Nicole “Nikki” Jackson serves as the Lead Biologist at AquaTech Eco Consultants, where she brings a strong foundation in marine and freshwater ecology, coastal zone management, and large-scale habitat restoration. With a B.Sc. in Biological Sciences from Florida State University and an M.Sc. in Coastal Zone Management from Nova Southeastern University’s Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography, Nikki combines academic expertise with extensive hands-on restoration experience.
At AquaTech, Nikki leads field crews in submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) and seagrass restoration projects across Florida. Most recently, she oversaw implementation of the Lake George Eelgrass Restoration Project, where AquaTech successfully planted over one million Vallisneria americana shoots across 92 acres of habitat under Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) oversight. Nikki’s leadership ensured contract compliance, adaptive field techniques in response to fluctuating water levels, and meticulous documentation of methods and outcomes.
Her experience spans:
– Seagrass and SAV restoration – monitoring, transplantation, and site management.
– Coral reef ecology – field surveys, reef fish assessments, and habitat analysis.
– Ecological reporting & compliance – preparing detailed reports for state and federal agencies.
– Scientific diving & vessel operations – NAUI Instructor, SDI Divemaster, AAUS Scientific Diver, with extensive field and dive safety certifications.
– Stakeholder communication & education – former science educator with proven ability to translate complex ecological concepts into actionable strategies for partners, agencies, and community stakeholders.
Nikki’s graduate thesis focused on the toxicological impacts of marine plastic ingestion by Florida fishery species, highlighting her ability to integrate cutting-edge research with applied restoration goals. Beyond technical expertise, she is committed to restoration practices that minimize ecological disturbance and maximize long-term ecosystem resilience.
Through her leadership, AquaTech delivers science-based, field-proven restoration solutions that restore critical aquatic habitats, enhance biodiversity, and improve ecosystem services vital to Florida’s waterways.
Brandon Rau serves as Head of Marine Aquaculture at Aquaticus Plants, where he oversees all aquaculture and grow-out operations at the facility. He plays a critical role in AquaTech Eco Consultants’ large-scale restoration projects, combining expertise in aquaculture production, submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) cultivation, and innovative aerial deployment technologies.
Brandon holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science with a minor in Philosophy from the University of Tampa. Since joining Aquaticus Plants in 2021, he has been instrumental in mass production of SAV planting units, harvesting and transplanting multiple seagrass and freshwater species across Florida restoration projects, and designing protective apparatuses for SAV installation sites.
As an FAA Remote Pilot in training, Brandon assists AquaTech in pioneering the use of heavy-lift drone technologies for oyster seeding and aquatic habitat restoration. His hands-on role in aerial dispersal projects, including large-scale deployments of oyster seed in Florida estuaries, demonstrates his adaptability in applying emerging technologies to ecological restoration efforts.
Brandon’s professional background also includes work with the Department of Environment and Waterways in Smithtown, NY, where he collaborated on shellfish aquaculture initiatives to combat hypoxia and algal blooms, and research on leachate prevention systems at municipal waste facilities. He also brings years of experience in aquarium systems installation, water chemistry management, and livestock care from his work with Island Fish & Reef in New York.
Brandon’s skills include GIS, R programming, aquaculture system management, and PVC life support design. He is a PADI Open Water Diver and experienced vessel operator, enabling him to contribute effectively to both field-based and aquaculture-based restoration operations. His unique blend of aquaculture leadership and applied drone restoration technology makes him a key contributor to AquaTech’s mission of delivering innovative, science-driven restoration solutions.
Jonathan D. Brucker brings over 20 years of experience in estuarine ecology, resource management, and aquatic restoration to AquaTech Eco Consultants. He has served in senior roles with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection and most recently with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a NEPA Biologist. His career reflects a deep commitment to protecting, restoring, and managing Florida’s coastal and aquatic resources.
As Manager of the Central Panhandle Aquatic Preserves for FDEP, Jonathan oversaw operations for St. Andrews Bay, St. Joseph Bay, Apalachicola Bay, and Alligator Harbor. In this role, he supervised staff, managed budgets, directed permitting and compliance processes, and coordinated multi-agency projects. He also provided oversight for multiple Deepwater Horizon-funded restoration initiatives, ensuring successful project implementation, monitoring, and reporting.
Jonathan’s technical expertise includes water quality monitoring, seagrass and propeller-scar restoration, oyster restoration, and shoreline stabilization projects. He has published peer-reviewed work on oyster population recovery and sediment tube restoration methods for seagrass meadows, further demonstrating his leadership in applied restoration science.
He is highly experienced in NEPA compliance, permitting, and interagency coordination, with a track record of facilitating regulatory reviews for projects involving the Endangered Species Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, and Essential Fish Habitat provisions. His ability to integrate ecological science with regulatory frameworks has supported the advancement of multiple large-scale restoration programs across Florida.
Jonathan holds a Bachelor of Science in Marine Science from the University of South Carolina, graduating magna cum laude. His professional certifications include SCUBA, CPR, Aquatic Science Educator Certification, ATV Certification, and U.S. Power Squadron Boat Smart Certification. He has received multiple awards for his contributions to restoration, including the American Shore & Beach Preservation Association’s Best Restored Shores Award (2023) and two FDEP OneDEP Awards.
With his extensive background in estuarine resource management and his proven record in leading restoration projects, Jonathan is a valuable member of AquaTech Eco Consultants’ team, supporting our mission to deliver science-based, cost-effective aquatic habitat restoration solutions.