Mangrove Island - Bird Rookery

Urban Paradise Guild (UPG) has played a crucial role in protecting the nesting and roosting rookery on Mangrove Island in Biscayne Bay, Miami. This spoil island, owned by the City of Miami, became the new nesting site for birds after the collapse of a 300-year-old rookery on nearby privately owned Bird Key between 2019 and 2022. Recognizing the importance of Mangrove Island as the birds’ new primary nesting site, UPG led the effort to get the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to survey the island, which confirmed it as an active rookery on July 13, 2023.

Following this confirmation, UPG successfully advocated for the City of Miami Commission to pass two resolutions in 2023, one in July and another in November, to protect the rookery from human disturbance. As a result of UPG’s advocacy, FWC placed signage on the island to inform visitors about the rookery and to prevent disturbances during nesting season. Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve has also purchased buoys to be placed around the island once permitting is finalized.

UPG continues its efforts to secure additional protection by advocating for Mangrove Island to be designated as a Critical Wildlife Area, ensuring long-term safety for the birds and the ecosystem.

Biscayne Wildlife in Peril

Samantha Morel, AUG. 05, 2023

https://www.biscaynetimes.com/news/on-the-cover/biscayne-wildlife-in-peril/