Executive Director

Stephen is a marine ecologist with a background in the coastal ecosystems of Florida's Gulf Coast, including oyster reefs, mangrove forests, and seagrass beds. His past research also has a strong emphasis on molluscan biology and ecology, which he continues to pursue through applied research at GSI.

Research Scientist

Mallory is a marine scientist who explores nutrient cycling and the provisioning of ecosystem services in restored bivalve beds. She spent the last five years leading green-lipped mussel restoration efforts in New Zealand. As a Research Scientist at GSI, Mallory is excited to transfer her skills to Florida's coastal systems.

Staff Scientist

Sarah Hutchins has over 10 years of experience in aquaculture, specializing in culturing of plankton as live feeds for shellfish and ornamental finfish. As a Staff Scientist at GSI, Sarah works towards supporting the shellfish industry and marine restoration efforts through applied research.

Staff Scientist

Sarah Cole is a marine ecologist with a background in bivalve restoration in Florida, including eastern oysters and bay scallop restoration. As a Staff Scientist at GSI, Sarah is excited to contribute her experience and skills in bivalve restoration to support GSI's on-going applied research and restoration initiatives.

Research Assistant

Sarah has experience working along the Chesapeake Bay where she led outdoor education programs and the Indian River Lagoon where she worked on a benthic infaunal monitoring project. She is excited to pair her passion for applied ecological research with her interests in estuarine restoration in Tampa Bay.

Scientific Outreach Coordinator

Olivia is a Biological Oceanography doctoral student at the University of South Florida College of Marine Science. Her research evaluates the water filtration services of the eastern oyster. As the Scientific Outreach Coordinator, Olivia is leading GSI’s vertical oyster garden program to contribute to local restoration efforts.

Operations Specialist

Lauren is a marine biologist with a broad skill set ranging from scientific experiments to public outreach. As GSI’s Operations Specialist, Lauren will use her diverse experience to help facilitate applied research through administrative support, grant management, data collection, and analysis.

Board of Directors, President

Curt is President of Bay Shellfish Co., a 23 year-old bivalve hatchery focused on seed production for research, restoration, farming, and new species development. He serves on the board of the Florida Shellfish Aquaculture Association and is the bivalve representative on the Florida Aquaculture Review Council.

Board of Directors, Vice-President

Ed is owner of the Chiles Restaurant Group, comprised of three waterfront restaurants that specialize in sustainable seafood. Ed serves on several boards, and is a co-founder of START and the 'All Clams on Deck' Initiative, a response to the Piney Point spill to improve water quality and seagrass recovery with clam enhancement.

Board of Directors, Secretary

Bill's scientific background encompasses clams, scallops, and oysters throughout Florida and the southeastern U.S. His work has spanned disciplines from biology, archaeology, genetics, larval dispersal, aquaculture, and restoration. Bill led the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Molluscan Division and later worked for NOAA Fisheries.

Board of Directors, Treasurer

Dan is the Director of Planning & Project Development at SeaPort Manatee. He previously served as FDOT’s Seaport Office Manager, where he facilitated participation in over 100 seaport infrastructure projects. Dan has also held positions in coastal planning, coastal hazard mitigation, and he has taught undergraduate courses at FSU and Bryn Mawr College.

Board of Directors

Heath Davis lives in Cedar Key, Florida where he is a full-time waterman that produces both hard clams and oysters. Heath served as the Mayor for Cedar Key and is involved with promoting the industry across the state through numerous organizations. When he is not on his shellfish farm you can find Heath stone crabbing or mullet fishing.

Board of Directors

Joe is a commercial clam producer based in Cedar Key, Florida. Joe serves on the Board of the Cedar Key Aquaculture Association and is an advocate for the shellfish aquaculture industry and his community. Following Hurricane Idalia, Joe has spent much of this free time lobbying the state and federal government to further help farmers recovery.

Board of Directors

Ernesto is a biologist with the Lee County Hyacinth Control District and oversees aquatic weed and water quality management. He also teaches biology and microbiology at Florida South Western State College. Ernesto also serves on the Advisory Board for Florida Sea Grant, the Coastal and Heartland National Estuary Program, and Sarasota Bay Watch.

Board of Directors

Elizabeth is one of the leading philanthropists and conservationists in Southwest Florida. She saved Triangle Ranch from development, a 1,143 acre cattle ranch near the headwaters of the Myakka River. Elizabeth serves on the Board of Trustees for Mote Marine Laboratory and is President of the Tree Research, Education, and Exploration (TREE) Foundation.

Board of Directors

Josh is an Assistant Professor with the UF/IFAS Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Program. His research and outreach focuses on restoration aquaculture using a variety of species and habitats, including coral reef restoration (corals, sponges, sea urchins), restoration of seagrasses, bay scallop population enhancement, and marine fisheries.

Board of Directors

Jeff has been in the fishing and aquaculture industry for 50 years, including as president/CEO for two of the largest seafood companies in the US. During that time he has been developing and promoting ethical and sustainable practices as a founder and current board member of Global Seafood Assurances (formerly Global Aquaculture Alliance).

Marine Extension Advisor

Angela is the Florida Sea Grant agent for Hillsborough, Manatee, and Sarasota Counties and works closely with the southwest Florida aquaculture industry. She is a fisheries biologist, specializing in cooperative research with recreational and marine interests. Angela serves on numerous boards and committees, such as NOAA Southeast Aquaculture.