A new collaboration aims to enhance Florida’s ecosystem.

Duke Energy has joined forces with the Coastal Conservation Association of Florida (CCA Florida), unveiling their new Mariculture Center in Crystal River on Thursday morning. The two organizations have committed to a four-year partnership to support environmental restoration efforts.

The marine farming facility focuses on bolstering Florida’s natural ecosystem through a variety of initiatives. The hatchery breeds popular game fish such as redfish, spotted seatrout, and tripletail, while also cultivating seagrass and mangroves and recycling oyster shells.

These measures are designed to address environmental challenges like overfishing and habitat loss. “Shoreline stabilization projects include planting mangroves to prevent erosion and restoring oyster reefs, which filter water and mitigate red tide and other algae blooms,” explained Brian Gorski, Executive Director of CCA Florida.

Originally built over 30 years ago by Duke Energy to meet state regulatory requirements, the mariculture center has since evolved into a cornerstone of the company’s environmental stewardship.

“Environmental stewardship is a core principle at Duke Energy,” said Melissa Seixas, President of Duke Energy Florida. “What began as a power generation site has transformed into one of the most successful fish hatcheries in Florida.”

The joint mariculture agreement will be reviewed after four years, ensuring continued collaboration and progress.

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(Image credit: Duke Energy)