Region
The Nature Coast spans the Big Bend of Florida on the Gulf of Mexico, ranging from Hernando to Wakulla County. The region contains one of North America’s most pristine coastlines, with extensive seagrass meadows, valuable recreational and commercial fisheries, and healthy wildlife populations include marine mammals (manatee, dolphin), diverse waterbirds, and sea turtles. The region also sup
ports productive shellfish fisheries (shrimp, oyster) and a vibrant hard clam aquaculture industry. Approach
The mission of the NCBS will be achieved using a multifaceted approach that will include:
• Increased collaboration among UF/IFAS, partner agencies and NGO’s in the region
• Development of research programs that address key uncertainties in natural resource management of freshwater, estuarine, and coastal terrestrial systems
• Improved visibility of IFAS’s natural resource programs via social media, web presence, and video
• Enhanced graduate and undergraduate opportunities in the region including research, field courses and extension activities
• Strengthened relationships among communities of the region with UF/IFAS, including local and county governments, economic development organizations, and industries (e.g., shellfish culture, commercial and recreational fisheries, ecotourism)
• Conduct focused research and outreach workshops that address resource issues of regional and national prominence and communicate these findings to the public through outreach events, social media, and coordination with IFAS Extension and Florida Sea Grant. Five-Year Goals
1) Develop and support research projects in the region involving agency partners and UF/IFAS that address wildlife conservation, fisheries, aquaculture, and sustainable human use of natural resources.
2) Identify and prioritize key coastal management issues and work with stakeholders and partners to advance research, extension, and education that address regional needs.
3) Maintain and engage an Advisory Board for the UF/IFAS Nature Coast Biological Station (NCBS) that includes faculty, agency partners, and community representatives.
4) Expand public engagement through extension and education programs while leveraging UF/IFAS expertise to support the economic, environmental, and educational needs of the region.
5) Support and advance shellfish aquaculture research and workforce development through hatchery facilities and applied research programs.
6) Maintain and strengthen partnerships that support marine and coastal field research, including vessel access and infrastructure for research operations.
7) Enhance facilities that support laboratory research, field operations, and housing for students, visiting researchers, and staff. UF/IFAS Nature Coast Biological Station Facebook Disclaimer
The University of Florida UF/IFAS Nature Coast Biological Station (UF/IFAS NCBS) intends to educate, inform and provide updated information on UF/IFAS NCBS programs, research, education, and outreach activities and to support and promote UF/IFAS NCBS objectives through its social media account. All UF/IFAS NCBS comments are made by UF/IFAS NCBS designees. The University of Florida welcomes your comments and encourages respectful interaction among our community. Before posting, please consider the UF Core Values and review the UF Community Commenting Guidelines. We review comments and reserve the right to remove those that are:
– Off-topic
– Containing links to third-party websites or content
– Made in violation of Florida or federal law
Comments by outside users reflect the authors’ opinions, not those of the university. By posting on this page, you agree to follow the University of Florida Community Commenting Guidelines, platform Terms of Service, Florida and federal law, and UF regulations and policies, including the university’s Acceptable Use of Computing Resources Policy.
