Congratulations to Dr. Leonardo Ibarra-Castro and Whitney Laboratory faculty for being awarded a National Science Foundation award for research infrastructure that will be an environmentally controlled recirculating seawater system for advanced marine science experimentation. This award will enable 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.