The Coastal Habitat and Water Quality Initiative

Turning Scientific Research into Real-world Restoration

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8,436

Miles of Tidal Shoreline in Florida

2,201

Impaired Bodies of Water in Florida

80

Residential Canal Cities in Florida

Who We Are

The Coastal Habitat and Water Quality Initiative (C-HAWQ, "sea-hawk") is a science-first Florida nonprofit writing the playbook on water quality and habitat restoration. We partner with academic researchers from Florida universities to conduct original, neutral research — building a growing shelf of accepted best practices that municipalities can pull from with confidence. Where projects need a running start, our technical assistance grants cover up to $200,000 in engineering, feasibility studies, and assessments, removing the financial barriers that stall good work before it begins. The result: a source of truth that cuts through political friction, and the resources to turn that truth into a shovel-ready reality.

Our Research

Florida is home to thousands of miles of tidal shoreline. Many of these areas are defined by artificial canal systems that, while iconic, often suffer from poor circulation and deteriorating water quality. Our research is dedicated to understanding the unique hydrodynamics and biological stressors within these fragile artificial ecosystems.

Through field-intensive studies, C-HAWQ identifies critical "dead zones" where nutrient loading has reached a tipping point. By understanding the science of these canals, we design targeted interventions that restore oxygen levels and promote self-sustaining marine habitats.

Our goal is to provide the scientific evidence needed to move communities and local leaders from identifying a problem to implementing a proven, long-term restoration strategy.

Our Advisors

Chris Stallings, PhD

Professor, USF College of Marine Science
Holden Harris, PhD

University of Florida
Micheal Allen, PhD

Professor, UF School of Forest, Fisheries & Geomatics Scienceshere
Director, UF | IFAS Nature Coast Biological Station
Christopher B. Burke, PhD, PE, D.WRE, Dist.M.ASCE NED,

Professor, University of Illinois - Chicago College of Engineering
David Kaplan, PhD

Professor, UF Engineering School of Sustainable Infrastructure & Environment
Director, H.T. Odum Center for Wetlands
Associate Director, UF Center for Coastal Solutions
Vincent Encomio, PhD

Extension Agent, Martin & St. Lucie Counties, Florida Sea Grant, University of Florida IFAS