Read more about the article Becoming a blue economy
From left, front, Blue Economy panelists Dr. Tracy Fanara and Maya Burke, and at back Anna Maria Island residents and advocates Ed Chiles, Capt. Scott Moore and Dr. Bob Carter. - Rusty Chinnis | Sun

Becoming a blue economy

The title of the program, “Becoming a Blue Economy” at The Center of Anna Maria Island would have been enough to attract my attention. Add the subtitle, “Sustainability Forum,” and…

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Read more about the article Meet Suncoast Waterkeeper Executive Director Abbey Tyrna
Suncoast Waterkeeper Executive Director Abbey Tyrna takes a water sample from one of the area’s creeks. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

Meet Suncoast Waterkeeper Executive Director Abbey Tyrna

Suncoast Waterkeeper’s new Executive Director, Abbey Tyrna, brings an impressive record of accomplishments to the organization. Tyrna received her doctorate in geography in 2015 from Pennsylvania State University, where she…

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Read more about the article Pursuing a developer’s destruction of mangroves
An aerial view of the mangroves west of the Aqua by the Bay development reveals mangroves that have been cut excessively and appear to be dead or dying. - Rusty Chinnis | Sun

Pursuing a developer’s destruction of mangroves

People who fish locally know the importance of mangroves. Intertwined with their twisted roots is a web of life that’s inextricably bound to the snook, redfish, trout, flounder, grouper and…

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Read more about the article The smelly, fish-killing prices of inaction
Hopefully, Suncoast Waterkeeper’s legal challenge and settlement with the City of Bradenton addressing the release of polluted water into the Manatee River will help prevent blooms like this one at Robinson Preserve in 2020. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

The smelly, fish-killing prices of inaction

Red tide. They’re probably two words nobody on or near Florida’s West Coast wants to hear, and I can understand why — sort of. Someone who owns a resort hotel,…

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Read more about the article Reel Time: Clean Water Act Case Benefits Anglers
Island businesses are often the first to feel the effects of nitrogen rich waters. - Rusty Chinnis | Sun

Reel Time: Clean Water Act Case Benefits Anglers

Suncoast Waterkeeper and partner environmental groups Tampa Bay Waterkeeper, Manasota-88 and Our Children’s Earth Foundation have once again given local anglers cause for some badly needed optimism. This past week, a settlement of a…

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Read more about the article How and Why to Release Fish Alive
Captain John Kipp prepares to release a tarpon after reviving it in the water next to the boat. - Rusty Chinnis | Sun

How and Why to Release Fish Alive

By Rusty Chinnis - May 24, 2021 Catch and release used to be a relatively new concept in sport fishing, one that recognized that fish populations are vulnerable and not the endless…

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