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FL Environmental Protection

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Official Instagram of the FL Dept of Environmental Protection, the state’s lead agency for environmental stewardship💧🌿

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Rookery Bay Aquatic Preserve recently completed a summer research project focused on fish biodiversity and water quality at two sites that will undergo waterflow restoration.

The project documented several invasive fish species, a common sign of ecosystems under stress. Understanding which species are present and how water conditions vary helps guide future restoration planning.

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💡: Before you go, visit FloridaAquaticPreserves.org for updates and helpful information.
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#FLDEP #FloridaAquaticPreserves #ResilienceInAction by @fl.dep

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a day ago

DEP staff and partners recently located an American crocodile hatchling during nighttime monitoring at Rookery Bay.

The team was on site to check a nesting area and gather data that help track native crocodile health and guide long‑term conservation. Storms, mud and plenty of mosquitoes made conditions tough, but the group continued surveying the mangroves until they spotted the young crocodile.

After safely collecting basic measurements, the hatchling was released, contributing valuable data to ongoing research.

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💡: Before you go, visit FloridaAquaticPreserves.org for updates and helpful information.
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#FLDEP #FloridaAquaticPreserves #ResilienceInAction by @fl.dep

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14 days ago

It’s International Coastal Cleanup Day!

Every piece of debris removed protects wildlife, improves water quality and supports resilient coastal habitats.

Thank you to everyone who joined cleanup events across the state. Your stewardship strengthens Florida’s natural resources and keeps our coasts thriving.

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💡: Before you go, visit FloridaAquaticPreserves.org for updates and helpful information.
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#FLDEP #FloridaAquaticPreserves #ResilienceInAction by @fl.dep

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17 days ago

Northwest Florida Aquatic Preserves recently welcomed participants from an international young leaders exchange program for a hands‑on visit focused on coastal stewardship.

During their visit, they learned about Florida’s Aquatic Preserves, living shorelines and coastal resiliency, and how these efforts protect habitats across the region. The group then helped propagate 697 black needlerush plants, an important marsh species used in upcoming living shoreline projects that help strengthen coastlines.

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💡: Before you go, visit FloridaAquaticPreserves.org for updates and helpful information.
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#FLDEP #FloridaAquaticPreserves #ResilienceInAction by @fl.dep

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18 days ago

Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve staff recently supported university researchers with fieldwork on the Guana Peninsula as part of a long‑term effort to track marsh migration into upland areas.

This monitoring helps DEP understand how changes in vegetation, soil and elevation should affect future management strategies for these coastal ecosystems.

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💡: Before you go, visit FloridaAquaticPreserves.org for updates and helpful information.
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#FLDEP #FloridaAquaticPreserves #ResilienceInAction by @fl.dep

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25 days ago

Rookery Bay Research Reserve staff use wildlife cameras each crocodile nesting season to watch over nests and learn more about how these reptiles care for their young. The footage offers a close look at the incredible dedication of crocodile mothers as they guard and rebury their eggs to keep them safe.

With the babies expected to emerge any day, both the mother and our stewardship team are keeping a close eye on the site.

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💡: Before you go, visit FloridaAquaticPreserves.org for updates and helpful information.
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#FLDEP #FloridaAquaticPreserves #ResilienceInAction by @fl.dep

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a month ago

Happy Labor Day!

Labor Day is a moment to recognize the people who keep Florida’s environment protected. From scientists and engineers to park rangers and emergency responders, DEP staff work every day to safeguard Florida’s air, land and water.

Thank you for your dedication to Florida’s environment!

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@America250FL
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#FLDEP #LaborDay by @fl.dep

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a month ago

Northwest Florida Aquatic Preserves staff and Oyster Corps volunteers wrapped up another round of seagrass monitoring in Fort Pickens Aquatic Preserve. Over three days, the team surveyed 25 sites along a 14-mile stretch of the Preserve, studying 100 total small sample plots to see how local seagrass is doing.

The team also spotted some exciting wildlife, including live sand dollars and, for the first time in 10 years surveying in Fort Pickens, a sea urchin.

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💡: Before you go, visit FloridaAquaticPreserves.org for updates and helpful information.
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#FLDEP #FloridaAquaticPreserves #ResilienceInAction by @fl.dep

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a month ago

FSU conservation summer campers recently visited the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve to explore how scientists study and protect coastal ecosystems. Students examined the Reserve’s living shoreline and learned how field surveys help track the health of marsh communities.

They also discussed how resilient building design supports coastal research facilities, tying into lessons on structures built to withstand flooding. After reviewing their findings, the group visited the nature center to learn about local species, including tupelo trees and even tried a blind tupelo honey taste test.

Experiences like these show how hands‑on science inspires future stewards and connects students to the natural systems that shape Florida’s coast.

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💡: Before you go, visit FloridaAquaticPreserves.org for updates and helpful information.
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#FLDEP #ResilienceInAction by @fl.dep

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a month ago

Northwest Florida Aquatic Preserves staff and Oyster Corps have spent the past several months building four new saltmarsh cordgrass grow‑out frames that will serve as donor marshes for future living shoreline projects. These frames reduce the need for wild plant collection and create a sustainable source of marsh grasses.

Once established, these six large frames will provide healthy plants for living shoreline restoration and help strengthen coastal resilience across Northwest Florida.

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💡: Before you go, visit FloridaAquaticPreserves.org for updates and helpful information.
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#FLDEP #ResilienceInAction by @fl.dep

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a month ago

Public lands have played a defining role in shaping both Florida and the United States. From early land surveys and conservation efforts to today’s parks, preserves and working landscapes, these places have supported communities, protected natural resources and preserved the stories that connect us to our shared past.

Across Florida, public lands safeguard water resources, provide wildlife habitat and offer spaces for recreation and learning.

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@America250FL
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#FLDEP by @fl.dep

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2 months ago

Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve’s 2026 sea turtle season is well underway, and nesting numbers are strong!

Staff have documented 135 nests on Cape Romano and 135 in the Ten Thousand Islands, a healthy mid‑season count for this region. As of July 21, 25 nests have hatched on Cape Romano and 31 in the Ten Thousand Islands.

While monitoring beaches, the team even discovered a diamondback terrapin nest. Known for the diamond-shaped patterns on their shells, these are the only turtles in the Western Hemisphere that live exclusively in brackish water. The highlight of the season may be a rare Green Sea Turtle nest, identified by the mother’s distinctive parallel tracks.

Rookery Bay’s sea turtle program is having a bright and active season, showcasing the importance of protecting Florida’s coastal habitats.

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💡: Before you go, visit FloridaAquaticPreserves.org for updates and helpful information.
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#FLDEP #FloridaAquaticPreserves by @fl.dep

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2 months ago