Hubbs-seaworld research institute aims to address long term ecological impairments in the indian river lagoon and enhance ecological and economic productivity in the area

The Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute received a $405,000 Cooperative Agreement award from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) under the Congressionally Identified Awards and Projects program (CFDA 11.469). The funding will support the establishment of high-capacity seagrass and shellfish nurseries to provide seed stock for planned and proposed restoration projects in the Indian River Lagoon. The award will also expand regional expertise in restorative aquaculture and improve tracking of habitat restoration outcomes, including the health of protected manatees and bottlenose dolphins. The project period is from January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2027.

This funding will support high-capacity seagrass and shellfish nurseries to help meet the demonstrated seed stock needs of planned and proposed IRL restoration projects, expand regional restorative aquaculture technical expertise, and improve tracking of habitat restoration outcomes, including changes in the health of federally protected manatees and bottlenose dolphins.