50 Years of Ocean Science for a Better World^® 

We invite you to join FAU Harbor Branch in celebrating the storied past and exciting future of Ocean Science for a Better World^®.

Lectures will be held virtually and streamed live to the FAU Harbor Branch website and available after in our lecture archive. If you would like premier access to our limited capacity in-person showings, we invite you to join our Benefactors Society! For more information, please visit here.

The Indian River Lagoon (IRL) Symposium is a multi-institutional effort to provide a public forum for scientists, decision-makers, students, education and outreach professionals, and the interested public to discuss science and its application to the management of the IRL. In recognition of the symposium's eleventh year and in celebration of FAU Harbor Branch's 50-year milestone anniversary, experts are excited to delve into the progress and achievements that have significantly affected management and conservation practices, and how we can continue to work to restore the health of the IRL for the next 50 years.

“This year’s event will allow us to dive into the last decade’s impact on the state of the IRL and what is being done to restore the health of the system, said Dennis Hanisak, Ph.D., research professor and director of education at FAU Harbor Branch.”... Register here

FAU Harbor Branch's relentless pursuit of innovative ocean research depends on strong partnerships with our supporters. We invite you to join us as we celebrate our storied past, present successes and exciting future by joining the FAU Harbor Branch Benefactors Society. 

Benefactors Society members support vital needs that enable FAU Harbor Branch to continue expanding our core initiatives to make a significant and timely impacts on critical ocean issues... Learn more

Sponsors updated as of 12/17/2021. For more information on sponsorship opportunities click here. 

Designated by the United States Department of Energy (DOE) as one of four national marine renewable energy centers, Florida Atlantic University’s Southeast National Marine Renewable Energy Center (SNMREC) has announced expansion plans later this year that will include new university partnerships, capabilities and opportunities.  

“We have helped to establish a strong foundation for the offshore energy sector to grow,” said Gabriel Alsenas, SNMREC director. “However, there is much left to realize for the vision of harnessing our oceans to power our communities. To hasten commercialization efforts, we have begun discussions with several university partners to expand the center’s footprint to address the evolving needs of the marine energy sector, especially for projects along the entire U.S. East Coast, not just the southeast.”... Learn more

Researchers from FAU Harbor Branch co-authored a study recently published in the Journal of Comparative Physiology B dedicated to exploring decreasing population trends in numerous areas for the northwest Atlantic leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea). The researchers focused on establishing species- and life-stage class-specific blood analyte reference intervals (RIs) to better understand the future disturbances on organismal health of the leatherback sea turtle. 

Researchers collected and analyzed blood samples from 176 naturally emerging leatherback hatchlings from 18 clutches to further explore RIs for morphometrics and blood analytes; the correlations between hatchling morphometrics, blood analytes and hatching success; and temporal trends in hatchling morphometrics and blood analytes across nesting season... Read more

FAU Fisheries Ecology and Conservation Expert Co-Authored Recent Study on Movements of Young-of-the-Year White Sharks  

Matt Ajemian, Ph.D., assistant research professor, FAU Harbor Branch, is a co-author of a recently published study focusing on the movements and seasonal habitat use of white sharks less than a year old in National Marine Fisheries Service’s Fishery Bulletin. 

The research article titled, “Overwinter habitat use of young-of-the-year white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) off the eastern United States,” analyzes seasonal migration patterns and environment uses of young-of-the-year (YOY) white sharks in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean using advanced multiple electronic tagging and tracking studies... Learn more

Mysid shrimp are a widely distributed group of zooplankton that exist in both freshwater and marine environments. Due to their extensive presence and large biomass, they form a critical link in most marine food webs, yet, little is known about their ecology and interactions with their local surroundings. To further understand mysids and their impact on the broader marine ecosystem, an interdisciplinary team of investigators from FAU have received a $361,187 grant from the National Science Foundation Biological Oceanography program to develop and deploy a novel in situ imaging system in coastal Maine over the span of two summers.

“The NSF award will allow our researchers to conduct a comprehensive investigation on mysid behavior and ecology with in situ observations, characterizing their distribution and abundance, especially in the context of local flow, food availability and light conditions,” said principal investigator, Aditya Nayak, Ph.D., assistant professor, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering, FAU Harbor Branch.

Other participating institutions are the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and the University of Southern Maine... Learn more about the award

Students and staff from FAU Harbor Branch recently participated in the Diversity in Science festival at the Boca Raton campus to celebrate and reflect on diversity, equity, and inclusion in science. During the event, FAU Harbor Branch attendees informed festival attendees of the diverse research being conducted at FAU Harbor Branch while highlighting the exceptional researchers behind the science.

“Teamwork is a key component of FAU Harbor Branch’s mission of ‘Ocean Science for a Better World^®,’” said Gabby Barbarite, Ph.D., director of outreach and engagement, FAU Harbor Branch. “We believe that groundbreaking discoveries are rooted in collaborations between people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives – this encompasses inclusion and equity across race, gender, age, nationality, ability and religion, as well as the complex intersectionality of these experiences. We are committed to enriching our campus culture, nurturing an environment that empowers everyone and inspiring the next generation of marine scientists and ocean stewards,” said Barbarite. 

Learn more about FAU Harbor Branch’s dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion.

Members of the FAU Harbor Branch Aquaculture Innovation and Global Food Security team visited San Diego to attend the Aquaculture 2022 conference – the largest aquaculture meeting in the world. The event was organized by the World Aquaculture Society and is held once every three years to promote new innovations in the aquaculture field. Nearly 4,000 researchers, farmers and industry members from over 90 countries gathered together for this triennial event. 

FAU Harbor Branch researchers presented recent research on a variety of aquaculture topics including fish genetics, microbiome health, bonefish spawning and broodstock diet at Aquaculture 2022... Learn more

Researchers at FAU Harbor Branch have partnered with the FAU Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute’s Nikon Center of Excellence to bring a new, state-of-the art AX/AX-R Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope system to FAU Harbor Branch. The effort has been led by Shirley Pomponi, Ph.D., research professor at FAU Harbor Branch and former executive director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Cooperative Institute for Ocean Exploration, Research and Technology (CIOERT) to enhance interdisciplinary and collaborative research at FAU. 

“The expansion of the Nikon Center of Excellence to FAU Harbor Branch gives our researchers an exciting opportunity to work with cutting edge imaging instruments – resources that further our mission of Ocean Science for a Better World^®,” Jim Sullivan, executive director, FAU Harbor Branch. “The addition of this technology, and partnership with Nikon and the FAU Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute, will undoubtedly enhance scientists work in protecting the oceans and environment locally and globally.”

FAU Harbor Branch is hiring for multiple positions! Available positions include Academic Support Services Coordinator, Maintenance Mechanic, Water Quality Technician, Postdoctoral Fellows and an IRLON Data Analyst to work with the Indian River Lagoon Observatory. To learn more or apply today, visit us online.

To learn more, or apply for the program, visit us online.

The Indian River Lagoon Observatory Network (IRLON)

The Indian River Lagoon Observatory Network (IRLON) was launched in 2013 to investigate environmental parameters in the Indian River Lagoon, and the impacts of natural and human-induced stressors. Each station has environmental sensors which provide real-time, high-accuracy, high- resolution water quality and weather data through an interactive, publicly accessible website. Key elements of this project include ecosystem-based research, a network of advanced observing stations and collaboration among organizations... Learn more

Saturday, April 9   

Poochella 2022 

Saturday, April 16   

FAU Harbor Branch’s Ocean Discovery Visitors Center, Fort Pierce

Saturday, April 23

Oxbow Eco-Center, Port St. Lucie

Saturday, April 23    

Join us for Science Saturday at FAU Harbor Branch's Ocean Discovery Visitors Center for fun-filled, outdoor events. Bring the whole family and learn from our experts while participating in a variety of exciting, interactive activities!

Science Saturday events will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 23 and May 28... Learn more

Become a Citizen Scientist with FAU Harbor Branch’s Land-Based Dolphin Spotter Project 

Similar to a human's fingerprint, each dolphin’s dorsal fin is unique! FAU Harbor Branch researchers are using photo-identification to learn more about the dolphins that live in the Indian River Lagoon.

To support dolphin research and conservation, you can register to become a Dolphin Spotter with our brand-new citizen science project!.. Learn more

FAU Harbor Branch Ocean Discovery Visitors Center Goes Mobile for ManateeFest 2022

ManateeFest 2022 is an annual celebration where visitors are invited to learn more about marine conservation, our local waterways and manatees... Learn more

Help educate the community about the important research being conducted at FAU Harbor Branch! Volunteers are needed for the FAU Harbor Branch Ocean Discovery Visitors Center. For more information or to apply, visit our website.

Through FAU Harbor Branch Speakers Bureau, community organizations may request a virtual presentation on a specific research topic or a general overview of FAU 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 Harbor Branch Speakers Bureau request form.

Bring Ocean Science for A Better World^® right into your home with virtual resources from FAU 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

Stop by the Ocean Discovery Visitors Center gift shop! The center will be open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday. Or shop online at our FAU Harbor Branch gift shop here.

By celebrating and supporting our 50^th Anniversary, your organization will become a part of the legacy that has long informed ocean science research and global conservation efforts. Your unique position as a sponsor of our milestone celebration will provide your organization with exposure to a community that so deeply cares about the most pressing environmental issues of our time.

Take part in celebrating our storied past, present successes and exciting future. Benefactors Society members enable FAU Harbor Branch to continue expanding our core initiatives to make a significant and timely impact on critical ocean issues. Our work depends on strong partnerships with our supporters. We can only make a difference together. Our work depends on strong partnerships with our supporters. From preserving thousands of plant and animal species to buoying coastal communities’ economies, to understanding the interconnection between human health and ocean health; we can only make a difference together.