THE WATER SCHOOL, FGCU
Leading the way toward solutions with an interdisciplinary approach, addressing local issues with global consequences.

Located in the midst of Florida’s complex freshwater and saltwater systems, The Water School is uniquely positioned to explore water-based issues. The health of waterways impacts surrounding ecosystems, regional and state economies and people who rely on water for life and leisure. By taking a leadership role in this vital arena, FGCU acts as a catalyst for change in the Southwest Florida community and throughout the world. The new Water School at FGCU focuses on interdisciplinary studies and brings together 16 different programs including engineering, business, health and psychology to work under one roof.

Greg Tolley, PhD, has mentored both undergraduate and graduate students and teaches courses in estuarine ecology and biogeography. His current research interests focus on the influence of freshwater inflow on estuarine ecosystems and aquatic resources. This research addresses how variation in the timing, amount, and quality of freshwater delivered to estuaries influences the physiology of estuarine organisms, shapes community structure of oyster-reef and zooplankton assemblages, and impacts the potential value of oyster reefs as essential fish habitat.

A Certified Fisheries Professional with the American Fisheries Society, Dr. Tolley currently serves on the board of directors of Fish Florida, the Florida Foundation for Responsible Angling. He has also been active in the local community, having served on the boards of the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium, Bailey Matthews Shell Museum and Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation, and as a member of the education committee of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida.