Nature designed Florida to be a large marine ecosystem. Florida is a large sandy peninsula located below the 40th longitudinal line of North America. Three bodies of salt water (Gulf of Mexico, Strait of Florida and Atlantic Ocean) surround three of the four directions of Florida. Man-made canals, natural lakes, rivers and estuaries are confined within the physical boundaries of the State of Florida. All of these form an interconnected system of waterways that impact the interconnected marine environment (marine ecosystem). All of Florida's waterways are connected to surrounding bodies of water as they pass through Florida's subtropical and temperate zones and impact the delicate balance of the marine ecosystem. Humans and nature are causing a negative impact on this region like never before. Hurricanes, a lack of green initiatives, garbage, pollution and the exploitation of natural resources to support population growth are decimating Florida's natural ecosystems. The marine ecosystems of the State of Florida are subject to constant change. Change is necessary in nature. Change is nature's way of adapting. While there are “occasional good” changes, large progressive changes have a devastating negative impact on Florida's marine environment. There are several factors directly related to this negative change. Most of these factors are man-made. A cause is natural. It's the hurricane. Hurricane season runs from June to November (NOAA) each year. On average, 11 named storms occur in the Atlantic Basin each year, of which 6 reach hurricane strength and 50% of these become Category 3 to 5 major hurricanes on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale (NOAA) . Whether large or small, hurricanes cause damage and change... half of document......tm>.Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Waste Management Division, July 9, 2009. Web. February 2, 2010. National Hurricane Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, Dec. 1, 2009. Web. Feb. 19, 2010. National Weather Service. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, Jan. 5, 2010. Web. Feb. 2, 2010. Stephens, Henry A. “Recycling Limits Could Become Wider in Indian River County.” TCPalm.com. TC Palm, February 6, 2008. Web. February 3, 2010. Web log post. Sea World Orlando Goes Sustainable. Orlando Escapes, November 1, 2008. Web. February 19. 2010. .