About our Marine Laboratory
About Us
The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation Marine Laboratory is an independent marine laboratory funded through private
donations, and local, state, and federal granting agencies. The laboratory currently has nine full time staff members, four of which are Ph.D. level research scientists.
The majority of the research conducted at the laboratory is in collaboration with scientists in academia, local government, and state agencies. These partners in research include the City of Sanibel, Lee County, Florida Fish & Wildlife Research Institute, Florida Gulf Coast University, University of South Florida, Florida Atlantic University, Mote Marine Laboratory, and the South Florida Water Management District.
The current 2,800 sq.ft. laboratory main building, an associated temperature-controlled outbuilding lab (120 sq. ft.), and a lab/workshop (300 sq. ft.) are situated on J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge property within walking distance of Tarpon Bay and less than a mile and half to SCCF’s main headquarters.
Mission Statement
To investigate status and trends of area habitats and associated faunas and floras within the waters on and around the barrier islands of Sanibel-Captiva and adjacent localities.
Research Overview
Research and monitoring currently conducted by SCCF's laboratory scientists includes: (1) studies of marine, estuarine and near freshwater submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) and mangrove populations, including their restoration and functioning; (2) a collaborative project studying macroalgae in and around Sanibel and Captiva islands and the waters of Lee County, FL, emphasizing nutrient linkages to past blooms; (3) scallop recruitment monitoring; (4) water quality monitoring using field sampling and the lab's River, Estuary & Coastal Observing Network (RECON), an instrument array composed of seven near real-time sensors deployed at locations spanning 80 miles of the Caloosahatchee estuary, along with related GIS and spatial and temporal databases.
Research conducted at the laboratory is driven by critical management questions concerning water quality, estuary health, and the restoration of these resources. Data collected by the laboratory is used to better understand the current state of the waters surrounding Sanibel and Captiva and to make more informed decisions regarding the future of the estuary.