Marine Discovery Center | Research

Research is a key component of Marine Discovery Center’s Mission. As we learn more about Florida’s coastal ecosystems, we are better able to understand their importance and make informed decisions about their conservation or restoration. Our goal is to be good stewards of the coastal environment.

We have a unique opportunity to investigate a wide diversity of coastal ecosystems, especially the Indian River Lagoon. This estuary, where fresh water from the land mixes with saltwater from the ocean, is North America’s most diverse estuary, and has been designated as an Estuary of National Significance. The Estuary is home to more than 4,000 species of plants and animals, including 35 listed as threatened or endangered.

When faced with disturbances, either human or natural, ecosystems may recover or they may become degraded, even destroyed. We seek to learn more about the structure and function of coastal ecosystems so that we, in partnership with other researchers and concerned citizens, can make decisions about management or restoration, taking action where needed.

Marine Discovery Center’s staff and volunteers actively participate in several research or restoration projects, such as water quality monitoring, bird censuses and rescue, restoration of oyster reefs and mangroves, eradication of invasive species, and coastal clean-up efforts. We have partnered with research organizations, universities, or other concerned groups of citizens and government. We look forward not only to continuing this work but also to expanding it.

If you would like to learn more about Marine Discovery’s role in research or restoration, or if you have a project that aligns with our Mission, please contact Fielding Cooley, Ph.D., at the Marine Discovery Center Office at 386.428.4828

Links

Florida Master Naturalist Program; http://www.masternaturalist.ifas.ufl.edu

Indian River Lagoon Program; http://www.sjrwmd.com/programs/outreach/irlnep/index.html

The Estuary of National Significance Designation; http://www.epa.gov/owow/estuaries/programs/irl.htm