Artist's rendering of the marine mammal complex to be built at Eckerd College.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has announced plans to construct a $17 million marine mammal complex at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg. This project aims to enhance marine mammal research and rescue efforts, featuring a pathobiology laboratory for necropsies and an administrative center. With construction expected to start in spring 2026, the facility will cater to both scientists and students, fostering collaboration over the decades. The complex comes in response to rising manatee mortality rates due to human-related factors, promising better research and rescue operational capabilities.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is set to build a new marine mammal complex at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, with a budget of $17 million. The project will include two main buildings: a pathobiology laboratory dedicated to conducting necropsies on manatees and dolphins, and an administrative center.
Construction is anticipated to commence in spring 2026, contingent upon the approval of necessary permits from the City of St. Petersburg. While detailed project plans have not yet been submitted to city officials, a permit application has already been filed by the FWC. Of the total budget, approximately $11.7 million is earmarked specifically for the construction of the new facilities, which aim to enhance marine mammal research and rescue operations.
The new pathobiology lab will provide additional space for conducting necropsies, which are defined as post-mortem examinations on non-human animals. This facility will also include an observation room, offering students and guests an opportunity to observe and learn about the work being performed. The complex is designed to cater to both FWC scientists and Eckerd College students, building on a collaborative relationship that has existed for over three decades.
The need for such a facility is underscored by the alarming statistics regarding manatee mortality rates. In 2024, Florida experienced 565 reported manatee deaths, with nearly 30% of these fatalities linked to human-related factors, including boat strikes and water control structures. The new complex is expected to play a key role in identifying and addressing the threats that marine mammals face.
Necropsies performed at the facility will provide critical data that help scientists assess the injuries, diseases, and other factors contributing to the deaths of marine mammals. Furthermore, this data is invaluable for wildlife managers and policymakers as it helps inform and shape local regulations based on trends observed over time.
In addition to research functions, the FWC will utilize the marine mammal complex as a staging area for manatee rescues, which often require specialized equipment and trained personnel. This enhancement in operational capabilities is expected to improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of rescue missions conducted by the FWC.
The planning for this complex has been in development for the past four years, highlighting the commitment of the FWC to marine mammal conservation and research. Currently, the FWC operates a laboratory on the Eckerd College campus, which has been serving both FWC scientists and college students for over thirty years.
This new construction project is not only a response to the rising numbers of manatee deaths but also represents a significant step forward in the long-term collaboration between the FWC and Eckerd College. The marine mammal complex is anticipated to advance marine studies and contribute to the ongoing efforts in preserving Florida’s marine wildlife.
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