Frustrated with our governments’ nonsensical approach to the Treasure Coast’s water crisis — a cycle in which they allow pollutants to enter waterways and post signs warning against contact with the water without solving the problem — Edie Widder knew something had to change.

The noted marine scientist and Harbor Branch alum founded the Ocean Research & Conservation Association (ORCA) in 2005 to develop scientific solutions for waterways globally. The nonprofit moved from the former Coast Guard Station in Fort Pierce to the D.J. Rainone Research & Science Center in Vero Beach in 2022.

State-of the-art laboratory equipment plays an important role in facilitating ORCA’s Indian River Lagoon research. That’s why the nonprofit is seeking funds to help equip its new main laboratory to assist in applied research on water quality and what’s in the local fish we catch and eat.

Funds will be used to help purchase an autoclave to sterilize sampling equipment, and an air clean system station to use for PCR methods of microplastics research.

How to help

About this series

​Treasure Coast nonprofits that research, protect, restore and advocate for clean water and a healthy environment need more than holiday cheer to continue their missions. Find out what they need and how you can help them, as TCPalm.com highlights a different organization each day from Nov. 27-Dec. 1 and Dec. 4-8.