Ecosystem Protection
Healthy ecosystems sustain wildlife and communities. We protect coral reefs, mangroves, seagrasses, and vulnerable species through science, advocacy, and restoration efforts.
South Florida’s ecosystems are under pressure from pollution, development, and climate change. Coral reefs, seagrasses, and mangroves support biodiversity, protect shorelines, and provide critical habitat for countless species.
We use science to identify ecosystem threats and advocate for policies that prevent habitat degradation. Campaigns targeting marine debris, toxic chemicals, and coastal development protect these fragile environments.
Nature-based solutions, like wetland and mangrove restoration, reduce flooding, filter pollution, and strengthen resilience. Our efforts also include education and community engagement to foster the protection of South Florida’s unique habitats.
All Campaigns
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Clean Water
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Monitor pollution, take action, advocate for stronger protections
Ecosystem Protection
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Protect reefs, mangroves, seagrasses, and dependent wildlife
Sea Level Rise Resilience
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Study risks, advance smarter policies, support community planning
Coral Reefs
Protecting Florida’s coral reef from pollution, climate change, and dredging to preserve biodiversity, fisheries, and coastal resilience.
Find out moreEcosystem ProtectionSea Level Rise
Marine Debris
Removing trash and debris from waterways, beaches, and canals to protect wildlife, recreation, and water quality.
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Species Protection
Protecting vulnerable and endangered species that rely on healthy waterways and resilient ecosystems.
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Wetlands
Supporting wetland preservation and enforcement of the urban development boundary to protect water quality and flood protection.
Find out moreEcosystem ProtectionSea Level Rise
Blog
News, science, and stories from the front lines of South Florida’s water.
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Ecosystem Protection
2023 Boat Show Sea Trials in Essential Manatee Habitat
In the chilly winter months, manatees migrate down the coast of Florida to winter over in Central and South Florida waters. Some of these waters in our lagoons and estuaries are defined as “essential manatee habitat”, which is a habitat that supports manatee resting, feeding, foraging, mating, and loafing. This is the habitat that helps
Ecosystem Protection
Miami-Dade County’s Urban Development Boundary Still at Risk
For decades, Miami-Dade has protected a bright line to stop urban sprawl into the Everglades, called the “Urban Development Boundary”; this is one of our best tools to protect the Everglades and our drinking water. Recently, you were asked to let our County Commissioners know that you want them to Hold the Line on Miami-Dade
Ecosystem Protection
Water Win: Mangrove Ban Ordinance Withdrawn
The City of Miami Commissioners withdrew a proposed ordinance that would have banned planting mangroves at City parks. Mangroves are incredibly beneficial for our community, including millions of dollars in ecosystem services every year. Still, on May 31, 2022, the City of Miami Commission was scheduled to hear an ordinance that would ban the
Impact
Since 2010, Miami Waterkeeper has worked with the community to protect our waters through science, education and advocacy. Scroll to learn more.
1,000
+
pollution reports received and responded to
10
peer-reviewed scientific papers published
1.0
m+
public views of our water quality reports
10,100
+
water samples taken since 2020
90
+
U.S. nuclear reactors subject to more stringent regulation
80
%
of county canals stopped chemical spraying.
1920.73
sq. miles of Nassau Grouper critical habitat designated.
5
-year
legal battle successfully waged to protect wetlands
32,000
+
lbs of marine debris removed
37,000
+
community members engaged at events
246
Junior Ambassador youth leaders graduated
2,600
+
Community members trained in 1,000 Eyes
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