
About
Shellfish Benefit Coastal Communities & Our Environment
Our Mission
Supporting shellfish growth throughout the Florida Gulf region.
The Gulf Shellfish Institute (GSI) dedicates its efforts to facilitating, supporting, and encouraging the growth of shellfish production in Florida and the Gulf region. This is done with the aim of reaping both economic prosperity and environmental advantages through collaborative, research-driven initiatives and outreach activities led by industry experts.
Our Vision
We envision a future of sustainable, resilient seafood production that benefits coastal communities and the environment. High quality shellfish produced in an environmentally sustainable fashion will support working waterfronts, improve water quality, benefit coastal habitats, and help develop the domestic aquaculture industry.
Where are we?
Advancing shellfish aquaculture in Florida.
The Gulf Shellfish Institute is a non-profit, scientific research organization dedicated to advancing shellfish aquaculture in Florida. Our belief is that increasing production of filter feeding bivalve shellfish will revitalize working waterfronts and provide environmental benefits for all who enjoy Florida's coastal waters.
Gulf Shellfish Institute Staff
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Stephen Hesterberg, Ph.D.
Executive Director
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Mallory Sea, Ph.D
Research Scientist
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Sarah Hutchins, M.S.
Staff Scientist
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Sarah Cole, M.S.
Staff Scientist
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Sarah Davis
Research Assistant
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Olivia Blondheim
Scientific Outreach Coordinator
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Lauren Burk
Operations Specialist
Board of Directors
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Curt Hemmel
President
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Ed Chiles
Vice-President
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William Arnold, Ph.D.
Secretary
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Dan Fitz-Patrick
Treasurer
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Heath Davis
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Joe Cannon
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Ernesto Lasso de la Vega, Ed.D.
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Elizabeth Moore
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Joshua Patterson, Ph.D.
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Jeff Sedecca
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Angela Collins, Ph.D.
Marine Extension Advisor
Our Partners
AquaTech Eco Consultants
Tampa, FL
Coastal & Hearland National Estuary Partnership (CHNEP)
Port Charlotte, FL
Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
St. Petersburg, FL
Florida Aquaculture Association
Riverview, FL
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Tallahassee, FL
Florida Sea Grant
Gainesville, FL
Florida Shellfish Aquaculture Association
Tallahassee, FL
Hillsborough County
Tampa, FL
Manatee County
Bradenton, FL
Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium
Sarasota, FL
Coastal & Hearland National Estuary Partnership (CHNEP)
Washington, D.C.
Oyster Boys Conservation
Sarasota, FL
Pinellas County
St. Petersburg and Clearwater, FL
Sarasota Bay Estuary Program
Sarasota, FL
Sarasota Bay Watch
Sarasota, FL
SeaPort Manatee
Palmetto, FL
Solutions to Avoid Red Tide (START)
Tallevast, FL
Tampa Bay Estuary Program
St. Petersburg, FL
The Center of Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria, FL
University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS)
Gainesville, FL
University of South Florida
Tampa, FL