# Research Infrastructure: Environmental controlled recirculating seawater system for advanced marine science experimentation

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · University of Florida (FL) · $774,759

## Abstract

An award is made to the University of Florida to enable infrastructure improvements at the Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience, located on a barrier island in Northeast Florida. This award supports the construction of a state-of-the-art recirculating seawater system (RAS) that complements the existing open seawater facility, allowing precise control of environmental conditions such as temperature, salinity and nutrient levels. This infrastructure will significantly expand the Lab’s capacity to study and optimize the reproduction, development and behavior of local marine species, including commercially important finfish (e.g., red drum, snook, American red snapper) and shellfish (e.g., clams, oysters). The new facility will also support educational and outreach programs, including K-12 engagement, undergraduate and graduate research training and participation by the local community. These activities contribute to building a contemporary scientific workforce, enhancing aquaculture practices, rehabilitating endangered marine wildlife (e.g, sea turtles), and increasing public understanding of ocean science and conservation efforts that collectively support sustainable food systems and coastal ecosystem resilience in the face of climate change.

The intellectual merit of the project lies in its ability to transform the scope and precision of marine biological research in a natural coastal setting. By enabling researchers to stimulate seasonal cues, generate multiple spawnin

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2421088
- **Awardee organization:** University of Florida (FL)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** NNFQH1JAPEP3
- **PI:** Leonardo Ibarra-Castro
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** FIELD STATIONS
- **Estimated total:** $774,759
- **Funds obligated:** $774,759
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2025 → 08/31/2027

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2421088

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2421088, Research Infrastructure: Environmental controlled recirculating seawater system for advanced marine science experimentation. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2421088. Licensed CC0.

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