Pause, Listen, Improve the Plan: The Future of the Miami Seaquarium Should Be Shaped by the Community

The future of the former Miami Seaquarium location presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine one of South Florida’s most recognizable waterfronts. We support the thoughtful redevelopment of this unique site into a destination that serves residents and visitors alike, while celebrating the unique natural and cultural heritage of Virginia Key. However, redevelopment of this iconic waterfront property must not come at the expense of Biscayne Bay.

Biscayne Bay is one of South Florida’s most valuable natural and economic resources, fueling a $64B economy by supporting fisheries, recreation, tourism, rare and endemic flora and fauna, and the quality of life that defines our community. But our Bay continues to experience an immense amount of stress leading to recurring cycles of seagrass die-offs, declining water quality, fish kills, and habitat degradation from both excess nutrient pollution and increasing watercraft usage. Any project of this scale should demonstrate that it will help protect and improve the health of the Bay, not simply avoid making conditions worse.

The proposed redevelopment includes a large commercial marina and extensive new in-water infrastructure on county-owned sovereign submerged lands and publicly-owned waterfront. Because of the project’s size, location, and potential long-term impacts, additional public engagement and careful environmental review are needed before permitting moves forward.

We respectfully ask the Applicant to:

• Voluntarily withdraw the current permit application and initiate a meaningful community planning process before resubmitting a revised proposal;
• Host a series of publicly advertised workshops that allow residents, environmental organizations, scientists, recreational users, local businesses, and other stakeholders to help shape the future vision for the property;
• Share project information, environmental studies, and conceptual design alternatives early and transparently so that public input can meaningfully inform the project’s design;
• Work collaboratively with the community to identify opportunities to improve public access, environmental restoration, recreation, education, and long-term stewardship of Biscayne Bay;
• Incorporate community feedback into a revised redevelopment proposal that reflects both the ecological significance of Virginia Key and the public interest in this iconic waterfront site.

Redevelopment and environmental stewardship are not mutually exclusive. With thoughtful planning, strong science, and meaningful public participation, this project can become a model and a staple for sustainable and environmentally friendly waterfront redevelopment not just in South Florida, but the rest of the country.