06/05/2026
The Endangered Species Act protects threatened coral species and Queen conch. Under the law, the Corps must work with NOAA to ensure the Broward County Sand Bypass project does not harm these species or their habitat in ways that jeopardize their survival and recovery.
NOAA originally concluded the project would not cause that level of harm if specific dredging requirements were followed. But the Corps has not followed all of those requirements. The sediment is spreading much farther than expected and threatening more coral, conch, and reef habitat.
Under the law, this new information means the Corps has to reconsult with NOAA to determine whether the project must be modified to avoid jeopardizing the species. The Corps has not taken that essential first step, which is why we’re prepared to take them to court.
Partners: Earthjustice, Florida Wildlife Federation, Center for Biological Diversity, DEMA.
Thank you: LecheStudios, Dr. Shireen Rahimi, Pete Zuccarini, and Evan D’Alessandro.
