Florida Sea Grant

What Florida Sea Grant does

Florida Sea Grant is a university-based program operating as a partnership between the State University System of Florida, the State of Florida, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Established in 1974 and hosted by the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), the program supports applied research, education, and outreach to conserve coastal resources and enhance economic opportunities for Florida's coastal communities. It serves a diverse set of beneficiaries including coastal residents, recreational and commercial fishers, the boating community (Florida has nearly one million registered recreational vessels), students from K-12 through graduate level, marine industry professionals, and local governments, operating across 8,436 miles of coastline and reaching over 16 million coastal residents plus 140 million annual non-resident visitors.

The program's core offerings include citizen science programs (Water Watch, Florida Horseshoe Crab Watch, Great Goliath Grouper Count, Eyes on Seagrass), competitive faculty funding awarded biennially, workforce training (Seafood HACCP, Mangrove Trimming, Living Shorelines, Natural Resources Leadership Institute), and student opportunities (FSG-Guy Harvey Fellowship, Knauss Fellowship, undergraduate internships). Program areas span aquaculture, coral health (including Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease response), clean boating, coastal hazards and climate adaptation, fisheries, and seafood safety. Digital products include the Pumpout Nav mobile app (280+ stations), the Southeast Aquaculture Communication Collaborative platform (250+ resources), the Online Oyster Culture Course, and Marine Science Minute radio spots. The program is structured around 23 UF/IFAS Extension agents and 3 tenure-track state specialists in coastal counties, 24 Campus Coordinators at universities and research laboratories, and 40+ UF research affiliates managing 50+ additional research projects.

The revenue model is exclusively public-sector and philanthropic: primary funding flows from NOAA through the National Sea Grant College Program (approximately $2.6M federal investment under the FY2024-2027 Strategic Plan), with supplementary state funding from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for specific programs, plus private donations and endowments such as the Karl Havens Excellence Endowment. All programs and services are provided free to participants. The program reports $37.8M in economic impact from $2.6M in federal investment, supporting 587 businesses, 2,816 jobs, 15.5M coastal acres protected or restored, 27,228 people adopting modified seafood safety practices, and 32,144 youth and adults educated. Distribution is delivered through a hybrid model of in-person extension services, digital platforms, and a multi-channel marketing presence including the Going Coastal monthly newsletter, active social media, and educational content. The program is governed by Director Dr. Sherry Larkin alongside Associate Directors Dr. Charles Sidman (Research) and Dr. Laura Tiu (Extension & Education).

Name

Florida Sea Grant

Legal name

Florida Sea Grant College Program

Website

https://flseagrant.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1974

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Florida Sea Grant is a university-based program supporting coastal research, education, and outreach through UF/IFAS Extension. It serves Florida's coastal residents, fishers, boaters, students, and marine industry professionals via citizen science, workforce training, faculty funding, and digital tools.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Coastal and Marine Research and Extension Services

NAICS

Other Grantmaking and Giving Services (813219)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)

akta.pro primary industry

Oceans, Coastal & Marine Resource Management (BPADALAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Coastal & Marine Resources Administration (Oceans, Fisheries, Shorelines) (BPAIAMAI), Grantmaking Agencies & Education Program Grants Administration (EDADAHAD)

Keywords

• Coastal research programs
• Marine extension services
• Aquaculture education
• Seafood safety training
• Citizen science monitoring

Headquarters

HQ city

Gainesville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Federal Funding (NOAA): Primary funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) through the National Sea Grant College Program. NOAA invests approximately $20 million annually to support aquaculture research, education, and engagement.
2. State Funding: State funds from Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) supporting specific programs like coral health, water quality, and clean boating initiatives.
3. Donations and Endowments: Private donations supporting specific programs including the Karl Havens Excellence Endowment for student research in limnology, coastal and estuarine water quality, and harmful algal blooms. Also includes general programming funds and specific program support.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Florida Sea Grant is a university-based program that funds and conducts applied coastal and marine research, delivers extension and education programs through UF/IFAS Extension agents in coastal counties, and provides workforce training and citizen science opportunities. Its offerings include faculty research funding, student fellowships and internships, aquaculture and fisheries programs, coral health initiatives, clean boating education and tools, coastal hazards and climate adaptation resources, and seafood safety training.

Product overview

Florida Sea Grant is a university-based program operating as a single unified organizational entity with multiple interconnected program areas. The core offering consists of research funding and support, education and outreach programs, and extension services delivered through UF/IFAS. Key programs include: Citizen Science Programs (volunteer-based environmental monitoring); Student Opportunities (fellowships, internships, scholarships including FSG-Guy Harvey Fellowship and Chuck Skoch Scholarship); Workforce Training (marine contractor training, HACCP certification, professional development); Faculty Funding (competitive research grants); and Program Areas covering Aquaculture, Coral Health, Clean Boating/Sewage Solutions (including the Pumpout Nav app), Coastal Hazards/Climate, Fisheries, and Seafood Safety. Digital offerings include the Southeast Aquaculture Communication Collaborative platform (250+ resources), Pumpout Nav mobile app, Marine Science Minute Radio Spots, Online Oyster Culture Course, and the monthly Going Coastal Newsletter. These programs work synergistically to conserve Florida's coastal resources while supporting economic development through science-based solutions.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Florida Sea Grant Program A university-based program supporting applied research, education, and extension to conserve coastal resources and enhance economic opportunities for the people of Florida. Delivered through UF/IFAS Extension with 23 extension agents and 3 state specialists across coastal counties.
• Citizen Science Programs Participatory science programs training volunteers to collect data for monitoring environmental quality, controlling invasive species, and cleaning coastal habitats. Includes Water Watch, Florida Horseshoe Crab Watch, Great Goliath Grouper Count, and Eyes on Seagrass programs.
• Student Opportunities Program Fellowships, internships, and scholarships enabling students to contribute to Florida's coastal research, including the FSG-Guy Harvey Fellowship ($5,000 stipend), undergraduate internships, and the Chuck Skoch Scholarship.
• Workforce Training Programs Professional development programs ensuring Florida's workforce is trained for marine and coastal issues, including mangrove trimming workshops, marine contractors living shorelines training, Natural Resources Leadership Institute, Seafood HACCP Training, and the Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Professional Development Program.
• Faculty Research Funding Competitive funding opportunities supporting scientists and researchers across Florida institutions addressing critical issues affecting coastal resources and the economy. Research awards are granted biennially for two-year periods following rigorous review.
• Aquaculture Programs Research and extension programs supporting sustainable aquaculture, including the HARVEST Internship Program, Online Oyster Culture Course, Florida Aqua Talks series, Seafood Virtual Office Hours, shellfish aquaculture resource guide, and the Velella Epsilon Project offshore demonstration with Ocean Era.
• Coral Health Initiative

Quantifiable outcome

• $37.8M economic impact generated from $2.6M federal investment
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles7 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship, major and regional.

• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNOAA provides primary federal funding through the National Sea Grant College Program. Florida Sea Grant is part of the National Sea Grant network. NOAA's Office of Aquaculture invests approximately $20 million annually to support aquaculture research, education, and engagement, with Florida Sea Grant managing Florida-based projects.
• University of Florida (UF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFlorida Sea Grant is hosted by the University of Florida and is an integral part of UF/IFAS Extension. UF is ranked as a top Land Grant university and houses the USDA's Cooperative Extension System. The partnership integrates Sea Grant's coastal focus with Extension's terrestrial and freshwater programs.
• State University System of FloridacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFlorida Sea Grant is a statewide Center of the State University System of Florida with links to 24 Campus Coordinators at research and academic institutions around the state.
• Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFDEP provides state funding supporting water quality programs, Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve programs, and coral disease prevention and response plan development. The clean boating program is a partnership between FDEP and Florida Sea Grant, funded by FDEP's Clean Vessel Act grants.
• Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFWC provides state funding supporting the program's coral protection and restoration plan. FSG works with FWC on fisheries management and coral disease response activities.
• Ocean EraflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerFlorida Sea Grant has partnered with Ocean Era on the Velella Epsilon Project, a pioneering offshore aquaculture project in the southeastern Gulf of Mexico. The project deploys a demonstration fish net pen to inform policymakers and the public about offshore aquaculture.
• Mote Marine LaboratorymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated with Florida Sea Grant to coordinate the 2019 Offshore Aquaculture Workshop and hosts an offshore aquaculture display at Mote Aquarium developed with FSG support.
• Guy Harvey FoundationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe FSG-Guy Harvey Fellowship program supports graduate students conducting research on marine fisheries or aquaculture. The partnership honors Dr. Guy Harvey's contributions to marine conservation and student research support.
• Southeastern Sea Grant Programs (Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi-Alabama)regionalStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional collaborations on coastal resilience, fisheries management, and shared natural resources. Joint projects include nature-based solutions for flooding and stock assessment for species like Greater Amberjack and Red Snapper.
• Island Sea Grant Programs (Guam, Hawaii, Puerto Rico)regionalStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on shared issues including coral reef stewardship and economic dependence on tourism. Notable programs include Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Professional Development Program and coral-focused activities.
• National Sea Grant Law CenterregionalStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Law Center is a co-PI on the new FSG-led Southeast Aquaculture Communications Collaborative, providing legal and policy expertise for aquaculture communications.
• The Nature ConservancymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on Smart Growth in Aquaculture infographic and regional conservation initiatives. Laura Geselbracht serves on the FSG Advisory Council representing The Nature Conservancy.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): NOAA is the federal parent and primary funder of the entire Sea Grant College Program, including Florida Sea Grant. Overlapping mission in coastal and marine science, but at a national scale and with broader regulatory versus extension scope.
• Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is a major private, non-profit ocean research, engineering, and education organization. Shares the marine science and graduate education mission with Florida Sea Grant, but at a larger, private national scale focused on deep-ocean research.
• UF/IFAS Extension: UF/IFAS Extension is the parent extension service through which Florida Sea Grant delivers programs in coastal counties. Shares the same faculty rails and county-based delivery model, but covers a broader terrestrial and freshwater mandate.

Direct peers

• North Carolina Sea Grant: North Carolina Sea Grant is a fellow Sea Grant program at NC State, running research, extension, and education on coastal and marine resources. Directly comparable in funding model and program portfolio.
• California Sea Grant: California Sea Grant is a sister Sea Grant College Program hosted at Scripps/UCSD, delivering the same NOAA-mandated mix of research funding, extension, and coastal workforce training. Highly comparable in mission and program structure.
• Texas Sea Grant: Texas Sea Grant is a sibling Sea Grant College Program at Texas A&M, operating the same NOAA-funded model of coastal research, extension, and education. It is the most direct structural peer to Florida Sea Grant, with comparable scale and program mix.
• National Sea Grant Law Center: National Sea Grant Law Center is a co-PI with Florida Sea Grant on the Southeast Aquaculture Communications Collaborative and shares the NOAA Sea Grant network. Comparable in Sea Grant mandate and policy/legal focus, but specialized to legal and policy services.
• Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium: Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium is a regional Sea Grant entity partnering with Florida Sea Grant on regional fisheries and coastal resilience projects. Operates the same federal-state-university model in a neighboring Gulf state.

Regional players

• Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (FAU): Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute at Florida Atlantic University is a Florida-based marine research institute that, like Florida Sea Grant, conducts coastal and oceanographic research and education. Comparable in Florida focus and academic anchoring, but with a marine science rather than extension mandate.
• Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium: Mote Marine Laboratory is a Florida-based marine research and education partner that collaborates with Florida Sea Grant on offshore aquaculture and coral work. Comparable in Florida coastal research focus, but operates as an independent non-profit versus a NOAA-funded extension program.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/FloridaSeaGrant
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/flseagrant/videos
• Facebookfacebook.com/floridaseagrant
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/floridaseagrant
• Instagraminstagram.com/floridaseagrant

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Florida Sea Grant