Dr. Todd Osborne, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Biogeochemistry
Whitney Lab, University of Florida
Dr. Todd Z. Osborne PhD, Assistant Professor in the Wetland
Biogeochemistry Laboratory, is a partner on this project and understands
the ecology of the area. Dr. Todd states, "In the ecosystem no single
part is more important than the other. It's a very interconnected
system, so we see oysters and clams, filter feeders, as a very integral
part of the ecosystem balancing algae and other organisms. Our goal is
to try to reintroduce one of the members of that functioning ecosystem
that's been missing."
Capt Blair Wiggins
Television Host
Addictive Fishing Television
Addictive Fishing Television
Capt Blair Wiggins, Host of Addictive Fishing Television, grew up on the barrier islands of Cocoa Beach, Florida with his Executive Producer, Kevin McCabe. The pair would fish the local waters of the Banana River and Indian River on a daily basis. Capt Blair became a fishing guide on Florida's Space Coast and has watched his hometown fishery's water qualities deteriorate right before his eyes. In the 1990's Blair watched as causeways were built, stopping the natural flow of water in the Indian River, and commercial fisherman decimated the clam population. Capt Blair believes these 2 factors have contributed to the water quality issues we have today.
Frank J. Gidus II
Director of Habitat and Environmental Restoration
CCA Florida
Frank Gidus II, Director of Habitat and Environmental Restoration,
discussed the idea with Capt Blair Wiggins and plays an important
part in getting this project going. Frank explains, "This project is
very unique in that we are bringing together a government agency
with FWC, a university in University of Florida, a non-profit with
CCA Florida, and private businesses all coming together to help
habitat restoration. This project is crucial for the restoration of
the Indian River Lagoon system."
Learn More About Frank >>
Gary Jennings
Director, Keep Florida Fishing
American Sportfishing Association
Gary Jennings, Director of Keep Florida Fishing is focused on
keeping Florida's fishing waterways pristine and healthy. Gary
states, "ASA does a lot of government affairs and advocacy
work and created the Keep Florida Fishing initiative for
projects just like this one. 3 million people fish in the
state of Florida each year generating over 9 billion dollars
in economic activity creating over $50 million in conservation
funding. When Capt Blair Wiggins brought this project to our
attention, ASA is on board to help."