As the largest gathering in a decade dedicated exclusively to the Florida Keys marine environment, this conference offered a valuable opportunity to strengthen collaboration and work collectively toward the best possible outcomes for the region’s ecosystems.

The Opening Plenary set an inspiring tone, connecting personal reflection with scientific insight and a shared call for ocean stewardship. Dr. Steve Gittings opened with “Dear Sloane – A Letter to My Granddaughter…”, a heartfelt message about the legacy we leave to future generations. His words urged attendees to see ocean conservation as a moral responsibility, not just a scientific pursuit. Dr. Mark J. Butler IV followed with “Shallow Seas and Shifting Baselines,” tracing the ecological history of the Florida Keys. His talk reminded us how shifting perceptions of “normal” can obscure long-term environmental decline—and how historical awareness can guide restoration. Dr. James W. Fourqurean closed with “Water Quality and Seagrass Health in the Florida Keys,” highlighting both progress and remaining challenges in protecting these vital ecosystems. His presentation underscored the need for continued research, management, and collaboration to sustain ocean health. Together, the speakers wove a compelling story of change, resilience, and responsibility—challenging us to protect the oceans for generations to come.

Sessions that followed featured nearly 130 talks and posters presented by those working in the Florida Keys, including surrounding areas such as Florida Bay and Biscayne Bay. Individuals shared their research and initiatives, fostering a deeper understanding of the state of marine resources in the region and encouraging inter-disciplinary collaboration.

The Closing Workshop on Thursday facilitated by Joy Hazell of FNRLI brought together scientists, managers, resource users, and community stakeholders to co-develop a shared vision for the future of the Florida Keys marine ecosystem. Through a series of facilitated discussions and collaborative activities, attendees worked to define what ecological and socioeconomic "success" could look like for this unique and rapidly changing region and explore what it would take to get there. Outcomes from this workshop will include research priorities that will help drive future collaborations and shape a unified path toward long-term resilience and sustainability of the Florida Keys ecosystem in the face of accelerating change.

We are also pleased to announce that Frontiers is publishing a Special Research Topic — Exploring and Safeguarding the Marine Ecosystems of the Florida Keys — a Special Collection in honor of Dr. Billy Causey, John Halas, and Dr. Walter C. Jaap, leaders who united science and stewardship to protect Florida Keys reefs. If you are interested in participating in this opportunity, scope and information for authors can be found on our website at frontiersin.org.

We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who submitted abstracts, attended the conference, participated in workshop discussions, and shared their time and expertise to advance the health of the Florida Keys. We are especially grateful to the companies and organizations that provided financial support—your generous contributions made this conference possible.

---

Together, we’ve built renewed momentum for science, stewardship, and partnership in the Florida Keys. Let’s continue this collaboration beyond the conference and work together to ensure a thriving, resilient marine ecosystem for generations to come.