Florida Sea Grant’s Inaugural Research Symposium Makes Waves in Coastal Science – Technologist

On January 18th, the inaugural research symposium hosted by Florida Sea Grant took place at the University of Florida, with over 120 attendees; among them were UF/IFAS Florida Sea Grant extension agents, specialists, affiliated researchers, and a cohort of funded students.

The vision of the event was to highlight Florida Sea Grant’s role in coastal and marine science, addressing key focus areas such as Healthy Coastal Ecosystems, Resilient Communities and Economies, and Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture.

The event also illuminated how passionate individuals and teams contribute to the broader understanding of our coastal and marine ecosystems.

A diverse group of experts showcased their research during the symposium. Research topics included: the feasibility of utilizing sargassum (brown seaweed) for composting, sponge restoration through aquaculture, managing horseshoe crabs through citizen science, the relationship between seagrass meadows and carbon storage, implementing living shoreline and oyster restoration projects using plastic-free material, and so much more!

Laura Tiu and Ana Zangroniz (Extension Agents), Jack Payne (NSG Advisory Board), and Hayley Lemoine (FSG Aquaculture Fellow). Image courtesy of Tyler Jones (UF/IFAS).

Despite each research addressing distinct challenges specific to Florida’s coastal environment — the presentations illustrated how these studies mutually reinforce one another, showcasing the collaborative synergy between UF researchers and Extension Agents, and amplifying the overall impact of applied research.  

“Advancing marine and coastal science requires concentrated disciplinary research, often leaving faculty with limited opportunities to connect and explore complementary aspects of projects addressing similar issues from different perspectives,” says Dr. Sherry Larkin, Director of Florida Sea Grant. “This symposium spotlights integrated projects across research and extension, aiming to enhance habitats, fortify coastal economies, and promote the sustainability of fisheries and aquaculture.”

During the luncheon, Dr. Mark Rains, Florida’s Chief Science Officer, and the Keynote Speaker, delivered a thought-provoking message. His address centered on the insightful theme, “We’ve never solved a problem we didn’t first understand.”