You are here

Biscayne National Park Receives $1.1 Million To Help Coral Reefs

Share

Published Date

March 10, 2024

Biscayne National Park staff have been combatting coral diseases/NPS file

More than $1.1 million will be used at Biscayne National Park in Florida in a bid to protect coral reefs from disease and climate-change impacts, and to restore reefs in the park.

Coral reefs in recent years have been hit with a double-whammy, suffering from the spread of stony coral disease as well as coral bleaching events tied to unusually warm sea waters. Stony coral disease is an infectious, water-borne disease that impacts hard coral species and damages entire reefs. Bleaching is the result of warmer-than-usual water temperatures killing off the corals' resident microbial organisms. 

Live coral cover across Interior Region 2 (IR2) parks, including Biscayne, has declined by as much as 90 percent during the last 30 years, according to the National Park Service. Park reefs provide habitat essential for commercially and recreationally important species, offer shoreline protection, and contribute heavily to the tourism economy. Loss of live coral leads to reduction in the reef ecosystem’s ability to provide these critical ecosystem services.

The park will use this funding to implement the region-wide coral reef resource stewardship strategy (RSS) to increase protection and management of park reefs. Funded actions aim to increase overall coral ecosystem health and resilience to climate change and other environmental concerns.  These projects infuse much-needed funding in putting people to work in addressing critical ecosystem needs to restore healthy and resilient park lands while benefiting communities surrounding parks, the park noted in a news release. 

“We are excited to receive this funding, which will help the park continue focusing on coral disease intervention, coral population enhancement, maintenance and expansion of the park’s mooring buoy network, restoration of storm damaged corals, removal of marine debris from park reefs, and management of invasive species," said Biscayne Superintendent Penelope Del Bene. "By increasing the health of park resources, we are not only able to work on critical environmental issues, but also support meaningful visitor experiences.”

The $1.1 million endeavor is part of an overall $195 million investment in the National Park System over the next ten years from the Inflation Reduction Act to prepare parks across the country to be resilient to climate change. These investments are incredibly timely, as healthy ecosystems, wildlife and native plant habitats, and cultural resources are threatened by climate change and many other environmental challenges, the Park Service pointed out.

Related Stories:

Stories about:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Comments

That money isn't enough to cover salaries and repairs those island on the bay need. money down the drain. That pristine story about keeping mosquitoes on the island instead of taxpayers has been the worst plan ever kept alive. More than 90% of that park is underwater. keeping 97% of taxpayers from enjoying their hard earned tax dollar. NPS needs a businessman or woman to turn those Mosquito infested island into a public resort.


Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your urgent support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.