Discovery, a state-of-the-art tour boat, will depart directly from the FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute campus, located along the Indian River Lagoon, Fort Pierce. | |
All Aboard: Educating on the Indian River Lagoon
Gabby Barbarite, Ph.D., director of outreach and engagement, FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, received a $399,963 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's South Florida Initiative Program to support a new Indian River Lagoon (IRL) student field trip program aboard the Discovery, FAU Harbor Branch's state-of-the-art tour boat.
Over the course of three years, the project will host 125 field trips, educating as many as 3,125 socially disadvantaged middle and high school students about Florida’s natural resources and the importance of conserving them.
"We’re excited to educate people of all ages and backgrounds onboard the Discovery to explore the IRL," Barbarite said.
Read more.
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Resolving Debate of Present-Day Fish Ancestor
With more than 30,000 species, the ancestry of a group of bony fish called teleosts has been referred to as one of the major unresolved questions of the 21st century — until now.
Sahar Mejri, Ph.D., assistant professor, FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, is part of a team of international scientists who discovered that Elopomorpha species, which includes tarpon, bonefish and eels, and Osteoglossomorpha species, which includes goldeye, arapaima and elephantnose fish, are sister groups that have descended from a common evolutionary ancestor. The findings are published in the journal Science. Read more.
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Research and Restoration to Help Save Coral Reefs
Sydney Bell, graduate student, conducts research that is part of the largest experimental coral outplanting and restoration project in Florida to date.
Bell's research will help save threatened coral reefs, which protect shorelines from storms and the economy by contributing to fishing and recreation.
Read more.
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HBOI Researcher wins Prestigious Early Career Award
To understand the ecology and biodiversity patterns in sponge-dominated coral reefs, Andia Chaves Fonnegra, Ph.D., an assistant professor of biology in FAU’s Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College and Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, has received the coveted National Science Foundation (NSF) Early Career award.
Read more.
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From left: Alberto and Celina Grubicy and Bryan Pearce at a 50th anniversary event for Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institutue. | |
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Thankful for Support
Become a Member of the Benefactors Society Today
For more than 50 years, FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute has led the way in ocean exploration, conducted cutting-edge marine science research and educated generations of scientists and ocean stewards. The FAU Harbor Branch team has made ground-breaking discoveries in the fields of drug discovery, sustainable seafood production, green technology development and ecosystem conservation, while tackling some of the most pressing issues facing coastal and ocean environments. You can make an impact too by joining the FAU Harbor Branch Benefactors Society and directly supporting the efforts of a world-renowned oceanographic institute. Members of this annual giving program also receive discounts on tours and merchandise, as well as invitations to special events, immersive experiences and more.
Join the FAU Harbor Branch family. To learn more about the program and explore giving levels, click the button below.
Members of the FAU Harbor Branch Benefactors Society support significant and timely research, impacting critical ocean issues.
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Fin of the Month: Kylo
Kylo is frequently seen in the St. Lucie Forks and southern Indian River Lagoon, according to the FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute's Stranding and Population Assessment team.
"Kylo’s dorsal fin is particularly recognizable due to the series of scars on the dorsal fin and peduncle," said Steve Burton, director of the team.
If you see a marine mammal in distress, call the FWC hotline 888-404-3922. If you see dolphins while out on the water, remember to stay 50 yards away.
Photo ID work is permitted under NOAA NMFS LOC #23069 and stranding response is conducted under a Stranding Agreement with NMFS and FAU Harbor Branch under the authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
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FAU Harbor Branch Specialty Experiences: Marine Mammals
In a new, hands-on Specialty Experience offered by FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, participants will get to learn about Florida’s dolphins, manatees and whales, as well as research underway, meet members of the FAU Harbor Branch Stranding and Population Assessment team, tour their rescue ambulance, and learn how to become a Dolphin Spotter citizen scientist.
The interactive workshop-like experiences change every month. Check the schedule on the website for more information about what’s coming soon.
Specialty Experiences are offered on the second Thursday of the month at 1 p.m. Tours are limited to 20 people. Reservations and payment ($40/person) are required in advance. For more information, or to make a reservation, call 772-242-2293 or stop by the Ocean Discovery Visitors Center.
Learn more.
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Be a Dolphin Spotter
Next time you're standing on a Florida shore and see a dolphin in the water, take a picture.
Then, submit that picture to the FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute Dolphin-Spotter project, a land-based citizen science project, and become a certified citizen scientist.
Learn more.
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Science Saturdays
Join FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute at the Ocean Discovery Visitors Center on the last Saturday of every month for a fun-filled, outdoor event. Bring the whole family and learn from our outreach team while participating in a variety of interactive activities.
Upcoming Dates: March 25, April 29
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