An ambitious new project in Florida is giving marine scientists hope: 'I just see so much potential'

Florida’s marine community is getting a conservation push designed to connect habitats across the coastline. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and its charitable partner, the Fish and Wildlife Foundation of Florida (FWFF), announced an ambitious “coastal corridor” of linked ocean projects aimed at protecting and restoring vulnerable marine life. The plan is modeled on Florida’s 2021 wildlife corridor of 18m acres (7m hectares). It targets habitat restoration, fisheries enhancement, and improved public access and coastal resilience on both the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, including artificial reefs, oyster beds, seagrass and mangroves. The foundation cites $14bn in annual recreational fishing spending and 120,000 jobs, plus $3.1bn and 39,000 jobs tied to artificial reefs.