Funding Partnerships

Partnerships with government agencies and non-profit organizations have been instrumental in providing direct funding support for the Oyster  Reef Restoration Project. Funding support from the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), Fish America Foundation (FAF), and the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program (CHNEP) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for research on projects that investigate the effects of watershed alterations on oyster reefs has also aided the restoration program by providing baseline information to identify suitable restoration sites. 

In addition to funding assistance, partners at federal, state and local agencies have provided additional on the ground support to restore native oyster habitat in SW Florida estuaries.  For example, boat use and staff support has been provided by local offices of the Florida Sea Grant program, Lee County, Florida DEP and the SFWMD. We have worked closely with staff from the Florida DEP and the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (both of which are NOAA partners) to construct oyster reefs in areas within the reserve borders. Programs within NOAA such as the NOAA Restoration Center and Sea Grant are dedicated to fostering stewardship and conservation of coastal resources by providing funding and support of research, education and outreach projects such as oyster reef restoration. 

An award winning project....

In recognition of this collaborative project  we were presented with a national award from Coastal America Partnership for leadership in guiding public restoration of oyster reefs in Southwest Florida estuaries.  Directed by  professor of marine science Aswani Volety, the project, "Community-based Restoration of Oyster Reefs in Southwest Florida" is one of four projects honored by Coastal America with a 2006 Partnership Award, which recognizes exceptional teamwork in restoring and protecting our nation's coasts.

The Oyster Reef Restoration Project of Southwest Florida gratefully acknowledges these contributors: