Marine and Coastal

Florida Sea Grant is a university-based program that supports research, education and extension to conserve coastal resources and enhance economic opportunities for the people of Florida. Extension, education and outreach programs are done in partnership with UF/IFAS Extension and the coastal counties of Florida. The Marine and Coastal Extension program provides local businesses and residents with research expertise and relevant, science-based information as related to our coastal resources.

Areas of Expertise and Service to Manatee County

• Recreational and commercial fisheries
• Reef fish ecology
• Artificial reefs
• Marine resource regulations and fisheries management
• Marine science education
• Shellfish aquaculture

Further Resources

Florida Sea Grant 

FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

Shellfish Aquaculture

Shellfish aquaculture is a rapidly growing industry across the globe, and will continue to increase with seafood demand and an increasing human population. Florida aquaculture ranks 7th in total domestic production, and Southwest Florida is an important producer of farmed bivalves. Hard clams, oysters, bay scallops and sunray venus clams are currently produced in Manatee County, which is home to a shellfish hatchery, multiple shellfish growers, and the Gulf Shellfish Institute. 

Further Resources

Florida Shellfish Aquaculture Online Resource Guide 

Gulf Shellfish Institute 

Florida Master Naturalist Program

The mission of the Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) is to promote awareness, understanding, and respect of Florida's natural world among Florida's citizens and visitors. The FMNP is an adult education UF/IFAS Extension program developed by the University of Florida and provided in multiple locations throughout Florida. FMNP training will benefit persons interested in learning more about Florida’s environment or wishing to increase their knowledge for use in education programs as volunteers, employees, ecotourism guides, and others.