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Habitat Restoration

2024 Habitat Update

 Habitat Highlights

  • Number of Vessels Deployed on Artificial Reefs: 8
  • Concrete/Rock Deployed on Artificial Reefs: 7,300 tons
  • Number of Artificial Reefs Deployed: 48
  • Recycled Oyster Shells Deployed: 100 tons
  • Shoreline Restoration: 4.5 miles+
  • Number of Oyster Reefs Restored: 38
  • Number of Clams Deployed: 44,000,000
  • Number of Spartina Grass and Mangroves Planted: 51,000
  • Amount of Trash Removed: 96 tons
  • Number of Trout Restocked: 210,000
  • Number of Snook Restocked: 5,150
  • Number of Redfish Restocked: 400,000

2024 CCA FLORIDA HABITAT SUMMARY

The $1,000,000 Habitat Pledge – Welcome to the future of environmental conservation in Florida! CCA Florida is proud to announce the 2024 launch of a monumental grassroots initiative – The $1,000,000 Habitat Pledge. Launched in January, this groundbreaking effort marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to sustainable coastal habitat restoration. Here’s a snapshot of our commitment:

  • A Pledge of $1,000,000: We’ve dedicated a substantial sum to support the success of CCA habitat projects across the state.
  • Focus on CCA Statewide Chapters: CCA Florida Chapters are encouraged to participate and make a difference in their local communities. All grant applications must be approved and submitted by a local CCA Chapter committee.
  • A Two-Year Initiative: This is a sustained effort, supporting long-term conservation measures and stakeholder engagement.
  • Annual Donations: $500,000 will be allocated each year, reflecting our ongoing commitment to this cause.
  • Selecting 20 Projects: CCA Florida will select 20 habitat projects, each will receive a $50,000 grant to spearhead this conservation commitment.
  • Seven projects have been approved to date including: 1) The Bill Mickler Memorial Reef (Big Bend Chapter) $50,000, 2) Johns River Seagrass Bed Research Initiative (Northeast Florida Chapter) $50,000, 3) Underwater Cleanups and Reef & Beach cleanup (Manatee Chapter) $14,800, 4) The Florida Keys Coral Reef Restoration Project (Keys Chapter) $50,000, 5) Mosquito Lagoon Foundation Species Habitat Restoration (Orlando Chapter) $50,000, 6) Oyster for Your Neighborhood: Vertical Oyster Garden Project (Mid Coast Chapter) $50,000, and 7) Boy Scout Island Stabilization Project (Martin Chapter) $50,000.

CCA/ABC Vertical Oyster Garden Event – On January 9, 2024, CCA Florida staff and ABC Fine Wine & Spirits volunteers participated in a vertical oyster garden (VOG) assembly event in Orlando. Together, the participants created 65 VOGs, which will be deployed later this month in the Indian River Lagoon.  VOGs are oyster shells strung together that are intended to hang below docks. VOGs support marine habitat by attracting oyster larvae, fish and other marine life along with improving water quality.

OA360/CCA Ghost Trap Rodeo Jacksonville – On January 20, 2024, Ocean Aid 360 and CCA Florida completed another successful Ghost Trap Rodeo. Nearly 40 volunteers braved the cold and wind by boat and beach-combing and collected 56 derelict blue crab traps, plus plastics and debris, for a cumulative weight of 2,529 pounds of marine debris removed. Participants also received awesome prizes courtesy of CCA Florida.

Deep Stim III Vessel Deployment – On January 30th, 2024, CCA Florida joined a tri-county partnership including Okaloosa, Walton, and Bay Counties to deploy a large vessel offshore. The 239-foot “Deep Stim III” vessel was successfully deployed at a depth of 125 feet and has 65 feet of relief. The total cost for the acquisition, cleaning towing (from Louisiana) is $750,000 and the 3 counties are split this cost. CCA Florida and BCT provided an additional $65,000 to cover the cost of the deployment, which was performed by Reef Maker out of Orange Beach, Alabama. CCA Florida and BCT has permanent metal signage at the top center of the bridge, and also had banners on the vessel until the deployment date. 

Oyster Reef Monitoring in Charlotte Harbor – CCA Florida, Lee County, and the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation teamed together in January 2024 to conduct 3 additional years of oyster reef monitoring in Charlotte Harbor. This work plan provides oyster monitoring post construction, along with consultation on oyster restoration as needed with the project manager. Consultation will include site visits, meetings with the project manager and contractor, and checks and adjustments during construction. Sampling for live oysters will be conducted annually for 3 years in March. CCA Florida donated $23,808 to this 3-year monitoring project.

St. Lucie River Eelgrass Restoration – In February 2024, CCA Florida partnered with the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida (FWF), the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Sea & Shoreline to successfully complete an eelgrass restoration projects along the Indian River Lagoon. The project consisted of planting 500, 4-inch eelgrass peat pots along the St. Lucie River by CCA staff and CCA member-volunteers. The pots were then covered with 100 fence enclosures for 3-6 months to prevent foraging and allow the eelgrass to establish. CCA Florida contributed $10,000 to the project.

Loxahatchee River Eelgrass Restoration – In February 2024, CCA Florida partnered with FWF, FWC and Sea & Shoreline to successfully complete a second eelgrass restoration project along the Indian River Lagoon. This newly permitted pilot eelgrass restoration project aims to restore 1.61 acres of native grass in the North Fork Loxahatchee River. This project consisted of replanting eelgrass in 13 existing fence pens as well as installing patented GrowSAV Herbivory Exclusion Devices in the remaining 2 areas. This project was recently monitored and has displayed impressive eelgrass growth at 13 out of the 14 total sites proving it to be successful. CCA Florida contributed $30,000 to the project.

St. James City Oyster Gardening Project – In February 2024, CCA Florida donated recycled oyster shells to an oyster gardening project in St. James City in Southwest Florida. The oysters were drilled and attached to ropes by the Lake Highland Lacrosse Team with the help of CCA staff. 200 of these oyster ropes were deployed off private docks in the St. James City neighborhood. CCA Florida is also looking into having a local university incorporate some research into the project. The residents that participated in the project will help monitor the VOGs for the time being.

Northwest Florida Regional Artificial Reef Workshop – On February 7th, 2024, CCA Florida was proud to present on new artificial reef initiatives at the Florida Sea Grant and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Northwest Florida Regional Artificial Reef Workshop in Destin, Florida. These workshops aim to bring together artificial reef coordinators, managers, researchers, industry experts and other interested stakeholders to discuss new research, provide regional updates for Florida’s Northwest region, and inform statewide initiatives. This one-day workshop was held at the Emerald Coast Convention Center.

CCA/UCF Oyster Ring Making Event – On February 11th, 2024, CCA Florida and local volunteers teamed up with UCF to create 183 oyster rings, which will be used for oyster reef restoration in the Mosquito and Indian River Lagoon. Oyster rings have been proven to be extremely effective in recruiting “baby” oysters to restore damaged reefs and provide a vital habitat that filters water too. Since 2007, UCF’s oyster reef restoration program, under the leadership of Dr. Linda Walters, is responsible for more than 17 million new oysters in the Mosquito Lagoon. CCA Florida is very proud of our involvement with UCF to help improve water quality and marine habitat in such a vital ecosystem.

Sarasota Bay Watch Clam Restoration – On February 24, CCA Florida was the honored to be the title sponsor of the 2024 Sarasota Bay Watch (SBW) Scallopalooza! The $20,000 contribution will underwrite the cost of 200,000 clams that will be released into Sarasota Bay. This is the fourth year that CCA Florida has contributed to this program. In total, CCA has sponsored 450,000 clams for Sarasota Bay. SBW is working to restore clams and scallops to the bay with these important filter-feeders that play a critical role in mitigating poor water quality. They actually eat red tide and other algae, sequester carbon, filter up to 10 gallons of water per day, and provide food for other marine life. In total, each of the 300,000 clams are over 2-inches in size and according to Dr. Bruce Barber, Executive Director of the Gulf Shellfish Institute, a single 2-inch clam filters out 50,000,000 red tide organisms per day. That equates to 1 trillion organisms per day for the 300,000 clams. CCA Florida is proud to partner with SBW and all the great work that they do.

Mosquito Lagoon Shoreline Stabilization Project – On Monday, March 11, more than 1,000 feet of eroded shoreline was stabilized and enhanced by utilizing scientifically proven living shoreline habitat restoration techniques with biodegradable wave-breaks, marsh grass plugs and mangroves in the Mosquito Lagoon. Special thanks to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Marine Discovery Center, One Lagoon National Estuary Program, UCF and CCA Florida volunteers for making this project happen.

Brevard Zoo Restore Our Shores Materials Support – On April 2, CCA Florida donated $2,834.02 to the Brevard Zoo for much needed supplies for their Restore Our Shores program. CCA and the Brevard Zoo partnered last year on a seagrass restoration project, and will be partnering on new restoration initiatives in 2025.

Canaveral National Seashore Living Shoreline Restoration – On April 9th, 2024, CCA Florida volunteers, Marine Discovery Center, IRLNEP, University of Florida, and UCF teamed up to finish the last two days of a research-based living shoreline stabilization and habitat enhancement project in the Canaveral National Seashore utilizing oyster “volcanoes” and spartina grass. The “volcanoes” are made with the same proven oyster-attracting method for creating oyster rings, but on a much larger and heavier scale. The “volcanoes” are used to absorb wave energy and reduce erosion while the mangroves and spartina help anchor the shoreline, together, providing excellent habitat for fish and wildlife.

CCA/Project SeaSafe Clean Water Collective – On April 20, 2024, CCA Florida teamed up with the Star Brite Project SeaSafe, Dr. Todd Osborne of UF Whitney Labs, Blair Wiggins Outdoors, and Lagoon Solutions at Marker 24 Marina in Merritt Island, FL. During this Earth Day event, participants had the opportunity to plant 1,200 mangroves using the ball & burlap technique, deploy clams in the Banana River with Capt. Blair Wiggins for the Indian River Lagoon Billion Clam Initiative, & over 50 volunteers participated in the removal of 2000 lbs of trash and debris with the Pineda Waterway Warriors.

CCA Fort Lauderdale VOG Project – On Earth Day, April 22nd 2024, CCA Florida staff and over 60 volunteers assembled 130 Vertical Oyster Gardens (VOGs) in Port Everglades. The VOG’s will be placed along the New River on city property.  Mike Lambrechts with the CCA Broward Chapter has been working with the City of Fort Lauderdale on this oyster pilot project designed to study oyster propagation on oyster ropes hanging off the City’s sea walls in the vicinity of the Intracoastal Waterway on the New River. The second phase of the project will include a larger scale oyster cultch restoration project using the oyster ropes once permitting is complete and once oysters have attached to the VOGs.

The IRL Billion Clam Initiative Launches – On April 26, 2024, CCA Florida joined Capt. Blair Wiggins of Blair Wiggins Outdoors, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and University of Florida (UF) Whitney Lab to launch the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) Billion Clam Initiative to deploy 3 million clams using a patented drone and innovative methodologies. The Billion Clam Initiative focuses on revitalizing and preserving the delicate ecosystem in the IRL by using state-of-the-art technology to systematically distribute clams on a largescale basis. The advantage of spreading clams with a drone will help overcome predation pressures and enable larger numbers of clams to be restored to the IRL. Drone distribution will also help plant clams in specific locations and densities, vastly accelerating the maturation process when compared to manual spreading.

CCA/UNF Living Shoreline Oyster Reef Project – CCA Florida partnered with the University of North Florida (UNF) Coastal and Marine Biology program and the Northeast Florida Association of Realtors to develop an experimental “Living Shoreline – Oyster Reef” project in northeast Florida. This project is intended to rebuild historical populations of Eastern oysters by providing suitable habitat for oyster spat to settle and grow. The project began in May 2023 by constructing 18-24 cement-based substrates known as pervious oyster shell habitat (POSH) units. POSH units are similar to reef balls and castles, structures that are constructed from concrete and occasionally include small amounts of embedded oyster. These structures have been shown to be more effective in the development of living shorelines than typical alternatives, such as the use of recycled crab traps containing loose oyster shell, because they provide a greater amount of surface area for oysters to colonize. The POSH units will be deployed at sites where historic oyster beds once occurred within the University’s 1,050-acre property in the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, the William C. Webb Coastal Research Station. Following POSH deployment, UNF will conduct monthly monitoring to determine the rate of settlement of new oyster spat on the units. They will also conduct monthly assessments of sediment dynamics in front of and behind the structure to examine their effect on erosion as well as examining monthly changes in water quality and invertebrate/fish abundance. CCA Florida contributed $10,000 to the project for supplies/labor for the construction of the POSH units and monthly monitoring (boat use fees, fuel, supplies).

The CCA Ripper Reef – On May 8, 2024, CCA Florida, the CCA Jacksonville Chapter, the Cameron Smith Foundation, Kistel Media, and MOBRO Marine successfully deployed the Ripper Reef off Jacksonville, Florida. A 175’x 60’x 10’ former rotary crane barge was deployed on the pre-permitted Harm’s Ledge site, approximately 28 miles offshore in 90-100 feet of water. This was the largest vessel deployment in Jacksonville since 2000.  Professional golfer Cameron Smith was in attendance for the deployment and the Cameron Smith Foundation donated $50,000 to CCA for the deployment and the naming rights. The vessel is resting upright at 30° 23’ 735N, -81° 27’ 519W.

CCA Rhodan Reef – On May 22nd, 2024, CCA Florida teamed up with our state sponsor Rhodan Marine Systems on a new artificial reef approximately 5 miles off of Manatee County. The reef consists of 60 Bay balls (2’ x 3’ – 550lbs) placed on the deck of an existing barge reef, then surrounded on all sides with taller modules. A Supra reef ball (4’3” x 5’6” – 4200lbs) was placed at the 4 corners and at the midpoint on all four sides, then filled in with Pallet balls (3’ x 4’ – 1,200lbs), and Pallet balls with solid extended bases (3’2” x 4’10” – 2400lbs) along with 2 Deep Cover modules (30” x 81”). This will add some really great habitat to the barge and provide all kinds of new marine life and varied habitat. In turn, the fishing and diving opportunity will increase as well.

FDEP/CCA/Duke Lover’s Key Mangrove Planting – CCA Florida and Duke Energy donated over 850 red mangroves to the FDEP for a shoreline restoration project on Lover’s Key in Fort Myers Beach. On May 29th, CCA staff and 20 local volunteers assisted in delivering and planting the mangroves along the shoreline of Lover’s Key State Park to help restore mangroves and shoreline that were destroyed by Hurricane Ian in 2022.

CCA Florida Scallop Sorter Donation – In June 2024, CCA Florida donated 5,000 scallop sorters to scallopers and businesses from Homosassa to Steinhatchee. Bay scallops (Argopecten irradians) are filter feeding bivalves that only live for about 1 to 1.5 years. The idea behind the scallop sorter is to put the smaller scallops back in the water to give them a chance to reproduce, something they do only once or twice during their very short life cycle. Scallopers use the device while on the water and if the scallop fits through the opening, they are asked to return it to the water so it can spawn and produce offspring for next year. If the scallop is too large to fit through the opening, this is the preferred harvestable size. While this is not a regulation by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), it is highly recommended that recreational scallopers follow this practice to help ensure that there will be scallops available again the following year.

Billion Clam Initiative Deployment – On June 5, as part of the Billion Clam Initiative, CCA Florida, Capt. Blair Wiggins and the UF Whitney Lab deployed 5 million clams to help restore Florida’s beautiful coastline habitat in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL). Every clam adds to the ecosystem’s health, and every effort counts towards a sustainable future. Special thanks to longtime partner, the Duke Energy Mariculture Center, for contributing $50,000 toward this initiative. It is an honor to, once again, expand our habitat restoration efforts with such a great partner.

UCF Wave Break Research Project – In June, volunteers from CCA Florida, FWC, the Marine Discovery Center and the Indian River National Estuary Program made and deployed 285 biodegradable shell bags, which will be used and tested as wave breaks in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), under the direction of UCF’s Dr. Linda Walters. Six systems of biodegradable materials are being tested on oyster reef sites 101 through 103 to determine the best fit for the warm, salty waters. This was the first opportunity to use restaurant-recycled shells as part of our efforts in a long while. UCF will track the material integrity and oyster recruitment for all treatments at the sites and conduct complimentary laboratory trials throughout the summer

CCA/UCF Seagrass Planting and Oyster Reef Restoration – In June, CCA Florida supported UCF in collaboration with the FWC, the Marine Discovery Center and the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program to complete an intense, multi-day seagrass planting and oyster reef restoration in the Indian River Lagoon. To date, this amazing effort has restored 105 oyster reefs. The millions of oysters that make up these reefs are helping seagrass return through the Lagoon.

2024 World Oceans Day Coastal Cleanup Challenge – CCA Florida hosted a statewide coastal cleanup event that ran from June 8th to June 15th. This year, 63 volunteers participated around the state and removed 143 five-gallon buckets of trash and marine debris weighing more than 1200lbs. Some notable finds included a stroller, hammock, and large electric cable coil.

CAST for Kids Event – On Friday, June 14th, CCA staff traveled to St. Augustine to talk about conservation at the St. John’s County CAST for KIDS Fishing Clinic. CAST for Kids is an awesome program that gives children with special needs the opportunity to get out on the water for a day of fishing with local captains. Great weather made for a perfect day of fishing and fun on the water.

CCA Mid Coast Chapter VOG Project – Earlier this year, CCA Florida Staff began working with CCA Life Member Capt. Chuck Gleichmann to initiate a vertical oyster garden project along the Halifax River. Capt. Chuck wrote an article about the benefits of VOGs in the local “Stroll” magazine to engage local residents to participate in the project. Shortly after, CCA staff hosted a VOG workshop on June 22nd where over 50 volunteers constructed approximately 400 VOGs. The Mid Coast Chapter was later awarded a $50,000 grant from the $1million Habitat Pledge to continue this project throughout Volusia and Flagler County. On August 10th, 2024, another VOG workshop was held in Daytona Beach and local volunteers assembled over 400 VOGs. Since the start of this project, over 500 VOGs have been deployed along the Halifax River. The first Flagler County workshop is scheduled for February 19th, 2024.

RNDC VOG Workshop – On June 26th, 2024, the CCA Florida team invited staff from the Republic National Distributing Convention (RNDC) to a Vertical Oyster Garden (VOG) workshop at Cypress Grove Park. During the event, 20 volunteers assembled more than 100 VOGs. These VOGs were donated to the Mid Coast Chapter for their ongoing “Oysters for your Neighborhood” initiative along the Halifax River.

CCA/GACAR Newnans Lake Cleanup – On July 24, 2024, CCA Florida teamed up with the Gainesville Alachua County Association of Realtors (GACAR) for the Newnans Lake Cleanup in Gainesville, FL. During the event, 20 volunteers removed over 1,000 lbs of trash and debris from Newnans Lake, including two couches, nine large wire cables, plastic bags, styrofoam, and more.

Stuart Riverwalk VOG Project – CCA Florida and the Martin Chapter are working with the City of Stuart on a vertical oyster garden project along the St. Lucie River. This project consists of deploying 400-500 VOGs from the Riverwalk boardwalk and fishing pier in downtown Stuart. On August 6th, 2024, CCA staff and the Martin Chapter hosted a VOG workshop at River Palm Cottages in Jensen Beach. Nearly 30 local volunteers attended and were able to assemble approximately 250 VOGs! On September 9th, 2024, CCA Staff and the Martin Chapter deployed approximately 150 VOGs with another round of deployments scheduled for Spring 2025.

Florida Keys Pennekamp Seagrass Restoration – On August 12, 2024, CCA Florida and Sea & Shoreline, LLC kicked off a new seagrass restoration project within the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo, Florida. The project is designed to restore the natural bottom depth on up to 10,000 ft2 of seagrass areas impacted by propeller scars through the use of biodegradable sediment tubes. The project goals include restoring the natural bathymetry to the impacted areas within the Park, enabling seagrass recolonization through the installation of sediment tubes, subsequent monitoring for three years, and launching an educational awareness campaign through community involvement. The $150,000 project was funded through a $75,000 grant CCA Florida received from the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, followed by a 100% match. The project will be featured on the show “Destination Dive” on the Discovery Channel in 2025.

CCA Turtle Bay Oyster Reef – 4th Deployment – On August 14, 2024, CCA Florida completed its fourth deployment of the Turtle Bay Oyster Reef project by installing an additional 20 tons of recycled oyster shell at the site. Since 2021, a total of 8 dump truck loads of CCA-recycled oyster shells have been deployed on the reef. Special thanks to Clermont Oyster Bar, Ingman Marine, Abbott Construction, Lee Reefs, Gasparilla Island Conservation and Improvement Association (GICIA), Capt. Jay Withers, and Lake County for their continued support on this project. The oyster reef continues to boost water quality, enhance marine fisheries and improve recreational angling in Charlotte Harbor.

St. Augustine Ghost Trap Rodeo – That’s a wrap on St. Augustine Ghost Trap Rodeo! Ocean Aid 360 organized an amazing tournament series to remove derelict crab traps during the biannual 10-day Blue Crab seasonal closure along the coast of Northeast Florida. On August 24-25, 48 volunteers showed out during this two-day event to haul out 48 traps and a grand total of 1,587 pounds of marine debris. Thank you to all of the awesome volunteers who participated in hands on marine conservation. Volunteers were awarded prizes from CCA Florida such as paddleboards, rods and reels, Engel coolers, and more! Special thanks to our partners at UF Whitney Laboratory, FWC, Palm Valley Outdoors, Once Was Lost, and JDog Junk Removal for their participation on this project.

CCA Florida, Duke Energy, TECO Mangrove Restoration Project – On August 27, more than 40 volunteers from CCA Florida, Duke Energy Florida, Tampa Electric, as well as special help from Hillsborough County’s Conservation and Land Management and Pinellas County’s Environmental Management Division, lead a unique restoration project by simultaneously planting nearly 700 red and black mangroves at two locations in Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties in effort to protect Tampa Bay’s ecosystems and increase environmental resilience within the region. The mangroves were donated by CCA Florida and the Duke Energy Mariculture Center and planted at EG Simmons Regional Park and Keystone/Carlton Road in Northern Pinellas County.

CPR for the IRL – CCA Florida donated $500 to become a silver sponsor of the First Annual “CPR for the IRL.” The CPR for the IRL tournament aims to raise awareness and support for the conservation of the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) by promoting the catch, photo, and release (CPR) method of fishing. Emphasis is placed on responsible angling practices that ensure the sustainability of our aquatic resources. This event will also directly support CCA’s friends at the Environmental Learning Center in the Treasure Coast. This month-long tournament ran from September 14 to October 13 and included areas of the IRL from Ponce Inlet to Jupiter Inlet.

CCA Florida Keys Initiative – CCA Florida has teamed up with the Lower Keys Guides Association to start a mangrove restoration program throughout the Florida Keys. In September, members of the LKGA began collecting mangroves propagules throughout the lower keys. These propagules were transported to the Duke Energy Mariculture Center where they will be grown until they are ready to be out planted. CCA Florida and the LKGA are also in the process of creating mangrove/seagrass exhibits to display at local schools and marinas to educate citizens on the importance of both mangroves and seagrass.

FinFest 2024 – On September 13th-14th, CCA Florida attended FinFest 2024 in Jacksonville Beach, FL. FinFest is a free, two-day musical festival that is fun for the whole family and highlights ocean conservation and education. The CCA Florida booth gave attendees the opportunity to learn about CCA’s various initiatives to help preserve Florida’s marine resources. Attendees were invited to stop by the booth to help plant mangrove propagules and assemble vertical oyster gardens.

IRL Lines in the Lagoon 2024 – CCA Florida was a proud prize sponsor of the 11th Annual Lines in the Lagoon junior fishing tournament on September 21, 2024. 135 youth anglers competed in the tournament in Indian River County and 267 fish were caught and released. While a good time was had by all, the tournament is actually designed to raise awareness about the health of the Indian River Lagoon (IRL). This tournament brings together young people who are passionate about making our waterways clean and safe for all marine life. As in years past, CCA Florida was a proud prize sponsor of the awards event which took place at Walking Tree Brewery in Vero Beach.

CCA/Keep Charlotte Beautiful International Coastal Cleanup – On September 21, 2024, CCA Florida partnered with the Ocean Conservancy, Keep Charlotte Beautiful, Downtown Bait & Tackle to support the Clean Up Florida Waters Initiative in Punta Gorda. During the event, 286 volunteers across 12 different sites to remove 1,980 lbs of trash and debris from the Peace River and Charlotte Harbor with the highest trash count being cigarette butts.

2024 International Coastal Cleanup Day – On September 21st, 2024, CCA Florida joined forces with Keep Charlotte Beautiful and the Ocean Conservancy for a cleanup event on International Coastal Cleanup Day. In total, 286 volunteers visited 12 different sites throughout the Peace River and Charlotte Harbor. They teamed up and removed almost 2,000lbs of trash and marine debris.

2024 CCA Florida International Coastal Cleanup Tournament – CCA Florida hosted a free, statewide virtual trash tournament that kicked off on International Coastal Cleanup Day (September 21st, 2024) and ended on October 18th, 2024. During the event, volunteers from Duval, Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Volusia county participated in hands-on marine conservation while removing trash and marine debris from their local waterways. Each bucket of trash collected and uploaded to the iAngler app, earned an entry into a raffle for a number of awesome prizes. Data was collected throughout the tournament to determine the amount of trash collected and what types of trash/debris were most common.

CCA Broward Chapter Mangrove Propagule Roundup – On September 28th, 2024, CCA Florida and the Broward Chapter hosted a red mangrove propagule collection event. Volunteers joined to help collect red mangrove propagules throughout the rivers and canals of Fort Lauderdale. These propagules will be grown at the Duke Energy Mariculture Center and planted along the east coast of Florida to help stabilize and restore our shorelines. During the event, volunteers also picked up trash in collaboration with the Fred Crabill Youth Scholarship Program (Y.S.P.) winner Katelyn Rosado in her efforts to “Clean the Waterways” of Broward County.

Lake Highland Lacrosse Habitat Day – On October 16th, 2024, CCA Florida hosted a habitat workshop day with the Lake Highland Prep Lacrosse Team at Cypress Grove Park. 30 members of the team participated and assembled more than 50 Vertical Oyster Gardens (VOGs) and planted more than 300 red mangrove propagules. The VOGs will be going to the Mid Coast chapter for their “Oysters for your Neighborhood” initiative and the propagules will be grown at the Duke Energy Mariculture center for future shoreline restoration projects along the east coast.

CCA/JU MSRI/ St. Johns RIVERKEEPER VOG Project – On September 28th, 2024, CCA Florida hosted a vertical oyster garden (VOG) workshop with the St. Johns RIVERKEEPER and Jacksonville University’s Marine Science Research Institute (MSRI). This workshop was held on campus at JU and around 50 volunteers came out to help assemble over 125 VOGs. These VOGs will be deployed throughout Jacksonville next spring and JU MSRI will be evaluating the project and monitoring spat recruitment throughout Jacksonville’s inshore waterways.

Vero Beach VOG Workshop – On November 9th, 2024, CCA Florida hosted a Vertical Oyster Garden (VOG) workshop with the Vero Beach Rotary Club. Nearly 30 volunteers attended the workshop and helped assemble over 100 VOGs. The majority of the VOGs were taken home by volunteers to distribute and deploy them from private residential docks. These VOGs will be deployed next spring and will create homes for thousands of new oysters and other marine invertebrates.

CCA/I.CARE Coral Restoration Program – CCA Florida has teamed up with the I.CARE coral restoration team to start a CCA Florida coral restoration program. This program allows dive-certified CCA Florida members the opportunity to get hands on and help perform coral out plants in the Florida Keys. I.CARE is a nonprofit organization based in Islamorada that has been doing coral restoration for several years with a high success rate. On November 14th, 2024, CCA Florida and I.CARE hosted a coral workshop for CCA members and local volunteers. This workshop consisted of an educational training course followed by two coral restoration dives. On the first dive, participants helped maintenance and monitor corals that were previously out planted by the I.CARE Team. During the second dive, the team of participants successfully out planted 69 fragments of brain coral to help restore Florida’s coral reef.

CCA Florida Coastal Cleanup Challenge – CCA Florida recently created the 2024 Hurricane Relief Trash Tournament. This free event runs November 15 through December 1, 2024. Volunteers can participate across the state, but we encourage groups and individuals to lend a helping hand to areas impacted by the recent storms. Each trash bag, large debris item or bucket reported is considered one (1) raffle entry, and all entries will be placed into a random drawing for the chance to win the prizes below. Participants will have a data sheet to report to the types of trash and debris removed, number of items, weight and any other interesting details that he or she may wish to include. Prizes include two American Express gift cards worth $100 each, eight Academy Sport gift cards worth $25 each, one Star brite boat cleaning package, two pairs of Bajio Sunglasses, two CCA Florida Merch Packages w/ stickers, hats, boat towels, & more.

Fantasy Island Living Shoreline Project in Honor of Fred Crabill – CCA Florida and Duke Energy have teamed up with Tampa Bay Watch (TBW) to create a new living shoreline project on Fantasy Island in honor of Fred Crabill. The project consists of deploying 870 oyster reef balls and 60 tons of fossilized and recycled oyster shell along the northeastern shoreline of Fantasy Island. The project kick-off event took place on November 16th with 98 volunteers installing 130 oyster reef balls and placing hundreds of oyster shell bags using 2 tons of recycled oyster shells. Duke Energy donated $50,000 to CCA Florida for the project, and CCA Florida matched Dukes donation. This $100,000 donation to TBW secured naming rights and future signage (The Fantasy Island Living Shoreline Project in Honor of Fred Crabill) on the island. CCA member volunteers are also invited to come out again on December 11th, 12th, and 13th for the next restoration events.

Suncoast Aqua Ventures Cleanup Project – On November 16-17 in Palma Sola Bay, 47 volunteers cleaned up 3,420 pounds of trash. Items found included a refrigerator, ice maker, outboard motor, various chairs and tables, shed and dock parts, boat cushions and more! CCA Florida provided prizes for the event for the awesome volunteers.

CCA/Toadfish Clam Deployment – On November 18th, 2024, CCA Florida and the IRL Clam Restoration Team partnered with Toadfish Outfitters to successfully deploy another 1,000,000 “Super Clams” in the Indian River Lagoon. This deployment was part of the IRL Billion Clam Initiative and was made possible due to a generous $10,000 donation by Toadfish. To date, over 44 million clams have been deployed and are working to restore the IRL.

CCA Oyster Shell Recycling Facility Expansion – CCA Florida received approval from Lake County in 2023 to move our existing oyster shell recycling program at the Lake County Landfill to a better, more accessible location. In 2023 and 2024, our oyster shell recycling program was moved to an area with easier access and also allowed us to pave the area where the oysters are stored and dried.  DZ Block from Wildwood Florida donating over 65 yards of concrete to the project and Concrete Worx/Steel Worx donated all labor, site work and finishing work. Upon completion of the construction, a ribbon cutting ceremony took place with CCA, the Clermont Oyster Bar and all of our project partners along with Lake County Commissioners, and Rep. Daniel Webster. All oyster shell is currently at the new location and over 100 tons are currently being stored and dried out for future restoration projects around the state. The Duke Energy Mariculture Center is now the location of our newest oyster shell recycling program. Seafood Seller & Café in Crystal River, and BVL Oyster Bar in Brooksville are both currently donating oyster shells to this facility. We are currently looking at a new oyster recycling location in Okaloosa County, along with several other areas around the state.

CCA/Lake County Mangrove Nursery – CCA has once again partnered with Lake County to set up a new mangrove nursery at one of their sites near the Lake County Landfill. This site is adjacent to the current CCA Oyster Recycling Facility that has been in operation since October 2023. The new nursery is anticipated to be fully functional by Fall 2025 and will be home to over 1,000 east coast red mangroves.

Hook Kids on Fishing Events – CCA Florida sponsored 5 Hook Kids on Fishing workshops at $2,000 per event. Hook Kids on Fishing is organized by Anglers for Conservation and is a hands-on, conservation-minded and educational fishing program that teaches children casting, knot tying, fishing safety, catch and release, fish habitats, conservation and more. This event is free for kids aged 5 to 15 years old and is taught by professional guides, knowledgeable anglers, scientists and CCA volunteers. Events completed this year so far have been held in Martin County (March 9), New Smyrna Beach (April 6), and Brevard County (April 20), Fort Pierce (July 22), and Sebastian (August 3).

Brevard County Reef Program – CCA Florida has an ongoing partnership with Brevard County to support their artificial reef program. CCA donated $3,000 toward their 2024 summer reef deployments and as in years past, CCA also wrote a grant support letter on behalf of Brevard County for an FWC artificial reef grant in which they were awarded funding.  CCA Life Member Greg Harrison has been working on the Brevard artificial reef program for many years and has observed excellent invertebrate species growth on them as well as black sea bass, juvenile red snapper, crabs and large schools of baitfish. CCA Florida is also currently working with Brevard County Natural Resources Management Department on a new 800-ton reef deployment and a nearshore artificial reef 2.5 miles off the coast.

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