FAU Harbor Branch News

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December 2023

Green Macroalga in the Indian River Lagoon

Green macroalga has replaced native seagrass in parts of the Northern Indian River Lagoon and the Banana River, according to a new study published by researchers at FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute. The macroalga, though also native to the lagoon, acts as an invasive species, taking advantage of the open space left behind when seagrass beds are destroyed by nutrient invasion. Importantly, the macroalga is toxic to manatees, which have turned to it as an alternative food source.

Fin of the Month: Lacy (LACY)

Meet “Lacy,” who was first identified by FAU Harbor Branch’s Marine Mammal Stranding and Population Assessment (MMSPA) team in November 2022. Lacy has only been seen by the MMSPA team once on photo identification surveys traveling with other dolphins in a large group near the Sebastian Inlet.

The image on the right was submitted by a FAU Harbor Branch Dolphin Spotter citizen scientist. Her land-based photo was successfully matched to the MMPSA team's photo-identification catalog (NOAA NMFS LOC No. 23069-01).

See the similarities between these photos? The MMPSA team uses the unique markings on the dolphin’s dorsal fin to identify individual dolphins, much like fingerprints. The Dolphin Spotter saw Lacy at Ballard Park in Melbourne, which is north of the region where the MMSPA team surveys. It was an important documented sighting for dolphin research at FAU Harbor Branch.

Remember to always stay 50 yards away from dolphins. If a marine mammal is spotted in distress, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission hotline 888-404-3922.

Interested in participating in the Dolphin Spotter project? Register today.

All citizen scientist land-based photos have been submitted through the FAU Harbor Branch Dolphin Spotter project in accordance with the program’s guidelines and the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

Photo ID work is permitted under NOAA NMFS LOC No. 23069-01 and stranding response is conducted under a Stranding Agreement with NMFS and FAU Harbor Branch under the authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

Outreach and Education

Ocean Science Art Contest Winners

The results are in for the 2023 FAU Harbor Branch Ocean Science Art Contest. Dozens of submissions were sent from marine science enthusiasts across the country. Many thanks to all who submitted their artwork and to everyone who helped vote for the People's Choice winner.

Elementary School Winner

“Escaping Pollution”

by Sarah Palermo (Fifth Grade)

Port Saint Lucie, Fla.

"I was inspired to make this piece because the animals in the ocean cannot escape the pollution without our help. My hope is that pollution will stop because the animals are becoming endangered. Thank you for trying to save our oceans."

Middle School Winner

“Plastic Pollution in the Ocean”

by Helen Miao (Seventh Grade)

Lexington, Mass.

"This drawing portrays the research of oceanographer Tracy Mincer, with its pollution of plastics in the ocean, as well as some of the damage that is caused by it. Tracy Mincer’s research shows how big pieces of plastic shrink smaller and smaller into microplastics. These microplastics have then been found in the digestive tracts of over 100 different animals."

High School Winner:

“Isolated Imagination” by Kay Hwang

(10th grade)

Paramus, N.J.

"My brother suffers from severe anxiety and depression due to autism spectrum disorder. While he has difficulty expressing his ideas, thoughts and feelings verbally, I believe he has beautiful blue ocean in his brain and heart that is full of creativity, hope and unlimited imagination."

Adult and People’s Choice Winner:

“The Ocean as a Spectrum of Life”

by Rutusha Nagaraj Kapini

West Palm Beach, Fla.

"This artwork illustrates the importance of each living creation in our ocean's fragile ecosystem and how they are essential to our life each day. This illustration also shows how we all coexist in harmony and understanding because of marine science expeditions by our unsung underwater champions and researchers, who have revealed hitherto unexplored oceanic regions, fostered a deeper comprehension of our ocean and spread awareness to be thoughtful of our actions."

Introducing Deep Trekker

The Discovery boat tours at FAU Harbor Branch have introduced a big upgrade with the new Deep Trekker remotely operated vehicle (ROV). This state-of-the-art ROV livestreams 4K video directly to onboard screens, allowing guests to get a clear fish-eye view of the Indian River Lagoon.

Book a Tour

Interested in booking a private tour? Call 772-242-2293.

WatchSpotter

Dolphin Spotter citizen scientists can now submit their images of land-based dolphin sightings in a new, user-friendly way by downloading the WatchSpotter app on Apple or Android or using the web-based portal.

They can also check the WatchSpotter website to view the new interactive map, which shows where people are spotting dolphins in real time.

Learn more about the Dolphin Spotter program.

Upcoming Events

2024 Ocean Science Lecture Series

The John & Barbara Ferrera Ocean Science Lecture Series provides a forum for the community to learn about FAU Harbor Branch’s most recent discoveries directly from the scientists and engineers who make them.

Jan. 10 - Shirley Pomponi, Ph.D.

The Quest for a Marine Sponge Cell Line: A Retrospective of Sponge Biotechnology at FAU Harbor Branch

Jan. 17 - Susan Laramore, Ph.D.

Clam Culture in a Changing Environment

Jan. 24 - Matt Ajemian, Ph.D.

Stealing Sharks and Ravaging Rays: A Scientific Delve into their Impacts on Florida's Fisheries

Jan. 31 - Andia Chaves Fonnegra, Ph.D.

A Bath Sponges Fable: Sponge Painting and the Lobster Season

The lecture series continues every Wednesday through March 6.

Learn more

Art of Science Gallery Opening

Celebrate all the Art of Science submissions during the opening night gallery reception. Jan. 25 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Schmidt Center Gallery on the Boca Raton Campus.

Frontiers in Science

What's Happening to Water Quality in Florida?

Panel Lead: James M. Sullivan Ph.D., Executive Director, FAU Harbor Branch

Thursday, Jan. 25 at 5:30 p.m.

Live Oak Pavilion, Student Union, FAU Boca Raton campus

Presented by FAU Charles E. Schmidt College of Science.

Save the Date: Exploring Florida Aquaculture

Learn where your seafood comes from and how to choose safe and healthy sustainable seafood during this new public lecture series from FAU Harbor Branch. From your favorite seafood dishes to restoring coastal ecosystems, find out how Florida aquaculture plays a key role in a sustainable future.

The series will be held the second Saturday of the month from February through May.

Feb. 10: Florida seafood
March 9: Finfish
April 13: Shrimp, clams and oysters
May 11: Restoration and aquariums

In the Community

The FAU Harbor Branch outreach team travels to events throughout Florida with hands-on marine science educational exhibits and activities. All events listed are free and open to the public.

Science on Tap

Thursday, Dec. 21, 7 p.m.

Grandview Public Market

West Palm Beach

There’s a Storm A-Brewing: Heat and Marine Sponges, Andia Chaves Fonnegra, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Biology

FAU Harbor Branch at the South Florida Fair

Save the dates: Jan. 12 - 28.

FAU Harbor Branch will have a featured exhibit during the 2024 South Florida Fair. The theme this year is “Dive Into the Fun” and the new life-size humpback whale tunnel exhibit will be front-and-center throughout the 17-day event. Learn about these gentle giants like never before, by exploring inside a true-to-life replica.

Learn more.