Florida Sea Grant’s (FSG) 50-year legacy of protecting coastal communities is built on a foundation of student-led research, and at the heart of this effort is its long-standing partnership with the Guy Harvey Foundation (GHF).
The GHF works with local, national and international organizations to conduct scientific research, fund affiliated researchers, and support graduate students at Florida colleges and universities who conduct research aimed at supporting the sustainable management of marine fish.
To support research in this field, the GHF and FSG partnered in 2010 to establish the FSG-Guy Harvey Fellowship, formerly the Guy Harvey Scholarship Award. This program provides each of the selected fellows with $5,000 for their research initiatives and to promote efforts to protect coastal and marine habitats and species. They also have the opportunity to work with the FSG communication team, allowing them to enhance their communication skills and share updates on their work.
Selia Zimmermann from St. Augustine is one of eight Florida Sea Grant Guy Harvey Fellowship recipients who received the $5,000 research stipend in 2026.
A Ph.D. candidate in fisheries and aquatic sciences at the University of Florida, her research focuses on quantifying and mitigating discard mortality in reef fish, specifically Red Snapper, Gray Triggerfish and Gag Grouper, using high-resolution 3D acoustic telemetry.
By applying advanced Bayesian statistical techniques to track post-release behavior, Zimmermann aims to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of barotrauma mitigation tools like descending devices. Her work is conducted in close collaboration with Florida Sea Grant and the “Return ’Em Right” program, ensuring that her scientific findings are translated into effective outreach strategies for the recreational angling community. Zimmermann also holds a B.S. in marine science from the University of Florida.
Since the inception of the FSG-Guy Harvey Fellowship, FSG and the GHF have awarded more than $500,000 in support of scholarships and fellowships for more than 100 students across 12 Florida universities and colleges.
“Reaching such a significant milestone this year is a testament to the enduring strength of our partnership with the Guy Harvey Foundation,” said Sherry Larkin, director of Florida Sea Grant. “These achievements represent more than just numbers. They represent a decade-plus legacy of empowering Florida’s brightest young scientists to be at the forefront of marine research. By tackling the most pressing challenges facing our marine ecosystems and coastal economies, these fellows are providing the innovation and leadership necessary to protect our state’s coastal future.”
Aside from receiving financial support, each fellow also receives a certificate personally designed and signed by world-renowned marine wildlife artist, conservationist and GHF Founder/Chair Emeritus, Dr. Guy Harvey.
“Establishing an enduring tradition of supporting student research in collaboration with Florida Sea Grant is something we are very proud of,” said Guy Harvey. “The FSG-Guy Harvey Fellowship program has significantly contributed to our knowledge of the marine ecosystem, advanced the achievements of promising students, and helped inform the public of this vital research efforts year after year.”
Applications for the next FSG-Guy Harvey Fellowship will be available from June 9 to July 22. Stay updated on eligibility criteria and deadlines at www.flseagrant.org/opportunities/guy-harvey-fellowship or reach out to Florida Sea Grant student programs coordinator, Cassandra Sexson, at students@flseagrant.org.
