Shown here is a colony of the threatened Elkhorn coral, Acropora palmata, in Dry Tortugas National Park that has become "bleached," that is, lost all its algal symbionts (also called zooxanthellae) because of the summer 2023 ocean-heat wave.
Images
![A bleached white Elkhorn coral in Dry Tortugas National Park has died](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/Bleached%20Elkhorn%20coral%20in%20DRTO_Aug15_20223.jpg?itok=COqtEsbq)
Shown here is a colony of the threatened Elkhorn coral, Acropora palmata, in Dry Tortugas National Park that has become "bleached," that is, lost all its algal symbionts (also called zooxanthellae) because of the summer 2023 ocean-heat wave.
![Bleached white Elkhorn coral shown under a shade cover installed to protect it in Dry Tortugas National Park, Pulaski Shoal](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/Bleached%20Elkhorn%20coral%20under%20shade_Pulaski_DRTO_Aug15_2023.jpg?itok=_9qz6cP1)
Shown here is a colony of the threatened Elkhorn coral, Acropora palmata, that has become "bleached," that is, lost all its algal symbionts (also called zooxanthellae) because of the summer 2023 ocean-heat wave. The coral is attached to a cement block as part of the U.S.
Shown here is a colony of the threatened Elkhorn coral, Acropora palmata, that has become "bleached," that is, lost all its algal symbionts (also called zooxanthellae) because of the summer 2023 ocean-heat wave. The coral is attached to a cement block as part of the U.S.
![Bleached white Elkhorn coral under a shade in Dry Tortugas National Park, Garden Key](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/Bleached%20Elkhorn%20under%20shade%20in%20DRTO_Aug15_2023.jpg?itok=-0ooFTks)
Shown here is a colony of the threatened Elkhorn coral, Acropora palmata, that has become "bleached," that is, lost all its algal symbionts (also called zooxanthellae) because of the summer 2023 ocean-heat wave. The coral is attached to a cement block as part of the U.S.
Shown here is a colony of the threatened Elkhorn coral, Acropora palmata, that has become "bleached," that is, lost all its algal symbionts (also called zooxanthellae) because of the summer 2023 ocean-heat wave. The coral is attached to a cement block as part of the U.S.
Coastal communities on the Great Lakes may experience coastal change, including dune erosion. The USGS and NOAA are developing the Total Water and Coastal Change Forecast at sites like this one in Ontanogan, Michigan to provide communities with real-time information for decision making.
Coastal communities on the Great Lakes may experience coastal change, including dune erosion. The USGS and NOAA are developing the Total Water and Coastal Change Forecast at sites like this one in Ontanogan, Michigan to provide communities with real-time information for decision making.
Photograph of Caitlin Reynolds and the sediment traps from the Gulf of Mexico aboard the R/V Weatherbird. Scientists collect and redeploy the mooring every 6-9 months.
Photograph of Caitlin Reynolds and the sediment traps from the Gulf of Mexico aboard the R/V Weatherbird. Scientists collect and redeploy the mooring every 6-9 months.
![a scientist points to a cylindrical object in front of two young women in a laboratory](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/20230615_115720e.jpg?itok=MuVDZI7e)
Dr. Legna Torres-García shows oceanographic equipment to campers from Oceanography Camp for Girls
linkDr. Legna Torres-García participated in camper interviews for the 2023 Oceanography Camp for Girls, during which she explained the types of oceanographic equipment that is used to collect data to help create and improve coastal change hazard predictions.
Dr. Legna Torres-García shows oceanographic equipment to campers from Oceanography Camp for Girls
linkDr. Legna Torres-García participated in camper interviews for the 2023 Oceanography Camp for Girls, during which she explained the types of oceanographic equipment that is used to collect data to help create and improve coastal change hazard predictions.
![Students gather around an outdoor picnic table holding a scientific display. A woman speaks and holds a poster.](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/IMG_0529e.jpg?itok=MvAxuRzK)
Kara Doran shares USGS coastal change hazards forecasts and observations with campers from University of South Florida's 2023 Oceanography Camp for Girls.
Kara Doran shares USGS coastal change hazards forecasts and observations with campers from University of South Florida's 2023 Oceanography Camp for Girls.
![A person in a USGS shirt stands by a monitor displaying maps of Puerto Rico with red and white lines indicating probabilities](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/IMG1_0.jpg?itok=aYPFzLj2)
The Caribbean Coastal Ocean Observing System (CARICOOS) hosted a General Assembly May 26, 2023, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and featured a presentation about USGS coastal hazards research, shoreline change geonarrative, natural hazards web pages, and other research related to the island.
The Caribbean Coastal Ocean Observing System (CARICOOS) hosted a General Assembly May 26, 2023, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and featured a presentation about USGS coastal hazards research, shoreline change geonarrative, natural hazards web pages, and other research related to the island.
The R/V Weatherbird II docked at the Florida Institute of Oceanography at University of South Florida (USF) College of Marine Science in St. Petersburg, Florida. USGS scientists and partners at Eckerd College and USF load the vessel in preparation for a research cruise as part of a National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded Scientist-at-Sea program.
The R/V Weatherbird II docked at the Florida Institute of Oceanography at University of South Florida (USF) College of Marine Science in St. Petersburg, Florida. USGS scientists and partners at Eckerd College and USF load the vessel in preparation for a research cruise as part of a National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded Scientist-at-Sea program.
The USGS was proud to be an exhibitor and sponsor at the Coastal Sediments Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana, in April 2023.
The USGS was proud to be an exhibitor and sponsor at the Coastal Sediments Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana, in April 2023.
![A woman stands with a booklet called, "Coastal and Marine Science of the USGS in St. Petersburg, Florida"](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/MeaghanEmory-with-GIP.jpg?itok=CK3a-2JH)
The publication, “Coastal and Marine Science of the U.S. Geological Survey in St.
The publication, “Coastal and Marine Science of the U.S. Geological Survey in St.
![a woman in a green USGS shirt stands in front of a castle on a beach](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/20230405_151139.jpg?itok=FmEHPp8t)
Dr. Donya Frank-Gilchrist of the USGS St.
![two women sit on a beach at low tide, smiling at the camera](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/20230405_122018.jpg?itok=Qy25p5Ii)
Dr. Donya Frank-Gilchrist of the USGS St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, and Dr. Allison Penko of the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory Ocean Sciences Division presented research on sand transport under oscillatory flows at the Marine and River Dune Dynamics (MARID) Conference in Rennes, France.
Dr. Donya Frank-Gilchrist of the USGS St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, and Dr. Allison Penko of the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory Ocean Sciences Division presented research on sand transport under oscillatory flows at the Marine and River Dune Dynamics (MARID) Conference in Rennes, France.
![a woman stands at a podium on stage in front of a presentation about sand grain trapping over sand ripples](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/IMG_20230405_001908.jpg?itok=nyDw78h_)
Dr. Donya Frank-Gilchrist presents at the Marine and River Dune Dynamics Conference in Rennes, France
linkDr. Donya Frank-Gilchrist of the USGS St.
![Fourteen shells are pictured with details about species name and collection locality.](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/shells_lineup.png?itok=w22v-XJO)
Various species of bivalve shells with potential to serve as environmental proxy archives. The shells will be studied to understand their lifespan and geochemical properties.
Various species of bivalve shells with potential to serve as environmental proxy archives. The shells will be studied to understand their lifespan and geochemical properties.
![Three UGSS staff smiling at a table with various animal displays under a tent](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/IMG_0212.jpg?itok=DK4JviKs)
Emily Wei (SPCMSC), Kaitlin Kovacs (WARC), and Kayla Morningstar (WARC) prepare for a fun day of public outreach about USGS invasive species research at the St. Petersburg Science Festival. For more than 10 years, the St.
Emily Wei (SPCMSC), Kaitlin Kovacs (WARC), and Kayla Morningstar (WARC) prepare for a fun day of public outreach about USGS invasive species research at the St. Petersburg Science Festival. For more than 10 years, the St.
![USGS staff holds up a piece of coral in front of a group of children at a table outside](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/20230217_103517.jpg?itok=S56YwaJu)
Maddie Mette holds up a slice from a coral core in front of a group of students at the 2023 St. Petersburg Science Festival. For more than 10 years, the St. Petersburg Science Festival has celebrated STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) activities with elementary school children and the public over a two-day event.
Maddie Mette holds up a slice from a coral core in front of a group of students at the 2023 St. Petersburg Science Festival. For more than 10 years, the St. Petersburg Science Festival has celebrated STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) activities with elementary school children and the public over a two-day event.
![USGS staff holds a bony scale from a large fish at a table outside while talking to the public](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/20230218_111402.jpg?itok=IB0_BNWR)
Kaitlin Kovacs (WARC) holds up a bony scute from a Gulf Sturgeon at the 2023 St. Petersburg Science Festival. For more than 10 years, the St. Petersburg Science Festival has celebrated STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) activities with elementary school children and the public over a two-day event.
Kaitlin Kovacs (WARC) holds up a bony scute from a Gulf Sturgeon at the 2023 St. Petersburg Science Festival. For more than 10 years, the St. Petersburg Science Festival has celebrated STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) activities with elementary school children and the public over a two-day event.
![USGS staff points to a toy turtle on a table outside while speaking to a family at an outreach event](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/IMG_0224.jpg?itok=7_tHjXwE)
Dorothy Sifuentes Discusses Animal Tagging at the 2023 St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center
linkDorothy Sifuentes (Caribbean-Florida Water Science Center) discusses how tags are used to track movement and behavior of several aquatic imperiled species, like sea turtles. For more than 10 years, the St.
Dorothy Sifuentes Discusses Animal Tagging at the 2023 St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center
linkDorothy Sifuentes (Caribbean-Florida Water Science Center) discusses how tags are used to track movement and behavior of several aquatic imperiled species, like sea turtles. For more than 10 years, the St.
![A USGS staff member smiles at a child, holds a prop next to a tank filled with water and confetti at an outside public event](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/SPSF_CaitlinBeaver_eDNA.jpg?itok=51UFmz5p)
Caitlin Beaver (WARC) explains how environmental DNA (eDNA) is used to study invasive and imperiled species while at the 2023 St. Petersburg Science Festival. For more than 10 years, the St.
Caitlin Beaver (WARC) explains how environmental DNA (eDNA) is used to study invasive and imperiled species while at the 2023 St. Petersburg Science Festival. For more than 10 years, the St.