highlights.flseagrant.orgFlorida Sea Grant – Highlights From 2020-21

Florida Sea Grant Homepage HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2020-21 Science Serving Florida's Coasts. Florida Sea Grant works at the intersection of balancing coastal protection and economic development. For nearly 50 years, the program has leveraged federal and state resources to fund applied research, inform policy, train students and workers, and educate and engage citizens for more resilient communities. Serving 8,426 miles of coastline, over 15M coastal residents (77% of Florida’s Population),over 100M visitors OUR RESEARCH Florida Sea Grant funds research that contributes to Healthy Coastal Ecosystems , Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture , and Resilient Communities and Economies . New studies are examining solutions for harmful algal blooms , siting decisions for green infrastructure , improving fisheries and aquaculture , reducing marine debris and promoting spatial justice in revitalizing underserved coastal communities . in leveraged funds obtained by faculty and staff of core federal funds used for science-based programming Additional funding will allow Florida Sea Grant (FSG) to increase its efforts that align with current national initiatives, benefiting even more Florida residents, visitors and businesses. CURRENT PRIORITIES Coastal Resilience FSG would: Increase living shorelines using PROS (Partnership for Plastic-free Oyster Restoration); Launch Eyes on Sea Grass ‘citizen science’ program throughout state to monitor the health of seagrass habitats; and Support Harmful Algal Bloom monitoring, mitigation technologies and communications. Sustainable Aquaculture FSG would: Grow restoration aquaculture as segment of Florida’s new Blue Economy; Develop aquaculture entrepreneurship training programs that provide support for start-ups; and expand HARVEST intern program (Helping Aquaculture Reap ValueEnhance Student Training). Championing Diversity FSG would: Increase the number of summer camps, internships, trainings and research support to minority youth, students, and faculty at MSI/HBCU’s interested in marine and coastal issues and across all disciplines –communications, anthropology, biology, ecology, sustainability, etc. BREVARD COUNTY Holly Abeels Holly organized nearly 50 volunteers that contributed hundreds of hours to survey the local horseshoe crab population. FWC used the data to estimate and manage the stock of this valuable species. CITIZEN SCIENCE HEALTHY COASTSOCEANS ENVIRONMENTAL LITERACY Swipe to learn more about efforts near you Previous Next Previous Next Previous Next Explore the map to learn more about efforts near you = UF/IFAS FSG Extension Agent Success Story = FSG Extension Specialist Success Story = FSG Regional Effort Play Video about dan solano interview featured video OUR STAKEHOLDERS Dan Solano, Shellfish GrowerWholesaler Cedar Key, Florida Play Video The coronavirus...when it first hit in full effect, we lost accounts that we haven't picked back up. To some people, it might seem like a small amount, but it could go a long way for a family. It was a good experience and it was awesome to see everybody work together to get a good project done. In 2021, fsg awarded $287,500 in scholarshipsfellowships to 17 students working to address prominent coastal issues at 9 florida universities. Funding reflects the calendar year ECONOMIC IMPACT generated from fsg activities, for an roi of 14:1 over core $ businesses sustained jobs sustained Impacts to date from programming in support of FSG’s FY2018-2023 Strategic Plan Florida Sea Grant will continue to offer a suite of participatory science (Citizen Science”) programs that engage and educate individuals and collect data for managing key resources including horseshoe crabs, scallops, goliath grouper, corals, lionfish and seagrasses. Our objectives for 2022 include to: FUTURE GOALS Reduce waste in coastal waters by removing storm debris (e.g., damaged boats), increase the number of Clean Marinas”, and provide boaters with sewage disposal locations in real-time through the Pumpout Nav App. Improve marine-based recreational experiences with a focus on offshore fishing and boating including information on how to handle and release fish, where to fish, current regulations, and reducing damage to seagrasses. Develop and train users on economic assessment tools –for recreational and commercial fisheries, coastal risks and flood damage– and forecasts of harmful algal blooms or (HABs) , including communicating HAB strategies. STAY INFORMED Want to stay informed about Florida Sea Grant’s initiatives, opportunities, activities, and more? Subscribe by filling out the short form below to receive email updates. SUBSCRIBE make an impact Your gift to Florida Sea Grant helps strengthen our mission and directly support activities to conserve and sustain the precious ocean and coastal resources of Florida. YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE CONNECT WITH US University of Florida • Florida Sea Grant College Program • 2306 Mowry Road, Bldg.164 | P.O. Box 110400 • Gainesville, FL 32611 • Tel: (352)...