Blue Scholars Initiative

Ever wonder about Loggerhead Sea Turtles??

Also known as “Caretta caretta” they are number 2️⃣on our turtle list this month and one of my personal favorite scientific names. ☺️🤩

They get their name because of their exceptionally large, block-like head that look similar to a big log. This really big “noggin” (which can be almost as wide as a dinner plate), is essential for supporting powerful jaw muscles used to crush hard-shelled prey like crabs, clams and conchs. 🦀🐚 Loggerheads have some of the strongest bite force of any sea turtle! 🦷🦷

In Florida, the Loggerhead sea turtle is legally designated as a threatened species. It is protected at both the state and federal levels under the Federal Endangered Species Act.

This month we’re focusing on them because it’s nesting season, when female turtles return to beaches to lay eggs and we may see more activity in nearby waters! Because Florida’s beaches host the highest number of nesting loggerheads in the world, strict state-specific regulations are enforced.  ‼️‼️

Have you ever encountered a Loggerhead sea turtle? 🐢

*bluescholarsinitiative

Ever wonder about the Green Sea Turtle? This month we’re focusing on sea turtles because it’s nesting season, when adult turtles come ashore to lay eggs and more turtles are active in our local waters! 💚🏝️🥚🥚



Green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) actually get their names from the green color of their body fat, not their shell!. They are great landscapers keeping seagrass short, which in turn keeps seagrass healthy. Healthy seagrass = cleaner water + more fish, crabs and baby sea life! 🐠🦀

Have you ever seen a green sea turtle in the wild? Comment below and tell us about it! 🐢🐢🐢

That 🤙🏻🤙🏽🤙🏾moment before getting in the water….when you take a deep breath and just let the beauty of 360 degrees of ocean blue “wash” over you….💙🌊

With our theme of resilience this month, we’re reminded—what better hope is there for our bay, our oceans, and our planet than teaching the next generation how to care for it? 🌎🌊🫶

We spent the day at the Alper JCC Preschool working with more than 120 amazing 2.5–5 year olds, exploring how they can help protect the world around them. And wow… it was EPIC! ✨

These sweet, curious minds are the future of our planet—and they’re already learning how to make a difference. That’s RESILIENCE in action. 💫

Ever wonder about seagrass superpowers? 🌱✨
This Earth Month, we’re celebrating RESILIENCE in Biscayne Bay—and seagrass might be the bay’s toughest hero! 🦸

Manatees and turtles munch it, storms and boats can damage it… and sometimes it even has big die-offs. But guess what? It grows back—again and again. 💪🌱

How? Hidden stems called rhizomes creep along the bay floor, slowly helping it recover.
Next time you’re snorkeling, look down… you’re swimming over a superhero. 🌊💚

📸

Spending another awesome day on the water with some scholars from . These guys came all the way from Marathon to take part in our program! 🐟🐠🐡

We are setting up the summer program now so if you have a group of some “kids on the brink of success” we would love to hear from you!!!!

Drop us a DM and we will make it happen

Ever wonder about the Hawkwing Conch? 🐚

This cool conch is number 3️⃣ on our sea snail search. The Hawkwing Conch (Lobatus raninus)!gets its name from its shell, which has spiky edges that look a bit like wings similar to a bird in flight—especially a hawk 🪶🪶.

It can be found in sandy areas and near reefs, quietly moving along and exploring the ocean floor. Even though it looks a little fancy, the Hawkwing Conch is great at blending in with its surroundings—like a master of camouflage! 🐌

have you ever seen one of these in our local waters? 🤔🤔

Ever wonder about Queen Conchs? 🤔🤔

For week 2 of our “shallow dive” into the amazing snails of Biscayne Bay we’re spotlighting the Queen Conch (Strombus gigas) 🐚🐚

Sea snails play an important role in the Bay’s ecosystem, helping keep seagrass beds healthy and serving as food for other marine life.

With its beautiful spiral shell and bright pink interior, it’s easy to see why it’s called the “queen.”

👑 Fun fact: The Queen Conch isn’t actually named after a female animal. Scientists believe the name comes from its large, impressive shell and “royal” appearance.
This is a fun double celebration because we recently marked International Women’s Day — so today we’re honoring one of the Bay’s most regal residents!

Ever wonder about the Fighting Conch?? 🤔🤔

This month we are exploring some amazing sea snails that call Biscayne Bay home. 🐚🐚

Fighting Conchs (Strombus alatus) actually get their name for their feisty behavior. When feeling excited or hreatened the marine snail will use its strong foot to hop along the sea floor. 💪🏻☀️If you see a shell suddenly move in shallow water, it might be this busy algae-eater at work! 🌱🌱Consuming this algae keeps seagrass beds healthy. ☺️☺️

Got this cool shot from when we were on assignment with

Swipe right 👉 to see that neat foot!

📸