Monitoring Biscayne Bay: Ballyhoo Media’s Water Quality Pilot Program

Author: Helen Roldan, Director of Communications and Public Affairs @ Ballyhoo Media

At Ballyhoo Media, our commitment to environmental stewardship is at the heart of everything we do. Through our Blue Beacon program, we actively support initiatives that protect and preserve our waterways, ensuring that the community can continue to enjoy South Florida’s pristine coastal environment.

This past spring, we partnered with Miami Waterkeeper to conduct a three-month water quality monitoring pilot project in Northern Biscayne Bay. The project, which ran from April to July 2024, focused on analyzing fecal indicator bacteria (FIB), specifically enterococci, across three key sites in the bay. These bacteria can signal potential health risks in recreational waters, making routine monitoring crucial for public safety.

Key Highlights of the Project:

• Comprehensive Testing: Over 25 water samples were collected and analyzed for FIB, dissolved oxygen, water temperature, salinity, turbidity, and chlorophyll-a.
• Public Awareness: We made the results available to the public through the SwimGuide app, where users can easily access up-to-date information on water quality at various sites.
• Community Impact: The project saw a significant level of engagement through a short period of time, with 419 visits to the SwimGuide website, encompassing all the sites we tested.
• Environmental Data: The study revealed that 20% of the samples exceeded the recommended safety threshold for recreational waters, highlighting the ongoing need for vigilant water quality monitoring.

Why This Matters

South Florida’s waterways are not only a vital part of our environment but also a cornerstone of our local economy, drawing tourists and supporting jobs across the region. Yet, these waters face numerous threats, from pollution to sea-level rise. By investing in this pilot project, we aim to contribute to the long-term health of Biscayne Bay, ensuring that it remains safe and enjoyable for everyone.

Through initiatives like this, Ballyhoo Media is leading the way in promoting ocean conservation and community engagement. Our Blue Beacon program is just one of the ways we reinvest in our environment, using the revenue from our advertising platforms to support essential projects that make a difference.

Read the Full Report

For a detailed look at our findings and to learn more about the work we did with Miami Waterkeeper, we invite you to read the full report by clicking below.