PHOTO BY BENJAMIN L. JONES VIA UNSPLASH.COM
A nearly $1 million state grant has been awarded to the Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute (Website) to transform a run-down marina on A1A in Melbourne Beach into a fully functional aquaculture and seagrass restoration hub for the Indian River Lagoon.
The renovated site will support the Sea and Shoreline (Website) nursery’s operations, where biodegradable sandbags are filled with sand and seeded with seagrass, then planted into the lagoon to restore underwater vegetation vital for the ecosystem. These custom-designed sandbags biodegrade over time and are resilient to local wildlife disturbances, ensuring fragile seagrass roots remain anchored
Currently, structural damage, like an unstable seawall and broken ramps, makes direct water access impossible at the site. Restoration plans include repairing the infrastructure so that seagrass plantings can be loaded directly into boats rather than transported by truck, streamlining operations and reducing risk . Researchers and conservation staff emphasize that seagrass restoration is urgently tied to broader marine health; healthier seagrass beds support wildlife, including dolphins and manatees, by improving water quality and habitat resilience
This project forms part of a wider effort to save the Indian River Lagoon, once one of America’s most biologically rich estuaries, from ongoing ecological decline. Coordinated by groups including Save Our IRL, Brevard County Natural Resources Management, and the Sea and Shoreline nursery, it aligns with large-scale habitat restoration efforts that include oyster reef rebuilding, public water quality improvement, and community volunteer engagement.
