15.945: cooperative research and training programs of the national park system cesu networkprogramming supports a comprehensive network of cooperative study units to facilitate cooperative research,…

Florida International University received a $299,824 Cooperative Agreement from the National Park Service under the Cooperative Research and Training Programs – Resources of the National Park System (CFDA 15.945) effective August 20, 2025, with completion targeted for July 1, 2027. The award funds scientific research investigating hydrological dynamics between a canal system and the Upper Taylor Slough Marsh in Florida, with emphasis on quantifying water flow into Florida Bay since implementation of the Florida Bay Plan in 2016. The research will assess the effectiveness of restoration efforts aimed at supporting declining seagrass ecosystems and provide evidence-based recommendations for program optimization.

The deliverables under this agreement include comprehensive hydrological assessment data, evaluation findings regarding plan effectiveness, and strategic recommendations for improvement that will benefit state and local governments, federally recognized Indian tribes, nonprofit organizations, and the public. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution with established expertise in environmental research and marine science, FIU is well-positioned to conduct this multi-disciplinary study through the Cooperative Study Unit framework, which facilitates integrated information products across the National Park System to support science-based resource management decisions.

15.945: cooperative research and training programs of the national park system cesu networkprogramming supports a comprehensive network of cooperative study units to facilitate cooperative research, technical assistance, education, and training to inform science-based management of the national park system. The study units facilitate multi-disciplinary science and integrated information products across multiple geographic regions of the national park system. This project will find out how water moves between the canal and the upper taylor slough marsh, and IT will measure how much extra water is going into florida BAY since the florida BAY plan started in 2016 to help the seagrass that was dying. The goal is to see how well this plan is working, figure out what ISN t working, and suggest ways to make IT better for everyone, including local governments, tribes, nonprofits, and the public.beneficiaries include state and local governments, federally recognized indian tribal governments, public private nonprofit organizations, nonprofit institutions of higher education, and the general public.