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New Bacteria Found in Stranded Pygmy Sperm Whales
The elusive, deep-diving pygmy sperm whales are rarely observed alive, so much of what is known about them comes from stranded animals. In a new study, researchers from FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute analyzed more than two decades of stranding data and documented three new strains of bacteria. All infected individuals showed signs of gastrointestinal damage, raising questions about the bacteria’s role in long-term health. The findings expand scientific understanding of this little-known species and highlight how much remains undiscovered about microbial life in the ocean and its potential impact on marine mammal populations.
Read more.
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Shrinking Shellfish?
Environmental pressures in the Indian River Lagoon are diminishing the support necessary for strong shell growth in organisms like oysters and clams. A new, first-of-its-kind study from FAU Harbor Branch analyzed a key indicator of water's ability to help calcifying organisms throughout the lagoon - aragonite saturation. The research found that areas with higher nutrients and lower salinity have lower levels of this indicator, putting shellfish and other marine life at risk.
Read more.
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Queen Conch Feasibility Study
FAU Harbor Branch's Queen Conch Lab has launched a 12-month feasibility study to evaluate the commercial and environmental potential of queen conch aquaculture in The Bahamas and other Caribbean regions. Funded by Blue Carbon Plus (BC+), the study will assess optimal hatchery and grow-out systems, identify viable markets for fresh and value-added conch products, and explore how a scalable farming model can produce high-quality conch while supporting animal welfare and economic sustainability.
Read more.
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New Grant for Sea-level Research
A new, $900,000 grant will fund FAU Harbor Branch researchers to study regional variability in sea-level rise. The project will use high-resolution modeling, machine learning, and community engagement to produce precise, local sea-level projections, deploy water sensors, and develop a user-friendly AI platform. By integrating science and local knowledge, the team aims to equip Gulf Coast communities with the tools they need to plan for flooding and enhance long-term resilience.
Read more.
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Fin of the Month: c2REXX
Last month, we introduced “REXX”, a well-known female dolphin frequently sighted by the FAU Harbor Branch Marine Mammal Stranding and Population Assessment team from the Sebastian Inlet to the St. Lucie Inlet. This month, get to know her calf: c2REXX. This is REXX’s second known calf and was first sighted traveling with its mom on Oct. 15, 2021, as a "young of the year," meaning a dolphin born within the last twelve months.
Early in life, calves are completely dependent on their moms for protection, social learning and nutrition. They nurse on high-fat milk while gradually learning the skills they need to hunt successfully on their own. As they continue to grow, calves begin to spend more time away from mom, eventually dispersing to live more independently. Calf dispersal typically occurs between two and eight years of age.
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Now approximately four years old, c2REXX is reaching an in-between stage. Over the past few months, the team has started to see c2REXX traveling without REXX more often – an exciting milestone to witness. Soon, c2REXX will be entirely self-sufficient.
Researchers tend to see an increase in the presence of small calves during the winter season. If you see dolphins while out on the water, please remember to stay 50 yards away. Admiring from a distance helps to keep calves safe while their mothers teach them how to navigate the world.
All work conducted under NOAA NMFS permit #23069-02. If you see a marine mammal in distress, please call the FWC hotline (888) 404-3922.
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Indian River Lagoon Symposium
On Feb. 19, FAU Harbor Branch hosted the 2026 Indian River Lagoon Symposium. This year's theme was "Emerging Technology." A sold-out crowd attended to hear and engage with more than 100 oral and poster presentations, including a keynote address from Christine Angelini, Ph.D., vice president, advisory services at AECOM, a sustainable infrastructure consulting firm. Check next month's newsletter for the full recap.
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Florida Oceans Day
FAU Harbor Branch participated in Florida Oceans Day at the State Capitol, which is hosted by the Florida Ocean Alliance, Mote Marine Laboratory and Florida Institute of Oceanography. Florida Oceans Day is an annual event that convened members, stakeholders, officials and legislators with the goal of fostering a shared commitment to the preservation of Florida’s marine and coastal resources and recognizing their critical contribution to sustaining a robust blue economy. This year's theme "From Shoreline to Statehouse: Advancing Florida’s Ocean Prosperity" emphasized the ongoing efforts to ensure the long-term health and vitality of the state’s coasts and oceans.
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MOA Students in Action
Students at Fort Pierce Westwood Academy’s Marine and Oceanographic Academy recently engaged in a variety of hands-on STEM learning experiences at FAU Harbor Branch. Chemistry students distilled salt water. Marine science students learned about marine mammal rescue efforts from the director of the Marine Mammal Stranding and Population Assessment Team – complete with a simulated rescue using the ‘Mambulance’. Environmental students conducted their second field survey of the year, collecting water quality measurements, completing seagrass transects and assessing species diversity.
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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.
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March 4 - Plague Hunters: The Race to Find the Cause of the World’s First Pandemic
Greg O'Corry-Crowe, Ph.D.
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March 11 - Ocean Optics: Shedding Light on the Ocean Around Us
Wayne Slade, Ph.D.
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March 18 - Cell Imaging to Reveal the Hidden World of Plankton
Stephanie Schreiber and Olivia Ruchti – Graduate Student Lecture
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March 25 - Breaking Ground with Underwater Sound
Matt Ajemian, Ph.D.
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Florida Marine Educators Association 2026 Conference
April 23-25
FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
| | 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. | | |
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.
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FAU Harbor Branch Receives Gift for Environmental Research from the Robertson Family Fund
FAU Harbor Branch received a a $300,000 gift from the Robertson Family Fund for marine research. The funding will support studies on coral and seagrass populations, supporting coastal conservation and restoration efforts.
Read more.
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