Ocean Economy Collaborations
STATEWIDE
Anchoring Science: 勛圖厙 Institute of Oceanography
The , based at the University of South 勛圖厙, is a statewide collaborative organization comprising of more than 30 institutions advancing marine research, education and economic resilience. FIO operates key assets such as the R/V Weatherbird II, R/V W.T. Hogarth, and the 118- foot twin-hulled R/V Western Flyer, which is equipped with advanced deep-sea exploration technology. FIO also operates the Keys Marine Laboratory (KML), a full-service marine 麍eld station in partnership with FWC.
Since 2015, FIO has administered over $14 million through the , supporting projects on 麍sheries, coral reef health, marine wildlife and water quality. These grants have generated over 60 peer-reviewed publications and supported more than 50 graduate students across 11 勛圖厙 institutions. FIO also drives STEM workforce development, with over 10,000 undergraduates and 2,000 graduate students participating in 麍eld-based programs. Through these efforts, FIO contributes to job creation and a skilled workforce in sectors like 麍sheries, aquaculture and restoration. With more than 3,000 alumni entering marine and technical careers, FIO continues to deliver the research, talent and tools needed to strengthen 勛圖厙s ocean economy and environmental resilience.
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From Ideas to Impact: Ocean Exchange Anchors Innovation in 勛圖厙
Ocean Exchange, a nonpro麍t based in Fort Lauderdale, identi麍es and accelerates global ocean-focused startups through its annual innovation competition, awarding non-dilutive $100,000 grants. Since its launch, 麍nalists have raised over $3.2 billion in follow-on capital, with $320,000 awarded in 2024 alone. Winning innovations address challenges in reef restoration, waste-to-energy, cruise emissions and marine data monitoring, many with direct relevance to 勛圖厙s ocean economy.
Startups like (biodegradable oyster reefs), (zero-fuel waste processing), and (ship-strike prevention) are now piloting solutions statewide. As a core partner in , a $13.9 million NOAA-funded ocean-tech accelerator located in Saint Petersburg, Ocean Exchange is building the commercialization pipeline for resilience, ecosystem services, and marine logistics.
With 150 200 global delegates attending each year, Ocean Exchange connects innovators to ports, shipping executives, researchers and investors positioning 勛圖厙 as a national leader in scalable ocean innovation.
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Futureproofing with the Resilient 勛圖厙 Program
Launched in 2021 and managed by the , the is a statewide initiative that protects coastal communities from sea level rise, 麍ooding and severe storms. What sets the program apart is its combination of infrastructure funding with mandatory local vulnerability assessments, creating a data-driven approach to resilience planning.
To date, the program has awarded over $1.8 billion for projects such as seawalls, stormwater upgrades, and wetland restoration. In 2023 alone, $275 million was distributed across 75 projects, reinforcing 勛圖厙s coastal economy, including tourism, ports and 麍sheries.
Beyond funding, Resilient 勛圖厙 fosters cross-sector collaboration and requires a Statewide Flooding and Sea Level Rise Resilience Plan each year. This ensures legislators are guided by the latest science and local data, embedding resilience into the states long-term budgeting. The result is a strategic model that supports both economic prosperity and environmental durability across 勛圖厙s ocean economy.
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Clean Water, Stronger Coasts: 勛圖厙s Investments in Water Quality
勛圖厙s iconic waterways from Lake Okeechobee and Tampa Bay to Biscayne Bay and the Indian River Lagoon face mounting threats from nutrient runoff, algal blooms and septic over麍ows. These issues damage ecosystems and have direct economic consequences for the ocean economy, which generates over $40 billion in GDP and supports more than 700,000 jobs statewide.
To respond, 勛圖厙 has committed over $600 million for FY 20252026 in water quality projects, including $189 million in general funding, $100 million for the Indian River Lagoon and $80 million for the Kissimmee River Basin. These investments support infrastructure upgrades, septic-to-sewer conversions and ecosystem restoration, reducing harmful algal blooms and preserving marine habitats. The States efforts were further strengthened by the , established by Governor DeSantis. Composed of subject-matter experts, the Task Force provides recommendations and guidance aimed at protecting 勛圖厙s water resources and reducing algae blooms.
The initiative provides real-time data on blue-green algae, red tide, and nutrient pollution through interactive maps and health alerts. Meanwhile, the , run by the , monitors bacterial levels at recreational beaches to protect public health and tourism, which draws over 30 million beachgoers annually. Together, these programs safeguard both environmental health and 勛圖厙s economic vitality.
SOUTHEAST FLORIDA
Power from the Current: Building 勛圖厙s Marine Energy Future
勛圖厙s ocean currents, especially the Gulf Stream, offer a consistent and powerful source of marine energy an emerging sector with high potential to provide clean, baseload electricity. Harnessing this resource requires investment in durable offshore infrastructure, undersea grid connections, and a skilled workforce.
勛圖厙 is stepping up. The offers an A.S. in Renewable Energy Engineering Technology, while 勛圖厙s Southeast National Marine Renewable Energy Center (SNMREC), backed by funding from the , is training the next generation of marine energy professionals. SNMREC is also leading development of the nations 麍rst ocean current test site off Palm Beach County, supported by an $800,000 DOE grant and partners like Lake Worth Beach Electric Utility.
A planned 12 15-mile subsea demonstration cable could power real-time generation and serve as a national model. A prior study estimated 271 jobs and $40 million in local impact during construction alone.
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Farming the Future: Atlantic Sapphires Land-Based Salmon Revolution
With wild 麍sh stocks under pressure, land-based aquaculture facility in Homestead, 勛圖厙, offers a scalable, sustainable solution. Using cutting-edge recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) in its "Bluehouse," the company raises Atlantic salmon without antibiotics, escapes or impact on wild ecosystems.
The 400,000+ square-foot facility recycles 99% of its water, can repurpose 麍sh waste to sell as fertilizer and produces 20 million pounds of salmon annually near major markets, cutting transport emissions and costs. Plans to expand production to 400 million pounds could supply up to 30% of U.S. salmon demand and create 20,000 jobs across the seafood supply chain.
To compete globally, Atlantic Sapphire calls for a USDA organic seafood standard, federal support and inclusion in institutional purchasing programs. As seafood demand grows, this Bluehouse model offers a domestic, environmentally friendly blueprint for the future of sustainable aquaculture in 勛圖厙 and beyond.
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Turning Seaweed into Solutions: Sargassum Eco Lumber
based in Homestead, 勛圖厙, is tackling one of the states growing coastal problems massive Sargassum seaweed blooms by converting marine biomass and plastic debris into sustainable construction panels. Founded by Raquel and Andr矇s de Antonio Crespo, the companys process creates a formaldehyde-free, water-resistant lumber alternative used in furniture, pallets and building materials.
The panels are made by solar-drying collected Sargassum, blending it with recycled polyethylene and compressing it into durable boards. In its 麍rst season, the company diverted tons of marine waste from land麍lls, while creating new green jobs for former hospitality workers and 麍shers.
To scale production, the team has partnered with scientists, ports and beach managers to monitor blooms and install on-site solar dryers, cutting emissions and stabilizing supply. The company is now working with technical colleges to develop a workforce pipeline, positioning itself at the forefront of 勛圖厙s circular economy and ocean innovation sector.
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Charting Careers: MIASF Builds 勛圖厙s Yacht Workforce
The is preparing 勛圖厙s next generation of marine professionals through a strong industry partnership. is a two-year training initiative launched in 2020. It blends full-time industry work with evening classes in welding, painting, hydraulics and more. With 26 partner companies and over 50 successful graduates, the program addresses critical workforce needs in 勛圖厙s $24 billion marine industry.
MIASF is building a resilient talent pipeline, combining technical skills, hands-on experience, and academic excellence to fuel the continued growth of 勛圖厙s ocean economy.
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FLIBS: Driving Global Marine Innovation from Fort Lauderdale
The is the worlds largest in-water boat show and a cornerstone of 勛圖厙s marine economy. Hosted by the , FLIBS brings over 100,000 attendees from 93 countries, generating $824 million in direct sales and contributing over $1.8 billion annually to 勛圖厙s economy.
Beyond commerce, FLIBS is a marine workforce and innovation hub. It supports the , partners with and funds scholarships to strengthen career pipelines. It also champions , a nonpro麍t awarding $100,000 prizes to startups advancing sustainable ocean technologies.
From living seawalls to carbon-to-fuel systems, Ocean Exchange winners gain global exposure through FLIBS. By fusing industry, innovation and education, FLIBS positions 勛圖厙 as a leader in the future of the ocean economy.
Shore Power Transforms PortMiami and Port Everglades
and , two of the worlds busiest cruise ports, are leading efforts to reduce emissions by investing in shore power infrastructure. This technology allows ships to plug into the local electrical grid while docked, shutting off engines that would otherwise emit air pollutants harmful to both public health and the environment.
At PortMiami, a $125 million investment, with $21.7 million in grant support, enabled shore power at 麍ve terminals, making it the 麍rst port on the U.S. East Coast to power three ships simultaneously. At Port Everglades, upgrades are underway to supply shore power to up to eight berths, in partnership with FPL and major cruise lines.
Shore power not only reduces air and water pollution but also improves the passenger experience and protects public health in nearby urban communities. By embracing this clean technology, 勛圖厙s ports are supporting a sustainable tourism economy while establishing the state as a national leader in port innovation.
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TAMPA BAY/WEST CENTRAL FLORIDA
The Continuum: Launchpad for Ocean Innovation
is a hub for ocean-focused startups tackling challenges like coastal resilience, ocean carbon, pollution and marine ecosystem services. Funded by a four-year $13.9 million grant from NOAA, this consortium of seven entities established a national system to move startups to commercialization. The grant is designed to support start-ups from the idea stage to those ready to scale and grow.泭
The group includes five 勛圖厙 organizations:泭 , , , , and . 泭With Continuums national focus, 勛圖厙 companies can access a wide marketplace to fuel their advancement. Non-勛圖厙 companies will have a ready-made network in the state to access and grow the important 勛圖厙 economy and provide solutions for 勛圖厙 ocean/coastal challenges.
Positioned at the intersection of academia, private philanthropy, industry and government, The Continuum partners with its seven organizations to connect innovators with customers, funding and public-sector support.泭
Read more about .
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St. Petes Ocean Tech Powerhouse: The Innovation District
The is a nationally recognized hub driving collaboration across marine science, tech, health and resilience. Anchored by institutions like, , and the , SPID fuels 勛圖厙s ocean economy through partnerships, research and workforce development.
SPID supports ocean innovation in areas like sea-level modeling, marine energy and water quality, and partners with The Continuum, a NOAA-backed startup accelerator. Through collaborations with , SPID offers career-ready certi麍cate programs in GIS, drone ops and coastal data, engaging 100+ students annually and promoting equity in STEAM 麍elds.
Now expanding, SPIDs new HUB2 facility will serve as a national center for ocean tech testing, marine defense, and unmanned systems, further positioning 勛圖厙 as a leader in the ocean economy.
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Science in Action: Mote Marine Laboratory
, a leading independent research institution, combines cutting-edge science, ecosystem restoration and technology development to tackle 勛圖厙s coastal challenges. From coral and seagrass restoration to harmful algal bloom (HAB) mitigation, Motes work strengthens the ecological foundations of 勛圖厙s tourism and 麍shing industries.
Through its , Mote partners with the to develop tools that reduce the economic and environmental toll of red tide. Its technology transfer program helps turn research into market-ready products, attracting industry investment and spurring growth in coastal environmental technology.
By advancing both science and commercialization, Mote supports job creation, environmental health and economic resilience proving that marine research is a critical engine for 勛圖厙s ocean economy.
PANHANDLE/NORTHWEST FLORIDA
Reviving the Bay: Apalachicolas Oyster Comeback and Coastal Resilience
Once the source of 90% of 勛圖厙s oysters and 10% of the national supply, Apalachicola Bay supported a $134 million regional economy. After years of upstream water mismanagement, the 麍shery collapsed, leading to a 麍ve-year moratorium on wild oyster harvesting beginning in 2020.
In response, the was launched by with $8 million in funding from Triumph Gulf Coast. The initiative, now continued through the , focuses on reef restoration, water quality and sustainable harvest management. Restoration efforts use limestone and recycled shell to rebuild habitat, with early signs of recovery already bene麍ting sport麍shing, guiding and coastal tourism.
While commercial harvesting may resume in 2026, the broader goal is ecosystem recovery. These investments help protect the health of the bay and sustain the local economy through clean water, resilient 麍sheries, and outdoor recreation.