Dr. Vincent
Encomio

About

Vincent received his Bachelors, Masters and Ph.D. from UC San Diego, San Francisco State University and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science at the College of William and Mary, respectively. 

In addition to his habitat restoration efforts, he has conducted research on disease tolerance in oysters and its application to aquaculture, the effects of freshwater releases on wild and cultured shellfish populations, and how oyster reef soundscapes can be used as a non-invasive tool to monitor restoration success and ecosystem health.

In his spare time, Vincent enjoys spending time with his family at the beach and annual family scalloping trips to Florida’s Big Bend area. He is an avid surfer and enjoys snorkeling, gardening and walking his dogs when the waves are flat.

Martin & St. Lucie Counties Extension Programming

Vincent’s geographic area of focus is the Treasure Coast, specifically Martin and St. Lucie Counties. These two counties comprise the southern end of the Indian River Lagoon, the most bio-diverse estuary in North America. Both counties contribute a combined $1.16B to the total Lagoon-related economy ($7.6B; 2016 IRL Economic Valuation Update). This economic output represents contributions related to fisheries, marine industries, recreation and tourism, resource management (air/water, waste and conservation programs administration), and defense and aerospace.

Environmental impacts to the Lagoon and its Treasure Coast tributary, the St. Lucie Estuary, such as Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), freshwater releases, stormwater pollution, and loss of coastal habitats, are among the concerns of residents regarding the health of the Lagoon.

Vincent’s extension programming is directed towards these concerns. He brings science-based information on these topics through stormwater education, citizen-science programs in shoreline, water quality and HAB monitoring, and education on estuarine habitats and living shorelines through the Florida Master Naturalist Program and the Living Shorelines Training for Marine Contractors.