Researchers from FAU Harbor Branch adapted Structure-from-Motion (SfM) photogrammetry to generate 3D models to track tissue loss progression and infection impacts on diseased coral colonies at study sites throughout Southeast Florida in St. Lucie Reef, Jupiter, Palm Beach and Lauderdale-by-the-Sea.

The ultimate goal of this work is to increase widespread application of this and similar techniques to improve the design, implementation, and success of coral disease intervention, mitigation, and management strategies... Read More

FAU Harbor Branch researchers and collaborators from the Cooperative Institute for Ocean Exploration, Research and Technology (CIOERT) and NOAA, have published a photo identification guide: Sponges Inhabiting the Shelf-Edge Marine Protected Areas & Deep-Water Reefs of the Southeastern USA.

After nearly a decade of exploration, observation, photographs and a collection of numerous sponges from various benthic hard bottom habitats, the resulting publication is the first taxonomic visual identification guide of its kind. In this photo identification guide, visualization and characterization of the most common species of diverse, yet poorly known, sponges are distinguished... Read More

Brian Lapointe, Ph.D., research professor at FAU Harbor Branch, co-authored a first-of-its-kind study providing evidence that nitrogen enrichment from land-based sources – such as agricultural run-off and sewage – is driving macroalgal blooms advancing the massive decline in hard coral physiology in the Belize Barrier Reef. Recommendations to improve water quality and restore coral reef ecosystems include reducing nutrient loading from urban effluents and agricultural run-off, strategic coral reef-focused conservation and increasing the general public and political figures' awareness on the topic. More about this research can be found here.

A study led by FAU Harbor Branch aquaculture and stock enhancement research professor, Megan Davis, Ph.D., is providing an integral perspective in the development of fishers-operated Queen conch nursery. FAU Harbor Branch and Puerto Rico's Conservación ConCiencia, in collaboration with the Naguabo Commercial Fishing Association, are building a hatchery and nursery, operated by fishers in Puerto Rico, for the purpose of Queen conch restoration.

Queen conch are being raised using aquaculture techniques for restoration and sustainable seafood. This video illustrates the development of the Queen conch, from egg stage to metamorphosis through magnified clips and images of the egg mass, veligers (larvae), and newly metamorphosed conch.

The Naguabo Queen Conch Hatchery project is in part of the NOAA Fisheries Queen conch Saltonstall-Kennedy grant project (award NA19NM4270029).

FAU Harbor Branch aquaculture and aquatic animal nutrition experts Paul Wills, Ph.D. and Marty Riche, Ph.D. participated as panelists in the F3 - Future of Fish Feed - Emerging Trends in Alternative Feeds for Carnivorous Fish webinar, providing insight to the future of alternative aquaculture feed ingredients. During this episode of the webinar series, panelists discussed recent research breakthroughs, challenges posed and potential issues for the total elimination of wild-caught feed ingredients in the attempt to continue providing current dietary seafood staples.

Megan Davis, Ph.D., research professor at FAU Harbor Branch aquaculture and stock enhancement sits down to engage in conversation with marine conservationist and science communicator, Lashanti Jupp. Tune in to this episode of "Siren Sunday" as they discuss Queen conch aquaculture and action toward replenishing the population!

Dennis Hanisak, Ph.D., research professor and director of education at FAU Harbor Branch joined State Representative Anna V. Eskamani and a panel of marine experts to discuss concerns related to the detrimental impact of algae blooms and seagrass loss, and needs for advocacy related to revive manatee populations across Florida. Hanisak offered insight into the need for immediate and continued restoration efforts and programs, among other efforts, to take the next steps toward improving shoreline vegetation and water quality.

The event is available for playback here.

Members of the FAU Harbor Branch Aquaculture and Stock Enhancement team visited San Antonio, TX on August 11 to attend Aquaculture America 2021. The conference was held by the World Aquaculture Society and is conducted annually to promote new innovations in the aquaculture field. Researchers, farmers, and industry members from around the world gathered to present recent research on a variety of aquaculture topics including fish nutrition, alternative feeds, breeding, and rearing techniques. FAU Harbor Branch researchers gave a total of seven oral presentations and one poster presentation focusing on the USDA and bonefish research conducted over the past year.

Gabby Barbarite, Ph.D., director of outreach and engagement, FAU Harbor Branch, returns for the second year in a row as a juror in the 2021 Division of Research Art of Science photography contest. This contest offers FAU researchers, faculty and students the opportunity to utilize photography to present their work creatively... Read More

Congratulations to FAU Harbor Branch 2021 summer interns (16) for completing their program and successfully presenting the results of their research during the Summer Symposium! The Harbor Branch Summer Intern Program began in 1974 and is currently the longest-running program at FAU Harbor Branch! This program provides participants hands-on experience in a variety of research topics within marine science and biomedicine, aquaculture and ocean engineering, serving to attract top undergraduate and graduate students for the 10-week internship with FAU Harbor Branch mentors. These presentations are the high point of the internship experience for the students.

Our 2021 sponsors include the Link Foundation, the Gertrude E. Skelly Foundation, the Marilyn C. Link Memorial Internship supported by the HBOI Foundation and the Fort Pierce Yacht Club.

The symposium was held on Aug. 5, in the Johnson Education Center. Tune into Session 1 and Session 2 of this years' summer intern research presentation. For more about the Summer Symposium.

Kirstie Tandberg Francis, a doctoral candidate in integrative biology at FAU Harbor Branch, has been awarded The Gulf Stream Research Program (GRP) of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine 2021 Science Policy Fellowship. Beginning Sept. 1, 2021, Tandberg Francis will join seven other individuals who will spend one year working in the Gulf of Mexico region, serving on the staff of federal, state, local or non-governmental environmental, public health or natural resource focused agencies... Read More

On Friday, Aug. 20, staff from FAU Harbor Branch Stranding and Population Assessment team assisted Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) researchers in rescuing a 6 foot male manatee in Ft. Pierce.

The manatee suffered from injuries that limited his swimming ability, forcing him to stay in shallow water. The rescue group consisting of members from FWC Tequesta, FWC Melbourne, SeaWorld Orlando, Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute and Harbor Branch were able to successfully capture the male and transport him to SeaWorld Orlando for rehab.

Thanks to all the agencies involved in helping our Florida marine mammals! Activities were conducted under USFWS permit MA773494.

If you ever see an injured, entangled, or stranded manatee, dolphin or whale in Florida, please call the FWC hotline at 1-888-404-3922.

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

As a health and safety precaution, FAU 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!

A temporary display highlighting 50 years of ocean exploration at FAU Harbor Branch is now open to the public at the Manatee Observation & Education Center in downtown Fort Pierce. It will be on display through August.

FAU Harbor Branch is a proud sponsor of Keep Martin Beautiful and their Great American Cleanup! Join us in keeping our beaches litter free on September 18... Learn More

FAU Funder, FAU’s crowdfunding platform, features several of FAU Harbor Branch’s research projects. You can help save the queen conch, support plastic pollution studies in local waters, fund beluga whale research in the Arctic or help researchers as they use deep sea molecules for potential life-saving medicines. Please visit FAU Funder for detailed information on each project. Your contributions can make a difference!

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.