From vibrant tropical fish for aquarium enthusiasts to succulent shellfish served as the center of the plate, Florida’s aquaculture industry serves as an economic powerhouse and a national leader. In 2022, the state’s tropical fish sales alone totaled $62.4 million, with many other species adding…
Read More Behind The Scenes: How UF/IFAS Risk Assessments Sustain Florida’s $191M Aquaculture Industry
Science tells us invasive species are always on the move. Scientists face a challenge in simulating their spread and further predicting where they will go next. Researchers at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences took a deep dive to understand why…
Read More University Of Florida Researchers Develop New Model To Predict Invasive Species Spread
In a groundbreaking study, University of Florida scientists statistically analyzed large amounts of data collected by Burmese python contractors, revealing critical insights about how to most efficiently remove the reptiles. Researchers correlated survey outcomes, including python removals, with survey conditions, using statistical modeling. For example,…
Read More Cracking The Burmese Python Code: New Data Zeroes In On Game-Changing Strategies
Have you ever noticed unusual plants, animals or insects in your area? Chances are there is way to help scientists learn more about them. Then there are invasive species – non-native species that threaten Florida’s ecosystems, agriculture, and wildlife. Did you know that you can…
Read More Citizen Science And Why It Matters, UF/IFAS Experts Explain
Spotted a tiny, colorful critter hopping on a leaf and wondered what it was up to? Meet the hoppers — leafhoppers, planthoppers and treehoppers. These tiny acrobatic insects aren’t just charming to watch; they are economically important, and scientists need to know more about them.…
Read More UF/IFAS Launches ‘Hopper Heroes’ Initiative To Track Leafhoppers, Planthoppers, And Treehoppers
University of Florida scientists have secured a $300,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to address one of South Florida’s most pressing environmental challenges: excess phosphorus in freshwater ecosystems such as the Everglades. The two-year project will focus on identifying and advancing treatment technologies to…
Read More University Of Florida Secures $300K NSF Grant To Address Phosphorus Pollution In South Florida Ecosystems
Scientists at the University of Florida have developed a pioneering tool to bolster Florida’s defenses against invasive species: a DNA-based environmental monitoring test that can pinpoint where they’ve been, aiding eradication efforts. Once a nonnative species gets into an environment, it is often too late…
Read More UF/IFAS Scientists Develop Method For Detecting DNA Of Invasive Snakes In Florida
Atlantic subtropical seaweed is making waves among scientists who are exploring its potential for economic and environmental benefits for the Sunshine State. The University of Florida and Florida Sea Grant have secured a $250,000 grant from NOAA to investigate seaweed aquaculture cultivated from Florida’s tropical…
Read More UF/IFAS And Florida Sea Grant Secure $250K NOAA Grant To Cultivate Seaweed Aquaculture
Invasive species in Florida like Nile monitors and Argentine black-and-white tegus pose a growing threat to the Sunshine State’s environment, economy and public safety. South Florida’s warm climate, disturbed habitats and bustling pet trade have made it a hotspot for these non-native, cryptic reptiles. However,…
Read More New Outreach Program Helps UF Researchers Track Invasive Species In Florida
As Floridians begin to work on recovery efforts from the destruction caused by hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton, many are dealing with fallen trees that have damaged their property. For some, the situation is even worse due to an unexpected culprit: termites. According to Thomas…
Read More Fallen Trees Reveal Hiden Termites: UF/IFAS Expert Offers Identification, Prevention Resources