At Florida Oceanographic Society, research plays a vital role in understanding, restoring, and protecting the coastal ecosystems that make Florida unique. From seagrass meadows and oyster reefs to estuaries and marine wildlife, our scientists are working to answer important questions about ecosystem health, resilience, and restoration.
By combining field studies, laboratory research, and collaborative partnerships, we are developing practical solutions that help coastal habitats recover and thrive in a changing environment.
Seagrass Research
Seagrass meadows are among the most important habitats in Florida's waters, providing food and shelter for countless marine species while helping improve water quality and stabilize sediments.
Our team is studying why some seagrass plants survive environmental stressors while others do not. By examining genetic differences among plants, maintaining a living library of resilient seagrass strains, and testing new restoration techniques, we hope to improve the success of future restoration efforts. We are also exploring how microbes, water movement, and other environmental factors influence seagrass health and recovery.
Oyster Research
Oyster reefs provide tremendous benefits to our estuaries by filtering water, creating habitat for marine life, and helping protect shorelines. Unfortunately, many historic oyster reefs have been lost over time.
Our researchers monitor oyster populations, evaluate restoration projects, and study how oyster reefs support healthy ecosystems. This work helps guide future restoration efforts and improves our understanding of how reefs function throughout the St. Lucie Estuary and Indian River Lagoon.
Clam Research
Some clams appear to be naturally more resilient to environmental stress than others. In partnership with university researchers, we are studying hard clams that survived major heat and low-oxygen events in the Indian River Lagoon.
By identifying traits that contribute to survival, we hope to better understand how marine species adapt to environmental change and how this knowledge can support future restoration and conservation efforts.
Ecological Research
Healthy ecosystems are shaped by complex interactions among plants, animals, microbes, and environmental conditions. Our ecological research explores these connections through a variety of projects, including studies on invasive species, saltwater intrusion, artificial reef communities, and predator-prey relationships.
These efforts help us better understand how ecosystems function and how they may respond to future environmental challenges.
Science That Supports Conservation
Research is one of the ways Florida Oceanographic Society advances conservation throughout Florida's coastal ecosystems. The knowledge gained through these projects informs restoration strategies, supports environmental stewardship, and helps ensure that future generations can enjoy healthy estuaries, lagoons, reefs, and coastal habitats.
Together, education, research, and advocacy help advance Florida Oceanographic's mission to inspire conservation of Florida's coastal ecosystems.
Previous Projects
Jensen Beach Impoundment Recovery
We are monitoring hydrology, water quality, vegetation and the resulting effects on ecosystem services along a gradient of mangrove stress in the Jensen Beach Impoundment. These results will help guide future mangrove restoration projects in the area.
Living Docks
We are researching the benthic communities that recruit to our Living Docks. We are interested in understanding how settlement changes spatially and temporally, as well as the impact these communities have on water quality.
