A man holding binoculars on a rocky jetty

Jeff Liechty

Florida Coastal Islands Sanctuaries Manager
About

Jeff joined the Audubon flock in 2017 as a rooftop biologist in Tampa Bay, then served as coastal biologist at the Florida Coastal Islands Sanctuaries (FCIS) before taking the helm as Sanctuary Manager in 2025.

Jeff works to protect the many nesting islands around the Tampa Bay region and beyond, with a focus on reducing the harm caused by fishing line entanglement by banding rehabbed pelicans, working with local rehabbers, raising funds, and educating the public.

Jeff also co-authored a paper in the journal Avian Conservation and Ecology titled ‘Survival of fallen and Returned Rooftop Nesting Least Tern Chicks.’ He also monitors bird nesting islands and responds to disturbances. 

Articles by Jeff Liechty

screenshot of a youtube video where jeff looks through binoculars
New Video Highlights Florida Coastal Islands Sanctuary Living Shorelines
March 18, 2026 — These breakwaters protect the shorelines of mangrove islands that wading birds rely on.
FLORIDA Coastal Resilience