Using the whitespotted eagle ray and underwater acoustic recorders, a study is the first to characterize how they consume hard-shelled mollusk prey like clams in a controlled environment. A team of scientists led by Florida Atlantic University's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute and collaborators could tell what a predator was eating based on how it sounds, and with this process it’s audible above ambient noise in coastal lagoons out to 100 meters. The team hopes this technology will be useful in monitoring how many clams are being eaten by large predators like rays as restoration efforts ramp up in Florida...Read More

The world’s leading expert on queen conch aquaculture who is a scientist at FAU’s Harbor Branch has released a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to culture and restore the revered Caribbean queen conch. The “Queen Conch Aquaculture: Hatchery and Nursery Phases User Manual,” was recently published in the National Shellfisheries Association’s Journal of Shellfish Research. Queen conch mariculture research and pilot-scale to commercial application conducted by FAU’s Megan Davis, Ph.D., holds promise as a way of addressing this critical situation with the queen conch through community-based solutions... Read More 

Michael Twardowski, Ph.D, a research professor at FAU's Harbor Branch, hopes to use new technologies to shed light on one of the most understudied areas of the world's oceans and its many creatures. Twardowski is a scientist in the field optical oceanography, which is the study of how light passes through the water. Specifically, he’s interested in developing new technologies to address problems in satellite ocean color remote sensing, harmful algal blooms, and oil detection, among others... Read More

Greg O’Corry-Crowe, a biologist at FAU’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, is no stranger to life on the edge, much like the animals he has dedicated his life to studying — beluga whales. He’s endured remote wilderness and freezing temperatures to study these marine mammals at the farthest corners of the world... Read More

Megan Davis, Ph.D., professor at FAU's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute was recently featured in the 2020 National Academy of Inventors’ (NAI) annual activities report for her research-related innovations, along with two other FAU researchers... Read More

What does it look like when a sea turtle gets cancer? And how does a virus cause cancer? FA Harbor Branch researcher Annie Page-Karjian, D.V.M., Ph.D., answers these questions in a recent Auquadocs podcast... Listen

While pancreatic cancer is described as a rare form of cancer, many of us personally know people affected by this very lethal cancer. Nature is an important source of new medicines. At FAU's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, the Marine Biomedical and Biotechnology Research Program is exploring the oceans to identify new medicines with the ability to fight dreaded diseases, including pancreatic cancer.

All lectures are free and open to the public; to register, visit http://bit.ly/34crtXa.

“Marine Natural Products as Potential Cancer Therapeutics”

Announcing the Third Annual Ocean Science Art Contest! This year we are inviting artists of all ages to submit original artwork inspired by marine science research being conducted at FAU's Harbor Branch. Artwork will be judged in three categories: Adult, High School, and K-8. This year’s awards include an opportunity to have your artwork featured on the cover of our new Marine Science Activity Book, a VIP meet and greet with our researchers, behind the scenes... Learn more

Join FAU's Harbor Branch as we participate in Manatee Lagoon's virtual ManateeFest Feb. 1-5. The event is an annual celebration where families and the public can come together to explore the wonders of manatees, the Lake Worth Lagoon and environmental conservation. Make sure to check out our virtual storefront during the event!.. Learn More

Bring Ocean Science for A Better World^® right into your home with virtual resources from FAU's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute! Online offerings include lectures, interviews with marine scientists, activities for children and much more! Visit our virtual resources page to learn about these great opportunities for teachers, students and ocean lovers of all ages!... Learn More

As a health and safety precaution, FAU's Harbor Branch Ocean Discovery Visitors Center is temporarily closed. Please check back for updates.

Also, make sure to check out our new online gift shop!

Through FAU's Harbor Branch Speakers Bureau, community organizations may request a virtual presentation on a specific research topic or a general overview of FAU's Harbor Branch. This program provides an excellent opportunity to learn about the institute’s most recent discoveries and connect with marine science experts. There is no charge for scheduling a speaker, however an honorarium or donation is encouraged.

If you would like to request a virtual speaker for your group/event, please fill out FAU's Harbor Branch Speakers Bureau request form.