, 2024

Examined how septic return flows move through Miami-Dade’s shallow groundwater. Findings highlight pathways of contamination and inform water quality policy.

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Extensive coral mortality and critical habitat loss following dredging and their association with remotely-sensed sediment plumes.

May 24, 2019

Documented coral reef damage from dredging and sediment plumes near PortMiami. Provides evidence for ecosystem protection.

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Symbiont shuffling linked to differential photochemical dynamics of Symbiodinium in three Caribbean reef corals.

November 11, 2017

Explored coral symbiont changes under heat stress, showing mechanisms of resilience and informing climate adaptation strategies. This paper won Best Paper of the Year in the Journal Coral Reefs.

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Tenacious D: Symbiodinium in clade D remain in reef corals at both high and low temperature extremes despite impairment.

April 01, 2017

Studied coral symbionts in extreme temperatures. Shows certain symbionts persist despite stress, helping us understand coral resilience to climate change.

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Further action on bycatch could boost United States fisheries performance.

June 2015

Analyzed bycatch in U.S. fisheries and found targeted actions could improve sustainability, supporting both fish populations and local economies.

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Sediment plumes induced by the Port of Miami dredging: Analysis and interpretation using Landsat and MODIS data.

October 09, 2015

Tracked sediment plumes from dredging operations using satellite data. Findings inform coastal management and protection for nearby coral reefs.

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Change in algal symbiont communities after bleaching, not prior heat exposure, increases heat tolerance of reef corals.

June 13, 2014

Found that corals adjust symbiont communities after bleaching events, improving heat tolerance and offering insight for reef conservation under climate change.

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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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