Water Quality Protection Program To Convene In Marathon For Public Meeting, Research Symposium

Two-day session will spotlight new science guiding management of Florida Keys waters.

The Water Quality Protection Program Steering Committee will meet March 4 and 5 at Marathon City Hall, bringing together federal, state and local agencies alongside community representatives to address water quality issues affecting the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

The two-day meeting is open to the public and will include an opportunity for comment.

The Water Quality Protection Program, known as WQPP, serves as a collaborative forum focused on protecting and improving water quality throughout the Florida Keys. The steering committee coordinates restoration and monitoring efforts across multiple agencies and jurisdictions.

The March 4 session will center on project updates, program priorities and future actions. Officials are expected to review ongoing initiatives and discuss next steps aimed at reducing pollution and safeguarding nearshore and offshore waters.

On March 5, the committee will host a Mini-Research Symposium highlighting results from recent water quality studies funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and partner organizations. Presentations will showcase new scientific findings and outline how research investments are shaping management decisions in the Keys.

Organizers said the symposium reflects significant scientific investment in understanding nutrient pollution, wastewater impacts and other stressors affecting coral reefs, seagrass beds and coastal ecosystems.

Meeting details, agendas and registration information are available at the program’s website.