MARINE AND COASTAL

Science Serving Florida’s Coast

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.

Manatee County is home to one of the state's last true working waterfronts, and our fisheries and marine-related tourism generate substantial economic revenue for our region and for the state 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

Resources

• Florida Sea Grant
• FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
• UF/IFAS Resource Guide for Shellfish Aquaculture 
• Tampa Bay Estuary Program
• Sarasota Bay Estuary Program
• Mote Marine Laboratory
• Gulf Shellfish Institute
• Catch-and-Release Fishing/Sustainable Fishing
• National Marine Fisheries Service
• Mangrove Trimming Guidelines for Homeowners
• Mangrove Identification