MANATEEFEST

Growing Corals to Restore Ecosystems

Coral Restoration Foundation™ grows climate-resilient corals in underwater nurseries and outplants them back onto degraded reefs to help restore ecological function. This talk explores how active coral restoration supports reef biodiversity, coastal protection, and the long-term health of Florida’s Coral Reef.

Protecting South Florida Sea Turtles

Learn about the species of sea turtles that nest in South Florida, the threats they face on land and in the water, and what we can do to help.

Build It & They Will Come: Habitat Restoration in the Lake Worth Lagoon

Discover the journey of restoring Lake Worth Lagoon, Palm Beach County’s largest estuary. Through the help of multiple partners and overcoming various challenges, learn about the positive impact these efforts have made on wildlife and the local community.

Magnificent Manatees! Fun Facts and What We Can Do To Help Them

Dive into the wonderful world of Florida manatees! Learn fascinating facts about manatee biology, behavior, and the unique habitats they call home. Discover how manatees and their environments face challenges, and explore simple ways you and your family can make a difference. Find out how Friends of Manatee Lagoon supports conservation efforts and how you can get involved in protecting these gentle giants.

Why Mangroves Matter

Join us for an inspiring conversation on the critical role mangroves play in protecting our coasts and communities. With years of restoration experience, Keith will share how these ecosystems safeguard shorelines, support marine life, and strengthen coastal resilience.

Florida’s Fabulous Sharks: the neighbors you never knew you needed

We aren’t the only ones who love Florida for the perfect temperatures, great things to eat, and even the hope of romance. Florida’s coastlines offer unique ecosystems and habitats that support shark populations, which in turn support the health of our oceans. We will talk about all the different types of sharks and why they also love to call Florida home.

Our Favorite Animal Doesn’t Have a Face: Helping Save Florida’s Coral Reefs

Coral reefs are alive, and they need our help! In this coastal chat, we will talk about what coral really is, why Florida’s reefs are declining, and why there is still reason for hope. Through stories from the field and the work happening at The Reef Institute in West Palm Beach, we will share how some Florida corals have been rescued, protected, grown, and how their babies are outplanted back onto Florida’s reefs.

The Mysterious Manta Rays of Florida

Even though South Florida is an important habitat for manta rays, scientists still understand very little about these incredible animals. The Florida Manta Project, the first dedicated manta ray study in the continental U.S., has discovered some of their secrets and continues to research these manta mysteries!