FAU Harbor Branch researchers have received a $195,306 grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) to work with recreational fishermen to investigate shark depredation, where a shark partially or completely consumes a fish before a fisherman can get it out of the water. Developed in collaboration with Mississippi State University, researchers are using an innovative, citizen-science approach to collect onboard surveys, videos, genetic analyses and social media to obtain data that will produce the capacity to assess the prevalence of shark depredation in recreational fisheries.

"Incorporating fishermen's knowledge into a scientific process gives them more confidence in scientific results, promotes trust and more importantly, increases the quantity and quality of data," said Matt Ajemain, Ph.D., principal investigator, assistant research professor, and director of The Fisheries Ecology and Conservation Lab at FAU Harbor Branch. "We hope to develop a deeper understand of the specific concerns and beliefs inherent to this stakeholder group."... Read more

Researchers from FAU Harbor Branch used an innovative, single-nucleotide polymorphism genotyping approach to quantify and compare the genetic structure and genomic diversity of paired shallow and upper mesophotic sites in the Northern and Southern Dry Tortugas and the Lower and Upper Florida Keys.

Results of the study, published in the journal Coral Reefs, suggest that while vertical connectivity between paired shallow and mesophotic populations can vary, certain mesophotic coral populations are likely important for maintaining the long-term survival of this ecologically important coral species throughout the Florida Keys and should be considered in future management strategies... Read more

Researchers from FAU Harbor Branch and the College of Engineering and Computer Science used artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning methods to develop a new and much more accurate method of detecting Right whale up-calls. The technology utilizes Multimodal Deep Learning (MMDL) algorithms to evaluate acoustic recordings and make decisions on the presence of up-calls.

Published in The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, the study's findings showed that the MMDL detector outperformed conventional machine learning methods and demonstrated the superiority of the MMDL algorithm in terms of the up-call detection rate, non-up-call detection rate, and false alarm rate.

“Our deep learning algorithm is a significant advancement on conventional machine learning methods. The near zero false-positive, false-negative and false alarm rates indicate that this new MMDL detector could be a powerful tool in the detection and monitoring of the low density, endangered North Atlantic Right Whale, especially in environments with high acoustic-masking,” said Laurent M. Chérubin, Ph.D., senior author and a research professor at FAU Harbor Branch... Read more

Shirley Pomponi, Ph.D., research professor, FAU Harbor Branch, is among four faculty members recently selected for induction into FAU Chapter of the National Academy of Inventors.

Each inventor will be publicly recognized by Daniel Flynn, Ph.D., vice president for research, and Dana Vouglitois, J.D., assistant director, Office of Technology Development, at a future Division of Research event... Read more

FAU Harbor Branch researchers and collaborators from the Cooperative Institute for Ocean Exploration, Research and Technology (CIOERT) have published a photo identification guide of benthic macrobiota for the mesophotic coral reefs of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary entitled, Photo Identification Guide of the Benthic Taxa Inhabiting the Mesophotic Reefs of The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Mesophotic coral ecosystems are unique tropical and subtropical ecosystems characterized as light-dependent reef communities found at depths ranging from 30 to 150 meters in clear waters. The dominant habitat-forming communities can be hard and soft corals, algae, and sponges.

Researchers conducted a 17-day research cruise in August 2019 on The University of Miami ship R/V F.G. Walton Smith with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Mohawk remotely operated vehicle to explore, observe and collect information used in the publication. The goal of this publication was to create a baseline reference and comparison tool for future research expeditions to identify the long-term health and status of these integral ecosystems... Read more

Andia Chaves-Fonnegra, Ph.D., and Shirley Pomponi, Ph.D., obtained a grant in June 2021 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop a land-based sponge nursery at the aquaculture park at FAU Harbor Branch. Researchers are currently working on growing 12 species of sponges (Phylum Porifera) from larvae, buds, and 3-D sponge cell aggregates.

This project will lead to the selection and optimization of more resilient genotypes, add genetic variability, and increase species diversity to restore wild populations and improve water quality in Florida Bay.

Members of FAU Harbor Branch's Coral Reef & Molecular Ecology team, led by associate research professor, Joshua Voss, Ph.D., recently completed a five day research expedition to Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary to investigate the connectivity of coral, sponge and fish species in the sanctuary located in the Gulf of Mexico. During this expedition, the team collected more than 300 coral and sponge samples from shallow and mesophotic depths, all of which will be combined with samples collected in 2018 to determine the levels of vertical and horizontal connectivity between coral and sponge populations of the area... Read more

FAU Harbor Branch researchers from the Cooperative Institute for Ocean Exploration, Research and Technology (CIOERT), in collaboration with Cuban scientists working together on Cuba's Mesophotic Coral Reefs – a U.S.-Cuba research partnership, recently published Characterization of Fish Assemblages in Mesophotic Reefs of Cuba in The Bulletin of Marine Science. The published research article describes, for the first time, the fish communities that live on Cuba’s deepwater coral reefs. As a result, twenty-seven functional groups were identified.

This research constitutes a valuable contribution to the study and management of ichthyofauna in Cuba and highlights the effectiveness of marine protected areas (MPAs) in the conservation of fish biodiversity.

This is one of several publications that have resulted from CIOERT's 2017 research cruise aboard The University of Miami ship R/V F.G. Walton Smith, with use of a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to capture photographs and videos of mesophotic coral reefs.

View a short underwater video from the ROV dives shows these incredible reefs here.

Oct. 28 - "Protecting Babies from Toxicants"

Krista McCoy, Ph.D.

Research Associate Professor

FAU Harbor Branch

Read more on Research in Action Series events.

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

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!

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!