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December 2025

Fin of the Month: Mittens (MITN)

Meet “MITN”, also known as Mittens, who was first identified by the FAU Harbor Branch Marine Mammal Stranding and Population Assessment (MMSPA) team in March 2021.

The image on the right was submitted by one of our citizen scientists, a registered Dolphin Spotter, and the land-based photo was successfully matched to the MMSPA team's photo-identification catalog (NOAA NMFS LOC No. 23069-02).“MITN” has been seen by the team at least 28 times since! “MITN” has been sighted over 16 times swimming with “RPTD” (Riptide) in the Indian River Lagoon between the Sebastian and Fort Pierce inlets.  

Can you spot the similarities in these photos? The team uses the unique markings on their dorsal fins to identify individual dolphins, much like how we use our fingerprints. These sightings help the MMSPA team better understand movement patterns of bottlenose dolphins in the Indian River Lagoon.

Registered Spotters can view all 566 sightings ranging from New Smyrna to Stuart on the mobile app WatchSpotter. Becoming a citizen scientist is a great way to support our ongoing marine mammal research. Visit our website to get started.

The photo on the left was taken by the FAU HBOI MMSPA program (NOAA NMFS LOC No. 23069-02). 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.



If you see dolphins while out on the water, please remember to stay 50 yards away. If you see a marine mammal in distress, please call the FWC hotline (888) 404-3922.

Marine Energy Survey

Did you know the Gulf Stream - one of the world's strongest currents - can flow up to 5.6 miles per hour and move nearly 4 billion cubic feet of water every second from Florida to Europe? At FAU's Southeast National Marine Renewable Energy Center, researchers are harnessing this powerful force of nature into energy solutions for Florida's coastal communities.

Help shape the future of marine energy in Florida by taking a quick, 10-question survey.

Around Campus

Graduate Student Award

Paige Aldred was awarded the 2025 Paul Dritenbas Memorial Scholarship from Sunrise Rotary Vero Beach. Sunrise Rotary awards this scholarship every year to one FAU Harbor Branch graduate student chosen from a competitive applicant pool. The scholarship was established in memory of the late Paul Dritenbas, an accomplished architect focused on sustainability and a champion for the Indian River Lagoon. In honoring Paul, the scholarship is specifically designed to support FAU Harbor Branch graduate students whose research focuses on the Indian River Lagoon. Aldred said she will utilize the scholarship funds to facilitate the analysis of dinoflagellate toxins, stable isotopes and sewage tracers as part of her research, and to cover travel expenses to present her findings at a professional scientific conference.

Annual Salvation Army Angel Tree Donation Drive

FAU Harbor Branch hosted its annual donation drive to support the Salvation Army's Angel Tree program. This year marked 30 years of Harbor Branch supporting the Angel Tree program. Holiday gifts were donated for 30 children who live in St. Lucie, Martin and Okeechobee counties.

Cathy Rossmell (pictured) has coordinated the donation drive for more than 20 years.

Education and Outreach

MOA Students in the Lab

In November, students at Westwood Academy’s Marine and Oceanographic Academy (MOA) studied locally caught fish - both native and invasive species - and got hands-on exposure to marine specimens found in our regional waters.

With the support of FAU Harbor Branch educators, students examined and compared the external morphology of each species, documenting characteristics such as fin structure, body shape and scale patterns. They also used microscopes to observe different scale types and evaluate their functional significance. The investigation continued with guided dissections, allowing students to examine internal anatomy and explore the functions of key organs, including the heart, gills, digestive system and swim bladder. Through comparisons across species, students gained insight into anatomical adaptations, evolutionary relationships and the ecological impacts of invasive species on local ecosystems.

These authentic, inquiry-based experiences support scientific literacy and reinforce FAU Harbor Branch’s commitment to education, research and stewardship by fostering a deeper understanding of marine biodiversity and ecosystem health.

Field Trip Aboard the Discovery

Students from Fort Pierce Central High School recently joined FAU Harbor Branch marine educators aboard the floating field lab, Discovery, for a hands-on exploration of the Indian River Lagoon. Using tools such as binoculars and plankton nets, the class observed local wildlife and gained insights into research methods used by marine scientists. This experience provided students with a firsthand look at the biodiversity of the Indian River Lagoon and helped them recognize how their everyday actions can influence the health and resilience of their local estuary.

Humphrey the Whale's First Day of School

Humphrey the Humpback Whale made its school debut at Francis K. Sweet Elementary School in Fort Pierce. At least 400 students and staff learned about humpback whales by literally stepping inside Humphrey for a guided outside-to-inside tour of the anatomy of these majestic marine mammals. Through this unique, hands-on learning experience, the FAU Harbor Branch education and outreach team is raising awareness of the humpback whales that winter off Florida's Atlantic coast and the research underway to understand and protect them.

Events

Just Announced!

2026 John & Barbara Ferrera Ocean Science Lecture Series

Learn about the important research underway at FAU Harbor Branch and around the world. Lectures are held on Wednesdays at 4 p.m. in the FAU Harbor Branch Johnson Marine Education Center Auditorium, followed by a meet and greet with the speaker. Virtual attendance is available. Attendance is free. Advanced registration is required to attend in person.

Visit our website to register, view the full lecture schedule, watch live and recorded lectures, and more.

Saving Our Seas: On the Front Lines of Protecting Florida's Coral Reefs

Wednesday, Feb. 25

5:30-7:30 p.m.

Live Oak Pavilion, Student Union, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton

In the Community

FAU Harbor Branch's outreach team travels to events throughout Florida with hands-on marine science educational exhibits and activities. In addition, FAU Harbor Branch scientists share their expertise through public lectures and workshops.

By the Sea Lecture Series

Tracking Sea Turtles

Liberty Boyd, Ph.D.

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 6 p.m.

Loggerhead Marine Life Center

Juno Beach

Jumpstart Postdoctoral Program

The Charles E. Schmidt College of Science Jumpstart Postdoctoral Program aims to stimulate synergy between faculty and postdoctoral associates interested in collaborating on multidisciplinary research that addresses societally relevant problems. Solving complex societal challenges increasingly requires multidisciplinary and team-based approaches. The Schmidt College of Science is uniquely positioned to facilitate multidisciplinary studies with its diverse academics and research across eight academic departments and multiple cross-departmental graduate programs and research centers of excellence on three campuses.

Application deadline: Feb. 2, 2026

Learn more.

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