Statewide Seagrass Restoration Initiative
Shoal grass grown in peat pots for transplanting in various Florida waterways where seagrasses have declined.
Ecosphere Restoration Institute, together with AquaTech Eco Consultants, is proud to announce the successful completion of 100 acres of Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) restoration across Florida, a major milestone in one of the state’s largest and most ambitious seagrass initiatives.
Funded through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and launched in 2022 with a $5 million appropriation, this project was designed to jump-start recovery in areas where seagrass meadows had been lost due to pollution, red tides, and harmful algae blooms. By replanting seagrass in targeted areas including the Indian River Lagoon, Tampa Bay, and Sarasota Bay, the project aims to rebuild habitat for fish and shellfish, improve water clarity, stabilize sediments, and provide critical food for Florida’s manatees.
From the first planting at MacDill AFB in late 2022 to the 100th acre completed in the Indian River Lagoon, our team and partners have reached this goal ahead of schedule. And the work is far from done. Thanks to new funding, we are already under contract to restore another 70 acres over the next two years, ensuring this progress accelerates rather than slows down.
Seagrasses are among the planet’s most valuable ecosystems. A single acre can support up to 40,000 fish and 50 million small invertebrates, while also storing carbon at a rate 30 times more efficient than tropical rainforests. By replanting these underwater meadows, we’re not only protecting Florida’s environment and economy but also ensuring healthier, more resilient waterways for future generations.
This initiative is made possible through strong partnerships with AquaTech Eco Consultants, Aquaticus Plants, and the University of South Florida, with oversight from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Together, we’re proving that science-based restoration and collaboration can deliver lasting impact for Florida’s coastlines.
COST: $5,000,000
PARTNERS: AquaTech Eco Consultants and Aquaticus Plants, University of South Florida
Funded through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and launched in 2022 with a $5 million appropriation, this project was designed to jump-start recovery in areas where seagrass meadows had been lost due to pollution, red tides, and harmful algae blooms. By replanting seagrass in targeted areas including the Indian River Lagoon, Tampa Bay, and Sarasota Bay, the project aims to rebuild habitat for fish and shellfish, improve water clarity, stabilize sediments, and provide critical food for Florida’s manatees.
From the first planting at MacDill AFB in late 2022 to the 100th acre completed in the Indian River Lagoon, our team and partners have reached this goal ahead of schedule. And the work is far from done. Thanks to new funding, we are already under contract to restore another 70 acres over the next two years, ensuring this progress accelerates rather than slows down.
Seagrasses are among the planet’s most valuable ecosystems. A single acre can support up to 40,000 fish and 50 million small invertebrates, while also storing carbon at a rate 30 times more efficient than tropical rainforests. By replanting these underwater meadows, we’re not only protecting Florida’s environment and economy but also ensuring healthier, more resilient waterways for future generations.
This initiative is made possible through strong partnerships with AquaTech Eco Consultants, Aquaticus Plants, and the University of South Florida, with oversight from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Together, we’re proving that science-based restoration and collaboration can deliver lasting impact for Florida’s coastlines.
COST: $5,000,000
PARTNERS: AquaTech Eco Consultants and Aquaticus Plants, University of South Florida
United Nations Climate Change - Race to Resilience
Ecosphere is now an official partner to the UN’s Race to Resilience, the UN campaign to increase the resilience of 4 billion people by 2030. Ecosphere’s restoration and resilience projects, including living shorelines, living seawalls, seagrass plantings, and coastal, river, and springs restoration, contribute to the goals of the campaign. Partners set resilience goals, share restoration and resilience knowledge, and may collaborate on specific projects. We are excited to contribute to Race to Resilience goals and honored to be an official partner to the campaign.
Ecosphere’s Dr. Rene Brown is a Civil Society Observer to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and an appointed member of the UN Race to Resilience Expert Review Group.
Learn more about Race to Resilience here: https://unfccc.int/race-to-resilience-campaign
Ecosphere’s Dr. Rene Brown is a Civil Society Observer to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and an appointed member of the UN Race to Resilience Expert Review Group.
Learn more about Race to Resilience here: https://unfccc.int/race-to-resilience-campaign
TECO Newman Branch Canal Living Shoreline
Ecosphere’s newest living shoreline was completed in June 2025 near Apollo Beach through a unique Public/Private Partnership (P3) with Tampa Electric Company (TECO). This project was originally funded in 2022 through a $120,000 grant from the Tampa Bay Ecosystem Restoration Fund, matched with $246,000 from TECO. Following site surveys and design approvals in 2023, construction moved forward and is now complete, delivering both immediate and long-term benefits to the local estuary.
The project transformed a steep, eroding shoreline by “softening” nearly 600 linear feet of waterfront and creating a new tidal creek system, restoring natural hydrology and building critical habitat. What makes this site especially noteworthy is that it was implemented on private property using both public and private funding. Of the 50+ living shorelines our team has implemented, only a handful have been done on private lands. Yet these projects make a big difference in ecosystem services because fish, birds, and manatees don’t care who owns the shoreline.
Like all living shorelines, this one uses natural materials and native vegetation to stabilize the coast, improve water quality, and support wildlife. While the site experienced heavy summer thunderstorms soon after construction, TECO volunteers worked alongside Ecosphere to repair minor erosion and reinforce new plantings. With ongoing monitoring, the shoreline is expected to become self-sustaining over time.
This project highlights the power of public–private collaboration in advancing restoration. By combining funding, securing conservation protections, and engaging local partners, we’re proving that even private shorelines can become part of the solution to create healthier, more resilient waterways for the future.
Cost: $366,000
Partners: Tampa Bay Ecosystem Restoration Fund, TECO
The project transformed a steep, eroding shoreline by “softening” nearly 600 linear feet of waterfront and creating a new tidal creek system, restoring natural hydrology and building critical habitat. What makes this site especially noteworthy is that it was implemented on private property using both public and private funding. Of the 50+ living shorelines our team has implemented, only a handful have been done on private lands. Yet these projects make a big difference in ecosystem services because fish, birds, and manatees don’t care who owns the shoreline.
Like all living shorelines, this one uses natural materials and native vegetation to stabilize the coast, improve water quality, and support wildlife. While the site experienced heavy summer thunderstorms soon after construction, TECO volunteers worked alongside Ecosphere to repair minor erosion and reinforce new plantings. With ongoing monitoring, the shoreline is expected to become self-sustaining over time.
This project highlights the power of public–private collaboration in advancing restoration. By combining funding, securing conservation protections, and engaging local partners, we’re proving that even private shorelines can become part of the solution to create healthier, more resilient waterways for the future.
Cost: $366,000
Partners: Tampa Bay Ecosystem Restoration Fund, TECO
Unique Partnership Helping to Feed Florida Manatees
Ecosphere Restoration Institute is spearheading an innovative partnership to harvest and deliver eelgrass to rehabilitation centers caring for famished manatees rescued from Florida waters where their natural food sources have disappeared.
Ecosphere was approached in late 2021 by Soldiers for Animals, a non-profit organization that engages military veterans in wildlife conservation programs worldwide. The group wanted to do something to help Florida’s starving manatees. They agreed to provide funding for 12 weeks to provide fresh eelgrass to the five manatee rehab centers throughout the state. Although the funding was finite, our contractor: AquaTech Eco Consultants continued to harvest and deliver eelgrass through 2023. In 2024, TECO now subsides this effort allowing AquaTech to continue to deliver eelgrass every two weeks!
From December 2021 through August 2024, the effort distributed 10 tons of eelgrass – a natural and preferred food for manatees – to the following facilities housing malnourished manatees: Zoo Tampa, the Jacksonville Zoo, Sea World, Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park, and the South Florida Museum’s Parker Manatee Aquarium.
Most of the rescued manatees came from the Indian River Lagoon, where free-falling seagrass losses continue to take a severe toll on Florida’s iconic marine mammal. A record 1,100 manatees died in 2022 in Florida, with 30% of those in the Indian River Lagoon. Another 800 manatees died statewide in 2023, according to state wildlife biologists.
“It’s really a win-win because the grasses we’re taking are clogging up canals, just floating on the surface. The homeowners who live on the canals are happy to get rid of the grass, and the rehab centers are happy to get a natural food that manatees prefer over lettuce,” said Tom Ries, Ecosphere’s President.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the lead agency overseeing manatee protection, approved the eelgrass delivery project.
If you would like to contribute to extend this program; donations are welcome, feel free to contact us to learn more.
Ecosphere was approached in late 2021 by Soldiers for Animals, a non-profit organization that engages military veterans in wildlife conservation programs worldwide. The group wanted to do something to help Florida’s starving manatees. They agreed to provide funding for 12 weeks to provide fresh eelgrass to the five manatee rehab centers throughout the state. Although the funding was finite, our contractor: AquaTech Eco Consultants continued to harvest and deliver eelgrass through 2023. In 2024, TECO now subsides this effort allowing AquaTech to continue to deliver eelgrass every two weeks!
From December 2021 through August 2024, the effort distributed 10 tons of eelgrass – a natural and preferred food for manatees – to the following facilities housing malnourished manatees: Zoo Tampa, the Jacksonville Zoo, Sea World, Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park, and the South Florida Museum’s Parker Manatee Aquarium.
Most of the rescued manatees came from the Indian River Lagoon, where free-falling seagrass losses continue to take a severe toll on Florida’s iconic marine mammal. A record 1,100 manatees died in 2022 in Florida, with 30% of those in the Indian River Lagoon. Another 800 manatees died statewide in 2023, according to state wildlife biologists.
“It’s really a win-win because the grasses we’re taking are clogging up canals, just floating on the surface. The homeowners who live on the canals are happy to get rid of the grass, and the rehab centers are happy to get a natural food that manatees prefer over lettuce,” said Tom Ries, Ecosphere’s President.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the lead agency overseeing manatee protection, approved the eelgrass delivery project.
If you would like to contribute to extend this program; donations are welcome, feel free to contact us to learn more.
Lowry Park Spring Enhancement
Lowry Park Spring was a concrete lined basin that was restored by the SWIM program 32 years ago when Thomas Ries worked for the SWFWMD. This site was not cared for all this time and although the native trees that were installed thrived, the site also had non-native tress such as Brazilian pepper making it difficult to access the spring. Ecosphere teamed up with Zoo Tampa to coordinate two volunteer events to physically remove these non-native trees and then Ecosphere installed native vegetation within the spring basin.
MacDill AFB Mangrove Restoration - Site 20A
Location of Spoil Mounds to be recontoured at MacDill AFB
Ecosphere secured a $37,000 grant from the Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County, matched by $100,000 from MacDill AFB, to design the final phase of this overall restoration of the entire southern coastline of the base. These funds will be used to eliminate spoil mounds associated with 115 mosquito ditches, restoring natural sheet flow for an additional 37 acres of mangroves.
In late 2023 additional funds were secured from the TBEP’s Tampa Bay Environmental Restoration Fund ($90K) and from the EPC Pollution Recovery Fund ($50K). Together, those funds will allow us to complete the final phase of the mangrove/saltern restoration efforts as part of MacDill’s Habitat Restoration Master Plan.
COST: $275,000+
PARTNERS: MacDill AFB, Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County
In late 2023 additional funds were secured from the TBEP’s Tampa Bay Environmental Restoration Fund ($90K) and from the EPC Pollution Recovery Fund ($50K). Together, those funds will allow us to complete the final phase of the mangrove/saltern restoration efforts as part of MacDill’s Habitat Restoration Master Plan.
COST: $275,000+
PARTNERS: MacDill AFB, Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County
MacDill Air Force Base Wildlife Study
The US Fish and Wildlife Service has requested that Ecosphere repeat the 2019 wildlife study conducted for MacDill AFB. This work is ongoing and is scheduled to be completed by the Fall of 2024. Ecosphere partnered with Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy (ARC), another non-profit organization, that specializes on herbs and amphibians.
COST: $130,000
PARTNERS: MacDill AFB, US Fish and Wildlife Service, ARC
COST: $130,000
PARTNERS: MacDill AFB, US Fish and Wildlife Service, ARC
City of St. Petersburg Beach - Living Shoreline Demo Project
Existing, deteriorated seawall prior to enhancement
Ecosphere secured a TBEP Tampa Bay Ecosystem Restoration Fund grant in early 2024 to design and permit three seawall enhancement sites along South Maritana Drive. The engineering design that will result from this can be applied to at least 70 other adjacent waterfront properties. The approved designs will be made available to all residents with similar waterfront conditions for free, to encourage their use.
Ecosphere will be applying for a Tampa Bay Ecosystem Restoration Fund grant in 2023 to design and permit three seawall enhancement sites along South Maritana Drive. The engineering design that will result from this can be applied to at least 35 other adjacent waterfront properties. The approved designs will be made available to all residents with similar waterfront conditions for free, to encourage their use.
Ecosphere will be applying for a Tampa Bay Ecosystem Restoration Fund grant in 2023 to design and permit three seawall enhancement sites along South Maritana Drive. The engineering design that will result from this can be applied to at least 35 other adjacent waterfront properties. The approved designs will be made available to all residents with similar waterfront conditions for free, to encourage their use.
Thomas Tract
Located on Hillsborough County’s South Shore, this long-abandoned tropical fish farm with more than 200 man-made ponds has tremendous restoration potential. The Thomas Tract was purchased in 2012 by Hillsborough County through its Environmental Lands Acquisition and Preservation Program. Restoration work is being conducted by the Southwest Florida Water Management District, implementing an Ecosphere design incorporating removal of invasive vegetation and recontouring of tidal wetlands to serve as fish and wildlife habitat. The project also will accommodate rising seas associated with our changing climate through creation of “stepping-stone” slopes that allow habitats such as salterns and mangrove forests to migrate inland as waters rise. When completed, the Thomas Tract will feature an ecologically rich tapestry of saltwater lagoons, freshwater wetlands and coastal uplands directly connected to Tampa Bay.
Finally, with funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, one acre will be designed and planted with sustainable native milkweed plants to support the Monarch Butterfly.
COST: $1,240,000
PARTNERS: Hillsborough County, Southwest Florida Water Management District, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Finally, with funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, one acre will be designed and planted with sustainable native milkweed plants to support the Monarch Butterfly.
COST: $1,240,000
PARTNERS: Hillsborough County, Southwest Florida Water Management District, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Black Rail Habitat Restoration Construction Project
Ecosphere will seek grant funding to implement this 5-acre marsh restoration project to provide habitat for the rare Black Rail, a small ground-dwelling bird found in high marsh habitats. This project will also restore 5 acres of coastal uplands adjacent to this newly created wetland area at MacDill AFB.
COST: TBD
PARTNERS: MacDIll AFB, others TBD
COST: TBD
PARTNERS: MacDIll AFB, others TBD
Purity Spring Enhancement Project
Ecosphere assisted the City of Tampa in securing grant funding for the enhancement of Purity Springs along the upper portion of the Hillsborough River. Two grants were drafted for them: TBERF - $72,727 and a NEP Coastal Grant - $500,000. Plus, Ecosphere also secured a TBW grant for $7K to install the Living Shoreline plants. Currently the City is working on the designs so they can be permitted for construction.
Feeding Manatees
In 2022 Ecosphere obtained funding from Soldiers for Animals to help fund the collection of SAV for immediate feeding purposes of the 5 manatees at rehab centers in Florida. Their funds resulted in the delivery of ~200 lbs. per week of fresh eelgrass to the manatee rehab sites. Our corporate partner, TECO, recently agreed to cover this cost ($12,000) for 2024, so our contractor AquaTech can continue to collect/deliver SAV. SAV deliveries are ongoing.
