This agreement provides funding in the amount of $749,985 to university of miami

The University of Miami's Office of Research - Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science (RSMAS) received a $749,985 Project Grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 4 under the Geographic Programs - South Florida Geographic Initiatives Program (CFDA 66.484) to support nature-based restoration of aquatic habitat in South Florida. The award, effective August 1, 2025 through July 31, 2028, funds the demonstration and implementation of native oyster restoration initiatives throughout Biscayne Bay coastal regions. No subawards or subrecipients are included in this assistance agreement.

The project delivers three primary products and services: (1) demonstration of innovative nature-based solutions utilizing native oysters for habitat restoration in Biscayne Bay; (2) identification, mapping, and analysis of remnant oyster populations and prospective living shoreline restoration sites to inform regional restoration planning; and (3) development and implementation of advanced genomic selection strategies to enhance climate resilience in native oyster populations. The anticipated deliverables include performance and final reports documenting progress and outcomes. Expected project outcomes include the reestablishment of viable Crassostrea virginica (Eastern oyster) populations suitable for habitat restoration applications, with direct benefits to citizens and ecosystems throughout Biscayne Bay and surrounding South Florida coastal areas.

Description

This agreement provides funding in the amount of $749,985 to university of miami. The purpose of this project is to address nature-based restoration of aquatic habitat in south florida using native oysters and the project is designed to reestablish successful virginica populations throughout coastal regions of biscayne BAY. Activities to be performed include demonstration of an innovative nature-based solution using native oysters for use in habitat restoration initiatives in biscayne BAY, identification and mapping of remnant biscayne BAY oyster populations and prospective future oyster living shoreline restoration sites to support development of restoration plans in the region, and development and implementation of advanced strategies, including genomic selection for improved climate resilience in native oysters. Anticipated deliverables include performance and final reports and increased native oyster population in biscayne BAY. Expected outcomes include oyster restoration to use in habitat restoration which are dependent and sensitive to water quality. Direct beneficiaries are citizens of biscayne BAY and surrounding south florida coastal areas.activities:-subrecipient:no subawards are included in this assistance agreement.outcomes:-