The Biscayne Bay Health project — a collaboration of Institute of Environment faculty and local governments and organizations — supports research, educational outreach, and community programming to promote the protection and preservation of our beloved bay and the local economy it bolsters.
Through our institute's research, we’ve identified some of the factors leading to the degradation of Biscayne Bay water quality. In collaboration with our partners, we are implementing solutions to improve the resilience and sustainability of our beautiful bay.
2020: Responding to Crisis in the Bay
Over the past few decades, pollution, rising temperatures and seagrass die-offs have all contributed to the declining health of Biscayne Bay. In mid-August 2020, the bay experienced unprecedented levels of low oxygen, resulting in massive fish kills along the coast. Reports of gray-green algae in the water followed the fish kills.
Our researchers mobilized quickly, setting out on the water to collect water quality data that could give us a hint into what may be causing this devastating phenomenon. Our institute partnered with more than a dozen organizations, including Frost Science, Miami Waterkeeper and SeaKeepers, to respond to the emergency.
Together, we began aerating the water, a temporary measure to help oxygen levels to increase across the bay. Our algae experts identified the reported algae as nontoxic, but still advise against bathing in the water. Weeks after the first reports of thousands of dying fish, the bay appears to be catching a break. Water is clearing up and the oxygen levels are improving.
The fight for Biscayne Bay's health is far from over.
Our scientists will continue to respond and monitor the waterway's condition, striving for long-term solutions that will bring the bay back to the healthy, thriving place it once was.
Stay up-to-date with our findings by following our real-time buoy data. (View the buoys' location)
WPLG Local 10 hosted a prime-time special on the crisis in Biscayne Bay, followed by a town hall with our researchers and WPLG's Louis Aguirre.
We held an expert panel on Aug. 22 to update the public on the response to the Biscayne Bay fish kills.
Task Force Report
The Biscayne Bay Task Force (BBTF) was established in February 2019 and was made up of nine members, including the Institute's Dr. Tiffany Troxler. The BBTF reviewed relevant data related to the Bay to determine how various issues may affect residents, property owners and our environment. In June 2020, the BBTF published a report with recommendations on how to help save our Bay.
Easy Ways to Help Save Biscayne Bay
Eliminate or Reduce Fertilizer Use: Fertilizers run off into our waterways, contaminating Biscayne Bay with excess phosphorous and nitrogen. Try not to use fertilizer, or choose fertilizers with slow-release nitrogen and little to no phosphorus.
Plant Native: Plants that are naturally adapted to South Florida require little maintenance and less fertilizer, and they filter water as it goes into the ground. They help support native insects and animals that help with pest control. Try landscaping with plants like Bougainvillea or Rain Lily.
Pick Up Waste and Inspect Septic Tanks: Things like pet waste, yard clippings and single-use plastics are extremely hurtful to the health of the bay and the ocean. Pick up your pet’s waste and try composting your landscaping debris. Have your septic tanks inspected – the waste from these tanks pollutes the bay.
Read Product Labels: Choose detergents and household cleaners that are low in phosphates and nitrogen.
Capture Motor Oil: Dispose of motor oil and engine coolant properly by taking it to an appropriate disposal site. Don’t let oil run off onto your driveway or yard. Never dispose of oil in storm drains or in your sink.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Cut back on plastic consumption and reuse items when possible. Plastics and other nonrecyclable products often end up in our waterways, threatening marine life and our precious water resources.
Experts on Biscayne Bay
Media seeking interviews should contact Ayleen Barbel, Nathalie Medina or Chrystian Tejedor.
Todd Crowl
Professor; Director, Institute of Environment; Director/PI, CREST CAChEPiero R. Gardinali
Professor; Director of the Freshwater Resources DivisionTiffany Troxler
Research Assistant Professor; Associate Director of Science, Sea Level [...]James W. Fourqurean
Professor; Director of the Coastlines and Oceans DivisionHenry Briceno
Research ProfessorKevin M. Boswell
Associate ProfessorThomas A. Frankovich
Research Assistant ProfessorLigia Collado-Vides
Teaching Professor; Associate Chair, Department of Biological SciencesJennifer Schopf Rehage
Associate ProfessorRolando Omar Santos Corujo
Postdoctoral AssociateBrad Schonhoff
Program ManagerMark Kershaw
Lab Manager IIWilliam H. Chamberlain
Lab Manager IIGregory Reis
Visiting Assistant Teaching ProfessorIkechukwu "Ike" Onwuka
PhD Student, Earth and EnvironmentNicholas Castillo
PhD Student, Earth and EnvironmentCody Eggenberger
Master's Student, Earth and EnvironmentAndria Beal
PhD Student, Biological SciencesBenjamin Binder
PhD StudentDaniel Correa
MS Student, Computer and Information SciencesMarbelys Garriga
PhD Student, Biological SciencesCarissa Gervasi
PhD CandidateAutumn Henderson
PhD Student, Chemistry and BiochemistrySteven Landeweer
PhD Student, Chemistry and BiochemistryBrian Ng
PhD Student, Chemistry and BiochemistryKassidy Troxell
PhD Student, Chemistry and Biochemistry
Ongoing Research
Support the Project
By supporting Biscayne Bay Health, you will join hands with the community in responding to the challenges these waters are facing. The project supports an annual summit to share valuable information on the impact of Biscayne Bay's overall health on the local ecosystem — the people, wildlife and waters around us.
Funds will directly support the protection and amelioration of Biscayne Bay through collaborative efforts. Questions? Please contact the Advancement team.