Though Ultra has boasted millions of fans for years now, not everyone is as enamored with the festival as its attendees. Namely, the citizens of Bayfront Park and the surrounding area - where Ultra has been held most recently before Virginia Key - have repeatedly complained of disruption, not only in the form of noise pollution, but also that of a heavy environmental toll. This year at Virginia Key was no exception: the Virginia Key Advisory Board has cited a report from UMiami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, which delineates the stress marine life in the area has suffered as a result of the festival. According to Key News, “testing of hormone levels shows stress levels were greater than if the fish were being chased by a predator.” Although the advisory board has voted against Ultra’s license renewal, the license can only be revoked by the City of Miami. The vote will take place on May 9. This is just the latest in an ongoing trend to push for environmental and cultural awareness in music: as EDM grows in popularity, impact, and reach, it is important to keep in mind the effect we have as an industry on the world.