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'eConch' Launch
Megan Davis, Ph.D., a research professor at Florida Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, has spent more than 40 years conserving and restoring the queen conch. Now, she and Becky Holt, an assistant director for their aquaculture and conservation program at FAU Harbor Branch, share their vast expertise and knowledge in growing and sustaining the queen conch through the recently launched "eConch" online training program.
Read more.
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Sea Turtle FAQs
Sea turtle nesting season typically takes place between March and October. Three internationally renowned Florida Atlantic researchers provided "best practices" and answered some of the most frequently asked questions to help protect Florida's nesting sea turtles and their hatchlings.
Read more.
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'Changing Seas' Eagle Rays: Soaring on Spotted Wings
"Changing Seas" is a PBS documentary series. A recent episode, Eagle Rays: Soaring on Spotted Wings, follows Florida scientists - including Matt Ajemian, Ph.D., associate research professor, and his team from FAU Harbor Branch's Fisheries Ecology and Conservation Lab - as they utilize cutting-edge technology to gain deeper insights into the movement and diet of the white spotted eagle ray, allowing them to experience the world from a ray's point of view for the first time.
Watch the full episode.
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Blue-Green Algae Task Force
Florida's Blue-Green Algae Task Force met recently to learn about the science behind the state's strategy to manage nutrient pollution from agriculture, the state's second-largest industry. Jim Sullivan, Ph.D., FAU Harbor Branch's executive director, is a member of the task force. "It's the balancing act between profit, efficiency and environmental response," he said. "Sooner or later, there's got to be sweet spots in all of those."
Read more.
Photo: Natalie van Hoose, The Invading Sea
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Fin of the Month: Kenobi (KNBI)
Meet KNBI, also known as Kenobi, who was first identified by FAU Harbor Branch's Marine Mammal Stranding and Population Assessment (MMSPA) team in December 2020. Kenobi was seen off Riverview Park in Sebastian with a calf in July 2023.
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Can you spot the similarities between these photos? The image on the right was submitted by one of the Dolphin Spotter citizen scientists. Her land-based photo was successfully matched to the MMSPA team's photo-identification catalog (NOAA NMFS LOC No. 23069-01), pictured on the left. The MMSPA team uses the unique markings on dorsal fins to identify individual dolphins, much like how people are identified using fingerprints. These sightings help the MMSPA team better understand mother and calf relationships throughout the Indian River Lagoon.
Registered Dolphin Spotters can view over 400 sightings that have been submitted since January 2022 on the mobile app WatchSpotter. Summer is the perfect time to check out your local parks, and if you capture any photos, be sure to visit our website to register.
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Becoming a citizen scientist with FAU Harbor Branch is easy. Capture photos of dolphins while you're standing on the shore, then visit our website to get started. Register today.
The photo on the left was taken by the FAU HBOI MMSPA program (NOAA NMFS LOC No. 23069-01). 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.
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Listen to Steve Burton's recent update about dolphin activity in the Indian River Lagoon. Burton is the director of the Marine Mammal Stranding and Population Assessment team. | |
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Colombian Delegation Visit
Megan Davis, Ph.D. and members of the Queen Conch Lab hosted visitors from San Andres Archipelago, Colombia at the FAU Harbor Branch campus. The group included the Colombian Secretary of Agriculture and Fisheries and the advisor to the Secretary, as well as the founders of the nonprofit Seaforall Foundation. The visit explored ideas about collaborating on community-based queen conch conservation aquaculture and restoration projects in San Andres.
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Aquaculture Workshop
FAU Harbor Branch hosted 20 educators from across the state as part of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Florida Aquaculture Educators and Industry Workshop. Paul Wills, Ph.D., associate director for research, research professor and principal investigator for the integrated multi-trophic aquaculture system, toured the group through the aquaculture complex and shared updates on ongoing aquaculture research at the Institute.
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International Ocean Film Festival
FAU Harbor Branch hosted the International Ocean Film Festival: Florida Tour for the second year. The daylong event included morning and evening screenings of seven ocean-themed short films, meet and greets with the Institute's scientists and students, and an environment-themed exhibitors' showcase. Proceeds from this event support student success at FAU Harbor Branch.
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Summer Tours and Activities
Summer is in full swing for the FAU Harbor Branch outreach and engagement team. Here are a few highlights:
- Weekday field trips aboard the Discovery pontoon introduce children from underserved communities to the wonders of the Indian River Lagoon through the lens of marine scientists by using high-tech scientific equipment.
- Private groups, like the Upward Bound Program at Santa Fe College in Gainesville, travel to FAU Harbor Branch for specialized experiences including customized boat tours, tram tours and activities at the Ocean Discovery Visitors Center.
- Visiting groups from the St. Lucie County Summer Passport Program - a partnership between the Children’s Services Council and the St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce - enjoy fun marine science activities at the Ocean Discovery Visitors Center.
- Public boat and tram tours run on a weekly schedule. Book early to secure your space.
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Florida Atlantic 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. | |
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Speakers Bureau Lecture
The Vital Role of Marine Wildlife Medicine
Annie Page, DVM, Ph.D.
Tuesday, July 7, Noon to 1 p.m.
Marine Resources Council
Palm Bay
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Subscribe to Ocean Currents
Florida Atlantic Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute | Website
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