EBAP assisted a researcher and interns from Mote Marine Laboratory in their collection of seagrass samples from Estero Bay. These samples will be used to study the genetic distribution of seagrasses and to determine experimentally if any genotypes are more resilient to various stressors than others.

Griffin Alexander, Stephanie Stinson, and Mackenzie Magyar represented DEP’s Southeast Region at ICAST 2025, the world’s largest sportfishing tradeshow, in Orlando last week. The team especially enjoyed conversing with fishing stakeholders from across the country (and world) at the event, sharing information on Florida's magnificent State Parks and Aquatic Preserves.

Rainbow Springs Aquatic Preserve had the pleasure of hosting staff from the Northeast Aquatic Preserves for a staff development day. The NEAP team, boat, and equipment were happy to have a freshwater cleanse. They explored the Rainbow River, discussed the connection of the Oklawaha River to their AP’s, and compared and contrasted management challenges among their respective AP’s.

The annual vegetation and elevation monitoring of the GTMNERR (GTM Research Reserve) Wetlands and Water Levels (WLWL) sites has been successfully completed. WLWL is a national program with standardized protocols for each NERR to examine the interplay of water levels, elevation and plant communities in coastal wetlands at scales relevant to local, regional and national decision makers.

Rhoden Cove Landing on Lake Jackson AP will have a new 200ft boardwalk and observation platform by the end of the year that will offer the public wildlife viewing and bank fishing opportunities. However, there are many challenges in access, permitting, and construction due to dramatically fluctuating water levels and vegetation at this site.

Our Apalachicola NERR education staff recently collaborated on a pair of Teachers on the Estuary (TOTE) workshops hosted by the Rookery Bay NERR education staff. This TOTE was put on as part of a collaborative partnership between the 2 NERRS and with the Everglades Foundation.

We are currently in our final year of monitoring for the NRDA propeller scar restoration project in St. Joe Bay. We’ve had some great success in areas showing complete recovery of scars in ~3-4 years or less. We’re about 90% done with the monitoring for the NRDA restoration project in St. Joe Bay and hope to have the final report to our project manager before the end of next month.

GTM Research Reserve’s education team hosted an LISC (Local Initiatives Support Corporation) summer camp for Duval County middle school students, part of the Ribault Sportsmen Association (RSA). The summer campers participated in archery lessons and a competition, in addition to learning about the American alligator from FWC Law Enforcement Officer Dodd. She highlighted facts about the animal and its habitat as well.

Bartram Trail High School student Ava Hunt is interning with GTMNERR’s aquarist this summer. Eventually, she wants to become a researcher in marine biology.

Oklawaha River Aquatic Preserve and FWC Freshwater Fisheries biologists partnered together to attempt a nighttime electrofishing event on the Silver River to remove invasive tilapia. FWC’s past attempts in spring systems during the daytime were not successful because the tilapia were spooked before the electrofishing boat could even get close enough to deliver an effective electrical pulse.