Seagrass Ecosystem Restoration Research URE
Internship Mentor: Dr. Dominque Gallery
Mote’s Seagrass Ecosystem Research and Restoration investigates how seagrasses thrive under targeted stressors that affect watersheds across the state of Florida. Seagrasses are threatened by various stressors, including increased temperature and salinity fluctuations, harmful algal blooms, and others. These stressors are causing seagrasses to die off at unprecedented rates across Florida. Mote, along with partners from FWC and UF, is developing a ten-year seagrass restoration plan that will focus on identifying genotypes that are resilient to these stressors for use in restoration practices state-wide. To achieve this goal, Mote will undertake several genetics-based projects, including a state-wide assessment of the current genetic diversity for three species of seagrass: Halodule wrightii, Syringodium filiforme, and Thalassia testudinum. Research projects will also focus on how specific seagrass genotypes have differential responses to stressors such as temperature, water clarity, and salinity. The seagrass program combines molecular research with chemistry, physiology, and ecology, and interns may gain experience in DNA extractions, chemical extractions, seedling measurements, and tank maintenance. Wet and dry lab work will be required, and fieldwork may be involved. Please note that most research activities are carried out at the Mote Aquaculture Park (MAP), a satellite campus approximately 17 miles from the main Laboratory.
