The SCCF Marine Lab started using its new dock and lift this month, marking a much more streamlined approach to research efforts.

“The dock, being located directly behind the Marine Lab, reduces the time and effort needed to load and unload gear, increasing the time that can be spent in the field doing research,” said Marine Lab Manager A.J. Martignette.

Huge thanks go to Deborah La Gorce and Roberta and Philip Puschel for entirely underwriting the new dock and boat lift, which also support new opportunities to research habitats surrounding the islands.

Previously, the lab moored its primary research vessel — the R/V Norma Campbell — in a slip at the adjacent Tarpon Bay Marina.

“Keeping the Norma Campbell stored on the lift out of the water means we no longer need to have the bottom painted with anti-fouling paint yearly, making it a significant maintenance cost and time saver,” said Martignette. “The vessel is all aluminum, so it will also help reduce potential corrosion and help extend its life.” 

The new dock and lift are part of a long-term strategic partnership between the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge and SCCF.

The dock allows ADA access as well as the convenience of not having to pass through the Tarpon Bay Explorers Nature Tours & Rentals concession to board and load the R/V Norma Campbell.

“We can now load mangrove seedlings and oyster shell from our own dock for our Coastal Watch volunteer restoration projects as well as equipment for many collaborative, ongoing research projects,” added Martignette. “We’re very excited to put it to use.”

The SCCF Marine Lab operates its facility on Refuge property at Tarpon Bay through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service and SCCF that allows the lab to conduct marine research and habitat restoration.