Rep. Anna Paulina Luna Delivers $953,390 for Marine Research at Eckerd College

Resources / Environment Share on Rep. Anna Paulina Luna Delivers $953,390 for Marine Research at Eckerd College Oct 06, 2026 Environment Media Press Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13) presented a $953,390 check in federal funding to Eckerd College to advance environmental monitoring and marine research focused on generating critical data needed to protect and preserve coastal resources of Tampa Bay and the West Florida Shelf. The funding, secured by Rep. Luna, will support a one-year Eckerd College Marine Science Program project monitoring major environmental pressures across Tampa Bay. Faculty and students will gather critical data on water quality, marine ecosystems, and changing conditions to inform conservation efforts and protect coastal resources vital to the region’s economy and communities. “Florida’s way of life depends on healthy waters,” said Rep. Luna. “This funding gives Eckerd scientists and students the tools to better understand Tampa Bay and preserve it for generations to come.” Tampa Bay’s coastal resources are also a major economic driver for the region, with tourism, commercial fishing, shipping, recreation, and other industries relying heavily on local waters. An estimated one in ten jobs across the Tampa Bay region is tied to local waters, making reliable environmental monitoring essential not only to protecting marine ecosystems but also to preserving the economic activity they sustain. “Our faculty and students are protecting and preserving these resources across our region through critical monitoring initiatives,” says Eckerd College President James J. Annarelli, Ph.D. “From microplastic pollution and red tide blooms to invasive invertebrate species and stone crab fisheries, the four monitoring initiatives to be supported by this Community Project Funding will make a lasting impact on ecosystem health and economic vitality in our region.” For decades, Eckerd College has paired undergraduate marine science education with hands-on faculty research, helping students earn 115 NOAA Hollings Scholarships and numerous Goldwater, Fulbright, and NSF Graduate Fellowships. The new funding will expand those opportunities for students to contribute directly to research protecting Tampa Bay and the West Florida Shelf. The research will build on years of work by Eckerd faculty studying changes across the local marine ecosystem, from harmful algal blooms and emerging contaminants to wildlife, biodiversity, and economically important fisheries. Their findings will help scientists and resource managers better understand changing conditions to guide future conservation efforts and protection of the region. Rep. Luna presented the check at Eckerd College alongside College President Dr. James J. Annarelli ### Office of Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna (202) 225-5961 | David.leatherwood@mail.house.gov Follow updates at luna.house.gov Share on