Coastal Resilience:

Protecting Florida’s Blue Economy & Future

A Leadership Meeting and Panel Discussion, Onboard Reception

and Cruise Tour of Port Tampa Bay

November 9, 2023 at Port Tampa Bay

On November 9, 2023, the Florida Ocean Alliance hosted the "Coastal Resilience: Protecting Florida’s Blue Economy & Future" Leadership Meeting. Alliance members and marine and coastal experts and advocates from around the state gathered at Port Tampa Bay for discussions on the changing climate and the impacts on Florida’s natural infrastructure and coastal communities as well as the blue economy. Speakers included:

Dr. Mark Rains, Chief Science Officer, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, “Replacing Lost Natural Capital and Resilience Through Conservation, Restoration, and Engineering.” View Dr. Rains’ presentation here

Jim Murley, Chief Resilience Officer, Miami Dade County and Panel Moderator

Dr. Charles Colgan, Director of Research, Center for the Blue Economy, “The Economics of Natural Infrastructure: The Tampa Bay Case.” View Dr. Colgan’s presentation here

Dr. Thomas Frazer, Dean & Professor, USF College of Marine Science and Executive Director, Florida Flood Hub, “Florida Flood Hub Sea Level Rise Projections for Informed Statewide Resilience Efforts.” View Dr. Frazer’s presentation here

Rebecca Prado, Florida Coastal Resiliency Leader, and Nabil Bawany, Florida Flood Resiliency Lead, WSP USA, “Find Your Match - Innovative Nature Based Solutions and Policies.” View Ms. Prado’s and Mr. Bawany’s presentations here

Fredrik Wannius, Co-founder, 1Print 3D Printed Coastal Protection, “Green-Gray Coastal Protection Solutions.” View Mr. Wannius’ presentation here

View the event Photo Gallery here.

Thank you to our sponsors!