Project

Sponge Enhancement and Restoration in Florida

Full Title: A Pilot Study of Sponge Enhancement and Restoration in the Tarpon Springs Region of 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.
Lead Investigator: Dr. Don Behringer, Marine and Disease Ecology Florida SeaGrant Affiliate Faculty behringer@ufl.edu
Collaborator: FWC, FDACS, FDEP, USACE
Award Amount: $10,000
Year Funded: 2021
Award Period: 2021 – 2023
Project Abstract:

Sponges play a vital role in Florida’s coastal hard-bottom habitats, offering structural complexity crucial for diverse marine life. Despite their ecological significance, sponge populations face threats from factors like eutrophication and disease. This proposal aims to identify locations and species for restoring or enhancing sponge-dominated habitats offshore of Tarpon Springs, Florida. By surveying sponge populations and testing aquaculture methods, we seek to bolster sponge communities and their associated ecological and economic benefits. Leveraging funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the Florida Sea Grant Program, this project also prioritizes student involvement, aiming for diversity and inclusion within our research efforts. Through this interdisciplinary approach, we aim to foster resilient marine ecosystems and support local fishing communities in the Tarpon Springs region.

 

The project has been extended until March 2024 to allow for the completion of its objectives. Challenges encountered during laboratory experiments necessitate the additional time for resolution. The extension will facilitate the testing of various environmental factors, such as temperature and salinity, to investigate potential triggers for the emergence or proliferation of the pathogen. Furthermore, a return to the Puerto Rico site in July is planned to assess the impact of the die-off on reef condition, which was postponed due to other outbreaks requiring data collection. Additionally, an extra year post-die-off event will afford more time to observe changes in reef structure and potential recovery of urchin populations.

 

 

More To Explore

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.
View Project

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.
View Project

Enhancing Spatial Justice in Jacksonville’s Neighborhood Revitalization

The project addresses inequities in Jacksonville’s urban core by centering the needs of underserved communities and integrating community-designed spatial justice principles into infrastructure planning through participatory action research. Drawing on critical scholarship and recognizing the intersection of justice and infrastructure, particularly in the face of climate change, the project aims to understand and address root causes of spatial injustice, promoting social progress and environmental resilience through community-driven research and advocacy.
View Project
Florida Sea Grant Logo (2023 Stacked White)
Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Florida Sea Grant College Program
2306 Mowry Road, Bldg. 164 | P.O. Box 110400 | Gainesville, FL 32611 | Tel: (352) 392-5870
© 2024 Florida Sea Grant. All Rights Reserved.

Report technical problems with this site to fsg@ifas.ufl.edu.
News
Events