Story perspectives

Florida Unveils 13-Mile Reef Corridor, Safeguards Manatees

8/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Fish and Wildlife Foundation of Florida announced a corridor linking reefs, oyster beds, seagrass and mangroves.
Project director Mike Norberg said the focus is a 13-mile reef off Collier County that will restore beaches, mangroves and seagrass to curb erosion risk for manatees.
Recreational fishing and artificial reefs generate $17.1 billion and 159,000 jobs, supporting tourism from over 2 million out-of-state anglers each year.

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Story summary

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Fish and Wildlife Foundation of Florida announced a corridor linking reefs, oyster beds, seagrass and mangroves.
Project director Mike Norberg said the focus is a 13-mile reef off Collier County that will restore beaches, mangroves and seagrass to curb erosion risk for manatees.
Recreational fishing and artificial reefs generate $17.1 billion and 159,000 jobs, supporting tourism from over 2 million out-of-state anglers each year.