Sea Grant

The Indian River Lagoon stretches 156 miles from the Jupiter Inlet in Palm Beach County to the Ponce de Leon Inlet in Volusia County. The lagoon has a rich diversity of habitats and biological resources due, in part, to its existence in the transitional zone between the temperate and tropical climates. Host to over 4,000 plants and animals (685 species of fish alone), the Indian River is the most diverse estruary in the United States. Fishing, tourism and other recreational activities provide jobs and has a substantial economic impact on the counties of the Treasure Coast.

Florida Sea Grant Extension serves to meet the rapidly growing demand for food and sports fisheries and the broader goals of industry and community growth - consistent with high environmental quality and enhancement. This requires balancing the needs of a diverse group of marine resources users with scientifically sound and cost-effective management and conservation. A priority of Florida Sea Grant Extension is to ensure that future generations are well-informed about the coastal environment they enjoy and to provide a capable and well-trained workforce of technicians and professionals, skilled in marine sciences, law, policy and trades, to serve as stewards to our magnificent marine environment and its resources.

Sea Grant Resources

island


Florida beach

For more information on Sea Grant, please contact LeRoy Cres well.

LeRoy Creswell: sea grant extension agent

LeRoy Creswell

Sea Grant Extension Agent

Education:

  • Frostburg State University - B.A. - Biology
  • University of Maryland
  • University of Miami - M.Sc. - Biological Oceanography

Areas of Expertise:

  • Aquaculture
  • Fisheries
  • Marine Ecology

Program Interests:

  • Marine Science and Aquaculture education in secondary schools
  • Water quality in the Indian River Lagoon
  • Upland aquaculture development
  • Coastal wetlands and seagrasses