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Current Research

Oyster shell living shoreline

The FWC is conducting a research project comparing the ecological benefits of four different shoreline stabilization methods that may be used in response to sea level rise: standard seawall, modified seawall resembling mangrove prop roots, mangrove living shoreline, and oyster shell living shoreline. The project objective is to compare ecological benefits among methods. Populations of fish, invertebrates, and benthic infauna will be compared at each project site. This project is funded by a grant from the State Wildlife Grants program.

State Wildlife Grant Funded Projects

Corals and Hardbottom

Assessment of Coral Stressors on St. Lucie Reef: Florida's Northernmost Coral Reef

Historical and Modern Patterns of Invertebrate Diversity on Florida Coral Reefs

Enhancing Herbivory to Restore the Health and Resiliency of FL's Coral Reef Ecosystem

Characterizing Coral Reefs in SE Florida Through High-Resolution Bathymetry

Mapping and Characterizing Coral Cover of Patch Reefs in the Florida Keys

Determining Coral Reef Impacts Associated With Boat Anchoring and User Activity

Development of a Comprehensive Coral Reef Ichthyofauna Research Plan

Community Structure in the Nearshore Hard-Bottom Habitat of the Florida Keys

Coral Restoration in the FL Keys Using Colonies Derived From Aquacultured Fragments

Submerged Aquatic Vegetation

Is There a Complete Loss of Genetic Diversity for Populations of Seagrass at Species Margin?

Developing Statistical Tools to Strengthen Florida Seagrass Monitoring Programs

Faunal Communities of the Big Bend Seagrass Meadows

Nekton Assemblages of Seagrasses at Dry Tortugas National Park

Effects of Harmful Algal Blooms on Wildlife Communities of Submerged Aquatic Veg

Management of Vessel-Related Sea Grass Scars in St. Andrews Bay

Evaluation of a Technique to Restore Severe Boat Damage in Florida Seagrass Habitats

Effects of Seagrass Bed Architecture, Location and Water Quality on Fish in Tampa Bay

Fish

Fish Assemblages in Tidal and Non-Tidal Freshwater Tributaries of Indian River Lagoon

Fish Assemblages of the Lower Apalachicola River Basin

Birds

Importance of Horseshoe Crab Eggs to Migrating Red Knots and Sanderlings on FL Beaches

Effects of Hurricanes and Human Threats for Five Avian Species in the Florida Keys

The Potential Role of Harmful Algal Bloom Toxins in Bird Mortalities

Monitoring Peregrine Falcons and Other Migratory Raptors at Curry Hammock State Park

The Effects of Human Induced Habitat Modification on Shorebirds and Seabirds in Florida

Human Impacts

Detect Invasive Plants in Coastal Areas Using Image Retrieval and Remote Sensed Data

Pathway Risk Analysis for Non-Indigenous Marine and Estuarine Species in the Pet Trade

Assessment of Nourishment Impacts to Beach Habitat Indicator Species