FL - Halophila stipulacea Survey and Mapping in Biscayne Bay

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has been awarded grant F26AP01319-00, totaling 45,528 dollars in federal funding, to conduct a survey and mapping project for the invasive seagrass Halophila stipulacea in Biscayne Bay. The primary objective of this initiative is to gather critical information to manage the invasive species more effectively while minimizing negative impacts on native seagrasses, addressing concerns regarding the degradation of habitat structure and ecosystem functionality. The scope of work involves conducting systematic diver-assisted surveys within priority regions of the bay to produce GIS-compatible spatial data products. Additionally, the project will assess the operational feasibility and efficiency of the diver-assisted survey methodologies employed. The award was issued on June 10, 2026, with a project period ending June 15, 2026, and required reporting continuing through September 30, 2027.