Coastal Research
Current Research
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