Project Explorer Archive - Florida Sea Grant

Use the finder tool to explore our recent Research and Program Development (PD) projects.

Turning Sargassum into Sustainable Aquafeed for Florida’s Coasts

This project turns the problem of smelly, washed-up Sargassum into a sustainable solution for Florida’s fish farms. By using fly larvae to process the seaweed, researchers are creating a new, eco-friendly ingredient for fish feed that reduces waste and supports coastal agriculture.

Transforming Seagrass Restoration in the Indian River Lagoon with Biochar

Researchers will test a new “biochar” sediment amendment to help shoal grass grow faster in nurseries and survive better when replanted in the wild. This innovative nature-based solution aims to break the cycle of seagrass loss and support the recovery of vital habitats in the Indian River Lagoon.

Strengthening Coastal Resilience to Hurricanes Through Nature-Based Engineering

Researchers are using advanced computer simulations to bridge the gap between nature and engineering, helping coastal Florida communities plan for future hurricanes. The project provides local leaders with the technical data needed to implement nature-based solutions that protect homes and infrastructure from storm surges.

Restoring Florida’s Coral Reefs through Sea Urchin Aquaculture and Re-Stocking

Scientists are scaling up the production of a “keystone” sea urchin species to serve as the lawnmowers of our coral reefs. Restoring these urchins is a critical step in reef recovery, as they clear the space needed for new corals to settle and grow.

Innovative Land-Based Strategies for Florida Coral Rescue and Health

This initiative strengthens Florida’s coral rescue efforts by developing advanced veterinary and husbandry protocols for land-based coral nurseries. By improving the health of rescued corals, the project ensures a robust population is ready for future reef restoration.

Enhancing Seafood Safety with Advanced Shrimp Testing Methods

New, easy-to-use testing kits will soon help ensure the shrimp on your plate is exactly what the label says it is. This project creates a rapid screening tool to detect mislabeling and antibiotic residues, protecting both consumers and ethical seafood producers in Florida.

Building Public Support for Living Shorelines in Florida

By documenting the “human side” of coastal protection, this project highlights how living shorelines provide beautiful, recreational spaces for Florida’s residents. The goal is to move beyond engineering benefits to show how nature-based coastlines improve quality of life and community resilience.

Advancing Sponge Restoration Success on Florida’s Nature Coast

This project sets the standard for “best ecological practices” in sponge restoration to ensure that newly planted sponge communities thrive. By restoring these natural water filters, researchers are helping to improve water quality and provide essential habitats for Florida’s fisheries.

Greater Amberjack Research Program

Recap: Researchers are working to develop additional data sources, assessment approaches, and knowledge to improve agency and agency independent estimates of the abundance of Greater Amberjack throughout the Greater Amberjack’s range.

NOAA Harmful Algal Bloom Liaison for OAR, NOS and NESDIS

The seven Sea Grant programs listed above envision a “NOAA HAB Liaison” to help manage and mitigate a significant, growing and immediate environmental, economic and health crisis facing our coasts. HABs are an example of a quintessential phenomenon that crosscuts the national focus areas and affects not only coastal residents but also tourists located across the country and around the world.

NOAA Harmful Algal Bloom Liaison

This four-year project advances the NOAA Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Liaison program by strengthening coordination, knowledge transfer, and decision-support capacity across coastal regions of the United States. The initiative links advanced operational and emerging HAB forecasting and monitoring tools developed by NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) with local decision-makers, Sea Grant programs, and coastal communities.

Genetic Tools for Marine Fisheries Management

This study will develop empirically based approaches to assess and manage fisheries resources using a mix of genetic and conventional tagging, along with CKMR. The primary goal is to evaluate the costs, benefits, and utility of these new genetic approaches on stock status determination and management advice.

Urban Mangroves Communication Tools

The project aims to understand the impact of urbanization on mangroves by examining their physical and chemical structures and functions. It seeks to enhance the accessibility of this knowledge to diverse stakeholders to aid in the conservation and restoration of urban mangroves.

Mangrove Protection for Coastal Housing

This project aims to quantify the protective value of fringing mangroves against storm-induced damage to coastal residential structures at the parcel scale. The research will result in a vulnerability assessment matrix to inform local planners and governments on integrating mangrove conservation in coastal resilience planning.

Dune Toe Collapse Risk and Mitigation

This project investigates the causes of dune toe collapses at Flagler Beach, Florida, focusing on geotechnical and metocean conditions to improve mitigation strategies. It involves field surveys, laboratory testing, and numerical modeling to develop a probabilistic risk assessment framework and explore mitigation strategies.

Hyperspectral Analysis for Coral Health

The project aims to use hyperspectral imaging combined with photogrammetric techniques to monitor coral health by analyzing emission spectra and tissue traits. This approach could provide a noninvasive, cost-effective method for assessing coral health and contribute to coral reef management strategies.

Habitat Mosaic Modeling for Estuarine Fish Dynamics

The project aims to develop a Bayesian habitat mosaic modeling approach to better understand the dynamics of fish communities in estuarine environments. By analyzing the influence of benthic habitat type and prey availability, the project seeks to provide insights into fish foraging behavior and community structure.

Wind Resilience of Slender Structures

The project aims to enhance the understanding and design guidelines for wind resilience of slender structures, which are critical in the built environment but often suffer from inaccurate wind-induced response estimates. By conducting large-scale tests at the Wall of Wind facility and comparing results with international field data, the project seeks to improve design standards and contribute to more resilient communities.

Genomic Techniques for Reef Fisheries Management

This project employs genomic techniques and habitat modeling to address conservation challenges for Florida’s coral reef fish populations. It aims to enhance understanding of population connectivity and resilience under environmental stressors, contributing to informed management and conservation strategies.

Coastal Darkening in Florida’s Estuaries

The project investigates the role of marine sediments in contributing to coastal darkening through the release of DOC and CDOM, particularly focusing on the Indian River Lagoon and Florida Bay. It aims to understand the biogeochemical processes and optical impacts of sediment-derived carbon and iron on water clarity and carbon cycling.

Modeling Coral Reef Fisheries in South Florida

The project focuses on understanding the dynamics of coral reef fish assemblages in South Florida by developing a spatially explicit model that incorporates recreational fisher behavior. This model will help in examining the impacts of different management scenarios on the fishery ecosystem.

Smartphone-Enabled Red Tide Detection

This project develops smartphone-enabled qPCR technology to enhance the detection and monitoring of harmful algal blooms in the Gulf of Mexico. By integrating this technology into citizen science programs, it aims to improve data accuracy and timeliness, contributing to better management and mitigation of red tide impacts.

Everglades Peat Collapse and SLR Impact Study

The project investigates the impact of sea-level rise on Everglades peat marshes, focusing on salinity thresholds that lead to peat collapse. It combines experimental data with modeling to inform water management strategies and predict landscape changes under future SLR scenarios.

Resilience Planning for Affordable Housing

This project evaluates the effectiveness of resilience planning in affordable housing by developing models and analyzing risks in the Tampa Bay area. It aims to improve planning strategies and engage local stakeholders to ensure the resilience of housing infrastructure.

Enhancing Hatchery Capacity for Sunray Venus Clam

The project aims to commercialize the sunray venus clam by enhancing hatchery capacity through optimized conditioning and spawning techniques, genetic analysis, and industry collaboration. This initiative is expected to diversify the shellfish aquaculture industry, creating jobs and providing a sustainable seafood supply.

Impact of Trap Fishing on PaV1 in Spiny Lobsters

The project investigated the prevalence and impact of the PaV1 virus in Florida’s spiny lobster fishery, revealing that adult lobsters can carry the virus without visible symptoms and that diseased lobsters in traps deter healthy ones. These findings are crucial for developing management strategies to control the spread of the virus and sustain the fishery.

Goliath Grouper Release Strategies

This project aims to develop and promote effective release strategies for the Goliath grouper to mitigate barotrauma and improve survival rates in recreational fisheries. By collaborating with anglers and utilizing acoustic telemetry, the project will establish best practices for releasing large reef fish and disseminate these findings to stakeholders.

Latitudinal Influence on Sea Oats Germination and Stress Tolerance

This project investigates the latitudinal influence on the germination ecology and temperature stress tolerance of sea oats, a critical species for coastal dune stabilization. By understanding ecotypic differences, the research aims to inform seed collection and propagation practices in response to climate change.

Sponge Restoration in Florida Keys

This project aims to restore the ecological function of hard-bottom regions in the Florida Keys by reestablishing sponge communities complexity and ecological function. The restoration will focus on enhancing habitat complexity and trophic interactions, which are crucial for supporting diverse marine life and maintaining essential fish habitats. This restoration is expected to benefit economically and ecologically important species by providing essential fish habitat and supporting trophic webs.

Florida Macroalgae Aquaculture Potential

This project seeks to establish a seaweed aquaculture industry in Florida by leveraging existing marine aquaculture expertise to manage nitrogen pollution and diversify the aquaculture market. It will focus on identifying viable tropical seaweed species, optimizing cultivation methods, and evaluating economic feasibility to support industry expansion and environmental sustainability.

Red Snapper Aquaculture Optimization

The project focuses on optimizing the aquaculture production of red snapper to enable technology transfer to the private sector. By improving fingerling production, shipping protocols, and grow-out trials, it aims to support the development of a sustainable red snapper aquaculture industry.

Hard Clam Seed Production Factors in Florida

The project investigates the environmental and biological factors influencing hard clam seed production in Florida, aiming to enhance seed health and production efficiency. It involves comprehensive monitoring of water quality, bacterial pathogens, and phytoplankton, providing operators with protocols and resources for effective management.

Linking Water-Dependent Businesses and Affordable Housing

This project investigates the relationship between affordable housing and water-dependent industries, focusing on how housing availability affects industry performance and recovery post-disasters. It aims to provide actionable recommendations for local governments to support economic resilience in coastal communities.

Optimizing Land Acquisitions for Ecosystem Services in Florida

The project focuses on optimizing land acquisitions in Florida’s coastal zones to enhance ecosystem services and community resilience. By integrating spatial planning and stakeholder collaboration, it aims to develop effective strategies for habitat restoration and climate change adaptation.

Extending Historical Hurricane Records for East Florida

The project extends the historical hurricane record for East Florida to improve risk assessment and planning by compiling and cross-validating documentary and sediment-based datasets. It aims to provide a comprehensive dataset for analyzing hurricane impacts and variability, supporting emergency management and reinsurance industries.

Mitigating Wind-Induced Vibrations in Curtainwall Systems

This project focuses on mitigating wind-induced vibrations and water ingress in curtainwall window systems through full-scale testing and computational modeling. The research aims to enhance building codes and design practices, providing safer and more resilient solutions for high-rise buildings in extreme wind zones.

Gray Snapper Barotrauma Assessment

The project aims to assess the physical injuries experienced by Gray Snapper due to barotrauma when captured using hook-and-line fishing at various depths off the west coast of Florida. The study will compare the degree of barotrauma injuries in Gray Snapper to those observed in Red Snapper and Vermilion Snapper to inform future management strategies.

Transporting Marine Fish Fingerlings to St Kitts

This project aims to develop a process for transporting and importing live Atlantic croaker fingerlings from Florida to St Kitts and Nevis, addressing regulatory and logistical challenges. The project will create a standardized procedure for air freight transport and importation, potentially facilitating new markets for U.S. aquaculture producers in the Eastern Caribbean.

Restoring Oyster Tradition in Tampa Bay

The project aims to increase the capacity for oyster aquaculture in southwest Florida by employing an intern to assess growth rates and survival of diploid and triploid oysters. This initiative will help predict future harvests and extend product availability, contributing to the local shellfish market and environmental benefits.

Bivalve Development for Florida Aquaculture

The project aims to address the bottleneck in seed supply for Florida’s shellfish aquaculture industry by developing local and consistent food supply for seed production through cultured phytoplankton. An intern will be integrated into Bay Shellfish Co.’s algae culture initiatives to enhance research and development, contributing to sustainable seafood production.

Transboundary Viewshed Changes Post-Hurricane

The project aims to design and vet a methodology for collecting and calculating changing viewsheds on the developed shoreline due to hurricane impacts. It will consider historical and recent hurricane events to understand the redevelopment of shorelines and the associated changes in viewsheds.

Blue Crab Habitat Study

The project investigates the habitat affinities of blue crabs across the salt marsh-mangrove ecotone. It involves field research and lab experiments to understand habitat selection and ecological interactions.

Big Bend Conservation & Education Assessment

This project aims to enhance marine animal conservation efforts by integrating community science and educational initiatives in Levy, Dixie, and Taylor Counties. It involves collaboration with local schools to develop and implement a conservation-focused curriculum and professional development workshops for teachers.

Enhancing Shellfish Hatcheries with Local Algae Strains

The project aims to identify and isolate locally available algae strains to enhance the health and efficiency of shellfish hatcheries and nurseries in Florida. By developing a standardized protocol for algae strain isolation, the project seeks to improve microalgae feed options tailored to local conditions, thereby increasing the productivity and sustainability of shellfish aquaculture.

Sponge Community Enhancement in Tarpon Springs

This project aims to enhance sponge communities in Florida’s Tarpon Springs region by investigating ecological factors crucial for restoration success. It will test species interactions and the effects of elevation on sponge growth, providing insights for sustainable fisheries and ecosystem management.

Scallop Growth Initiative 2024

The “Let ‘Em Grow 2024” project aims to sustain bay scallop populations in Florida by promoting the harvest of larger scallops, allowing smaller ones to spawn. This initiative involves educating scallopers and distributing tools to improve harvesting practices.

Return ‘Em Right Integration

The project seeks to integrate data from the Return ‘Em Right program to evaluate the effectiveness of fish descending devices in reducing discard mortality among Gulf of Mexico reef fish. By analyzing species-specific responses and discard compositions, the research aims to enhance outreach efforts and promote sustainable fishing practices.

Sound Effects on Bivalve Behavior

This project explores the effects of anthropogenic sound on the behavior and physiology of bivalves, focusing on valve-gaping and filtration rates. The research aims to provide insights for improving aquaculture practices and understanding bivalve contributions to ecosystem services.

Sponge Nursery Ground Truthing in Biscayne Bay

The project seeks to evaluate the potential for a sponge nursery in southern Biscayne Bay to restore ecological balance and improve water quality. By identifying suitable sponge species and environmental conditions, the project aims to lay the groundwork for future restoration initiatives.

Fish Community Analysis in Indian River Lagoon

This research investigates the fish communities in seagrass meadows of the Indian River Lagoon by employing both conventional sampling and innovative eDNA methodologies. The findings are expected to contribute to better management and restoration strategies for this vital ecosystem.

Biscayne Bay Science Monitoring Synthesis

This project focuses on synthesizing expert knowledge to improve the understanding of Biscayne Bay’s ecological status and trends. It aims to establish a monitoring framework that can guide future research and conservation efforts in the region.

COVID-19 Effects on Florida Lobster and Crab Industries

This project aims to analyze the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Florida spiny lobster and stone crab industries. It will involve examining production and price data to provide insights into the economic impacts of the pandemic on these fisheries.

Indian River Lagoon Dolphin Outreach Initiative

The project aims to conduct critical public outreach to mitigate the negative impacts of human activities on the health of dolphins and the ecosystem in the Indian River Lagoon. It includes the development of educational materials and outreach events to raise awareness and promote conservation efforts.

Salt Water Intrusion and Soil Strength in the Everglades

This project aims to monitor the effects of salt water intrusion on soil strength in the Everglades using geophysical methods. The research has implications for understanding peat collapse during sea level rise.

Plastic-Free Oyster Shoreline Restoration

The project focuses on developing plastic-free alternatives for oyster shoreline restoration, utilizing reef prisms to replace traditional plastic mesh bags. By engaging volunteers and expanding research on wave energy and water quality benefits, the project aims to enhance coastal restoration efforts and provide sustainable solutions for habitat protection.

Chemical Algaecides for Red Tide Control

This project evaluates the effectiveness of chemical algaecides in controlling Karenia brevis blooms in Florida’s coastal waters. It aims to provide data supporting the use of these algaecides as a short-term management strategy for red tides.

Managing Cyanobacteria Biomass in Coastal Ecosystems

This project explores the use of anaerobic digestion to manage toxic cyanobacteria biomass from harmful algae blooms, converting it into biofuels and other valuable products. The research aims to demonstrate the feasibility of this approach, potentially providing a sustainable solution to mitigate the impacts of HABs on coastal ecosystems.

Sponge Restoration in Tarpon Springs

The project seeks to restore and enhance sponge communities in Tarpon Springs, Florida, focusing on commercially valuable species to benefit both the ecosystem and local fishing communities. Through surveys and aquaculture trials, the project aims to increase sponge biomass and improve marine habitats.

Coastal Community Land-Use Engagement

The project engages Florida’s coastal communities in land-use planning discussions to address development pressures while preserving ecological services and community values. By utilizing the CIVIC program, it aims to facilitate informed public engagement and decision-making for sustainable development.

Seagrass Carbon Storage Drivers in Florida

This project investigates the balance between carbon storage and greenhouse gas emissions in Florida’s Big Bend seagrass meadows to understand their net carbon sequestration capacity. The findings will aid in optimizing coastal management and restoration strategies to maximize the ecological and economic benefits of seagrass ecosystems.

Impact of Copper Algaecides on Eutrophication and Shellfish Safety

This project explores the effects of copper-based algaecides on downstream eutrophication and shellfish safety in Florida estuaries. It aims to assess copper contamination in bivalves and sediments, evaluate its impact on bivalve filtration efficiency, and develop a statewide database to inform conservation efforts.

eDNA Monitoring for Florida Fisheries

This project aims to evaluate the utility of environmental DNA (eDNA) as a tool for monitoring fisheries in the Indian River Lagoon, addressing the limitations of traditional fisheries-independent monitoring methods. By comparing eDNA sampling with existing methods, the project seeks to enhance species detection and provide valuable data for fisheries management.

Streamlined Method for Microbial Hazard Measurement

The project developed a new method combining high-throughput sequencing with traditional quantification techniques to identify and quantify Enterococcus species in water samples. This method enhances the ability to track microbial sources and assess water quality more accurately and efficiently.

Surveillance of Predator Interactions with Clam Restoration

The project aims to develop and test a novel surveillance approach using passive acoustics and video recorders to monitor interactions between large predators and hard clam restoration sites in Florida. The study focuses on understanding predator dynamics, particularly the impact of whitespotted eagle rays, on clam restoration efforts, and aims to provide insights for improving restoration success and supporting aquaculture industry growth.

GSI Research Needs in Miami

The project identifies and prioritizes research needs for Green Stormwater Infrastructure in Miami, focusing on enhancing urban resilience against climate change impacts. It employs a systematic approach involving stakeholder input and multi-criteria decision analysis to inform future GSI implementation and policy-making.

Enhancing Recreational Fisheries and Habitat Management

The project evaluates the feasibility of establishing special management areas to enhance recreational fisheries and habitat quality in the St. Martin’s Marsh Aquatic Preserve. It aims to address habitat degradation and increased fishing pressures through innovative management practices, supported by comprehensive mapping, legal analysis, and stakeholder engagement.

Fisheries Extension Enhancement Tools

The project aims to enhance fisheries extension by developing tools to assess travel, targeting, effort, and economic contributions of fisheries at the county level in Florida. It empowers Florida Sea Grant agents with data and training to support informed decision-making and sustainable practices.

Virtual Reality and Field Trips for Ocean Literacy

The project utilized virtual reality and electronic field trips to enhance ocean literacy among Florida’s youth, focusing on living shorelines and environmental science. It successfully increased students’ connection to water and conservation behavior intentions through immersive educational experiences.

Aquaponic Water Quality Sensors

Sargassum Composting for Municipal Landscaping

This project evaluates the potential of sargassum compost as a sustainable soil amendment for municipal landscaping, addressing the environmental and economic challenges posed by sargassum influxes in Florida. By testing compost quality and safety, the study aims to provide cost-effective solutions for local governments and promote the reuse of sargassum.

Florida Boat Traffic Environmental Impact Study

This project investigates the environmental impacts of boat traffic on Florida’s coastal ecosystems, focusing on shoreline erosion and water turbidity. By developing statistical measures and classifications of boat wakes, the research aims to inform sustainable waterway management and boater education initiatives.

Community Evacuation Planning

The project focuses on improving evacuation planning and scheduling in Florida and Georgia by engaging local stakeholders and collecting historical data to address the challenges posed by climate change-induced disasters. It aims to enhance coordination between the states and develop comprehensive evacuation strategies, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Bay Scallop Biofouling Evaluation in Tampa Bay

This project evaluates the impact of biofouling on bay scallop growth and survival in Tampa Bay, demonstrating that biofouled scallops achieve greater meat size. The findings suggest potential for commercial production and restoration, highlighting the need for strategies to minimize biofouling.

Sponge Aquaculture in Florida Keys

This project evaluates the survival and growth of donor sponges in the Florida Keys using two propagation methods to enhance sponge restoration efforts. The research aims to improve water filtration and ecosystem services by optimizing sponge aquaculture practices.

Genetic Confirmation of Southern Hard Clam

The project seeks to genetically confirm the Southern Hard Clam (Mercenaria campechiensis) to support aquaculture in southwest Florida, addressing summer mortality issues in northern hard clams. By distinguishing between species and hybrids, the initiative aims to enhance industry resilience and diversification.

Beach Policy Analysis for Rising Seas

The project “The Beach as Contested Space” utilizes scenario analysis to explore policy implications for Florida’s sandy beaches amid rising sea levels. It aims to inform public policy and propose legal reforms by engaging experts from diverse disciplines in a collaborative methodology-driven exercise.

Green Stormwater Infrastructure for Climate Resilience in Cape Canaveral

The project aims to assess the performance of green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) for climate adaptation and coastal resilience in Cape Canaveral. It involves technical training, community engagement, and policy development to support the implementation and replication of GSI strategies.

Panhandle Water Level Sensor Expansion

The project seeks to expand the Southeast Water Level Sensor Network in the Florida Panhandle by installing pilot sensors and engaging communities to identify additional sites and communication needs. It aims to enhance real-time water level coverage and provide data to underserved communities.

Refining Clownfish Culture Techniques

The project seeks to improve the culture efficiency of Amphiprion ocellaris by addressing bottlenecks in broodstock spawning, larval rearing, and juvenile growout through scientific research and protocol development. It aims to enhance the profitability of clownfish culture by optimizing husbandry and nutrition procedures and reducing deformities.

Expanding Reef Fisheries Extension Across States

Florida Sea Grant’s project aims to provide localized information on reef fisheries by utilizing a Work Action Group of extension agents and faculty specialists to enhance communication and stakeholder engagement across Florida. The initiative includes developing educational modules, conducting surveys, and analyzing fisheries data to inform management decisions and expand the Florida Friendly Fishing Guide Program.

Sustainable Clam Production Post-Idalia

This project addresses the impact of Hurricane Idalia on Cedar Key’s clam aquaculture industry by identifying and mitigating factors contributing to clam mortality. It aims to enhance production efficiency and local capacity through collaborative research and monitoring efforts.

Diadema Mortality and Coral Reef Impact

The project aims to investigate the demographic and environmental factors leading to the mass mortality of Diadema antillarum in Florida and Puerto Rico, identify the pathogen responsible, and assess the impact on coral reef conditions. It involves field sampling, histological assessments, and microbiome analyses to understand the disease process and its ecological consequences.

Boosting Florida Sea Grant: “Coastal Resilience, Adaptation, Equity”

This project aims to expand FSG’s capacity to work in collaborative and integrative ways to address the state’s coastal resilience needs, as well as promote DEIJA (diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and accessibility). Working with the University of Florida’s Shimberg Center for Housing Studies (Shimberg Center), FSG will support the development of a statewide resiliency initiative – “Disaster Resilient Florida” (DRF) that integrates science, communication, planning, design, and outreach to support communities addressing coastal climate change challenges with an orientation towards underserved communities. The DRF initiative’s activities will 1) promote experiential learning activities for graduates and undergraduate students, 2) advance collaborations and new partnerships across FSG, the College of Design, Construction and Planning, and Florida communities, as well as 3) advance institutional capacity across extension staff, university faculty, regional planning councils, and local communities. Specifically, this partnership will advance the awareness of, and planning and preparation for, the impacts of coastal climate change on affordable housing across Florida.

Promoting Coastal Resilience, Adaptation, and Equity in Florida

This proposal outlines a collaborative effort between Florida Sea Grant (FSG) and the University of Florida’s Shimberg Center for Housing Studies to develop a statewide resiliency initiative called “Disaster Resilient Florida,” aimed at addressing coastal climate change challenges with a focus on underserved communities. The initiative will advance awareness, planning, and preparation for the impacts of coastal climate change on affordable housing in Florida, through capacity building, educational opportunities, partnership expansion, and support for marginalized communities.

Green Infrastructure Assessment for Climate Adaptation

The Indian River Lagoon (IRL) faces biodiversity threats and water quality challenges exacerbated by climate change, prompting the initiation of the Regional Resiliency Action Plan (RRAP) to address these issues through green infrastructure in Brevard and Volusia counties. The RRAP outlines objectives for prioritizing green infrastructure and promoting habitat connectivity, with ongoing efforts focusing on comprehensive land cover assessments, optimization modeling, and community engagement to support resilience planning and ecological restoration in Brevard County, aligning with Florida Sea Grant priorities and Stetson University’s mission for environmental resilience.

Revitalizing Jacksonville’s Neighborhoods

The project aims to revitalize Jacksonville’s urban core by employing a participatory action research approach to integrate community-designed principles into the city’s infrastructure planning.

Assessing Clay Flocculation Impacts on Florida Red Tide

In this study, the efficacy and safety of clay flocculation as a red tide control strategy will be evaluated, leveraging previous and ongoing research efforts. The project aims to address critical gaps in knowledge about the impacts of clay on microbial, infaunal, and macrobenthic communities, while also focusing on research opportunities for underrepresented students and comprehensive outreach programs to engage community members.

Managing Pyrodinium Outbreaks in the Indian River Lagoon

Harmful algal blooms (HABs), particularly involving Pyrodinium bahamense, threaten the Indian River Lagoon Estuarine System (IRLES), leading to economic losses and public health risks from saxitoxin (STX) contamination. This project seeks to combat HABs in IRLES with a cost-effective and systematic approach in line with the comprehensive conservation and management plan (CCMP) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) goals for a healthy ecosystem and increased public awareness.

Green Infrastructure Design for Shoreline Resilience

This project aims to enhance shoreline resilience and habitat restoration by prioritizing living shoreline designs using robust green infrastructure principles, directly addressing Florida Sea Grant priorities. Through the creation of shoreline prioritization and hydrodynamic habitat suitability models for estuarine shorelines in the Indian River and Lake Worth Lagoons, the project seeks to inform resource allocation and stabilization strategies while engaging diverse communities in environmental education and fostering inclusive participation in coastal management efforts.

Gulf Coast Oyster System Impacts Project

Collapsing oyster populations threaten dependent fisheries and ecosystem services, particularly in Florida’s Big Bend, where significant reef loss has occurred over nearly three decades. This research aims to assess how drivers such as freshwater discharge, wave energy, and harvest impact oyster habitat morphologies, potentially revealing transition thresholds between reef, clump, and bed formations, thus informing management strategies for oyster habitat restoration and conservation efforts.

Hurricane Effects on Rental Housing Market

This research examines how high-intensity hurricane events affect rental prices and demographic composition in coastal communities, utilizing econometric techniques like the difference in differences design to isolate these effects. While existing studies indicate an increase in transacted prices post-hurricane, this research fills a gap in understanding by focusing on rental prices, thus enhancing our understanding of hurricane impacts on vulnerable populations in coastal areas.

Impacts of Iron on Eutrophic Nutrients in Two Florida Waterbodies

Late 20th-century research highlighted nitrogen and phosphorus’s influence on algal growth, shaping modern environmental management strategies. Despite efforts to manage nutrient runoff, Lake Okeechobee and the St. Lucie Estuary continue to experience increasing phosphorus levels, with sedimentary iron likely playing a significant role in phosphorus trapping, highlighting the need for further investigation into sediment iron-phosphorus interactions and their impact on algal bloom formation.

Using Co-Production of Knowledge to Reconstruct Coastal Food Webs

Coastal ecosystems, crucial for fisheries and other services, are globally degraded, necessitating restoration efforts. To effectively manage these ecosystems, resource managers require comprehensive understanding beyond temporally stunted baselines, which this proposed research aims to address by constructing deep time and present-day food web models for the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) and comparing their metrics to inform recovery targets and management strategies.

Biomonitoring for Ecosystem Health

Estuaries, vital coastal ecosystems, face numerous human-induced pressures, posing challenges for effective monitoring and mitigation. Utilizing DNA metabarcoding, this proposal aims to create a comprehensive toolkit for analyzing plankton communities in estuarine waters. The study will provide valuable baseline data for conservation efforts and offer transferable tools for coastal ecosystem assessment across the United States.

Recruitment and Trophic Dynamics of Snook

This research investigates the expansion of common snook’s range to the Suwannee River region in Florida and aims to understand their recruitment dynamics and trophic impacts on red drum and spotted seatrout.

Assessment of Eastern Oyster Filtration Rates

In response to stakeholder concerns for local ecosystem health, UF scientists partnered with GTMNERR to launch the GNBBP in 2021, aiming to understand bivalve filtration services. Given the variability in filtration rates observed in laboratory experiments with eastern oysters, a one-year fellowship was sought to conduct in-situ studies to elucidate spatiotemporal conditions in the Guana River Estuary, offering ecologically relevant insights for the GNBBP.

Stakeholder Perceptions of Offshore Aquaculture in the Gulf

This project tackles obstacles hindering offshore aquaculture development in the U.S., focusing on the Velella Epsilon project near Sarasota, Florida. Despite attempts to alleviate public concerns through engagement and data collection, delays in permitting due to litigation and opposition have occurred, prompting stakeholder research to understand public perceptions and promote informed decision-making.

Riverine Iron and Estuarine Systems

Researchers propose establishing the isotopic compositions of iron (Fe) in five key rivers and corresponding estuaries, alongside mixing experiments, to understand how riverine-derived Fe behaves in coastal and offshore waters of the West Florida Shelf. This effort aims to enhance understanding of the processes governing primary production and Harmful Algal Bloom events, while improving global data sets and biogeochemical model predictions regarding bioavailable Fe sources to the WFS.

Unraveling Seagrass Meadow Diversity’s Impact on Sediment Carbon Storage

Through field surveys and experiments in Cedar Key, Florida, this research explores the impact of meadow history, stability, and biodiversity on carbon storage and emissions. The Florida Sea Grant fellowship funding will be used to support the student’s final stages of dissertation through publication, extension, and outreach.

Developing Sustainable Angling Solution for Reef Fishing

This project addresses critical issues in recreational reef fishing by developing a patentable multi-use product to promote sustainable angling practices and mitigate barotrauma, thereby enhancing fish survival rates. Recognizing the significance of the recreational sector in coastal economies and ecosystem management, the project aims to ensure the long-term viability of fishing activities while supporting local communities and maintaining ecological balance.

Analyzing Dive Shop Conduct and Diver Behavior in Conservation Area

This study examines the feasibility of implementing a voluntary marine industry education program within the Kristin Jacobs Coral Reef Ecosystem Conservation Area in southeast Florida, aiming to address threats to the region’s coral reef ecosystem.

Return ‘Em Right Impacts

The Return ‘Em Right program aims to educate fishers about barotrauma, reduce discard mortality, and evaluate program effectiveness, with a focus on promoting the use of fish descending devices (FDD). Given the diverse nature of Gulf of Mexico fishers and the variety of species targeted, the research seeks to integrate data from program activities to tailor outreach materials and address the varied needs and preferences of fishers participating in the program.

Anthropogenic Sound and Bivalve Behavior

In response to growing concerns about anthropogenic sound’s impact on marine organisms, particularly in aquaculture settings, this project aims to investigate its effects on bivalve behavior and physiology across different life stages. With limited understanding of how laboratory and coastal sounds influence bivalve activities and ecosystem services provision.

Increasing knowledge of Biscayne Bay’s science status and trends

Biscayne Bay is a crucial and diverse ecosystem, but it faces rapid changes due to increasing disturbances, both natural and human-induced. To address these challenges, initiatives are underway to consolidate data and expertise, aiming to enhance understanding and develop monitoring strategies for the bay’s ecological and physicochemical patterns and processes.

Sponge Enhancement and Restoration in Florida

This proposal aims to restore and enhance sponge-dominated habitats off the coast of Tarpon Springs, Florida, leveraging funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the Florida Sea Grant Program to support student involvement and foster resilient marine ecosystems, ultimately benefiting local fishing communities.

PCR Lateral Flow Assays for Rapid Onsite Seafood Authentication

Seafood misrepresentation poses a significant challenge in the United States, particularly impacting grouper, snapper, and shrimp species, thus undermining the domestic seafood industry. To address this issue, a rapid onsite identification method using RNase H-dependent PCR coupled lateral flow (rhPCR-LF) assays is proposed, aiming to provide industry-friendly testing solutions within two hours, thus safeguarding the economic interests of domestic seafood stakeholders and fostering industry-academia collaboration.

Alternative Aquafeed Proteins for Sustainable Farmed-Raised Seafood

Seafood, rich in nutrients, is crucial for food security and economic development, yet its supply faces challenges from resource depletion and climate change. To support sustainable seafood production, this project aims to use cellular agriculture to produce fishmeal as an alternative to marine-based sources, studying its effects on fish production and assessing its acceptance among aquaculture producers.

Innovations in Technology for Wind Load Mitigation

Florida’s extensive coastline makes it vulnerable to weather-related hazards. Recent hurricanes have exposed vulnerabilities in elevated homes to extreme winds, highlighting challenges in design guidelines and retrofitting existing structures. This proposal seeks to address these challenges by introducing a community-guided engineering framework, collaborating with stakeholders to develop cost-effective architectural solutions to enhance coastal community resilience against future wind events.

The Right Plants for the Job

This project aims to enhance coastal restoration and protection by bolstering the capacity for designing and planting living shorelines. By addressing limitations in plant material availability and sourcing restrictions, the project will investigate seed-based production methods, develop guidance, and train students, ultimately benefiting coastal ecosystems and communities throughout Florida and the Atlantic US coastline.

Enhancing Coastal Community Resilience Post-Hurricane Ian

This project aims to assess the impact of Hurricane Ian on the Southwest Florida coast and predict future storm impacts through geomorphological analysis and numerical modeling. Focused on Sanibel, Fort Myers Beach, Naples, and Lovers Key State Park, the project will engage municipal officials to determine future scenarios, ultimately informing management decisions to increase resilience along the coast and minimize impacts on businesses and socioeconomically challenged populations.

Aquaculture-Aided Enhancement & Restoration of Florida’s Recreational Fisheries

Marine recreational fishing in Florida, involving millions of participants and generating billions in economic impact annually, faces threats from environmental degradation and fishing pressure. While stocking hatchery-reared fish is a common management measure, its effectiveness varies, highlighting the need for careful assessment and management. This project aims to establish a network of scientists and practitioners to enhance stocking initiatives through improved data analysis, modeling tools, and guidelines, ultimately maximizing positive outcomes while minimizing negative impacts on fisheries and ecosystems.

Detecting Harmful Algae with Metabarcoding

Through collaboration between UCF and FWC/FWRI scientists, this project aims to develop a molecular toolkit to enhance HAB detection and quantification statewide, ultimately advancing monitoring strategies and improving coastal community resilience.

Mitigating Livestock Methane Emissions with Marine Algae

This study explores the potential of marine algae as a sustainable protein source for livestock, aiming to reduce enteric methane emissions and address challenges in food production. Collaborating with industry partners, the research will assess algae’s viability through in vitro and livestock trials, with the goal of offering farmers an opportunity to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining livestock productivity, ultimately advancing sustainable agriculture and empowering coastal communities.

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