Trouble viewing this email? Click here.

May 2025

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.

Fin of the Month: Thor (THOR)

Meet “THOR”, also known as Thor, who was first identified by the FAU Harbor Branch Marine Mammal Stranding and Population Assessment team (MMSPA) in June 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. 23069-01). Thor was seen at AW Young Park in Vero Beach by one of our Dolphin Spotters. Be on the lookout for dolphins when visiting your local parks this summer. 

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 523 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. 23069-01). 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.

Around Campus

Summer Interns 2025

In May, the 2025 cohort of FAU Harbor Branch Marine Science and Engineering summer interns were welcomed to the campus. For the next 10 weeks they will work alongside FAU Harbor Branch scientists, gaining hands-on experience and contributing to important ocean research.

This program is made possible through the support of the Link Foundation, the Gertrude E. Skelly Charitable Foundation, the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute Foundation and the legacy of Marilyn C. Link.

New ECOS Director

Steven Vollmer, Ph.D., was announced as the next director of the School of Environmental, Coastal and Ocean Sustainability (ECOS) within the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science. Vollmer will join FAU from Northeastern University in August. As director, Vollmer will work closely with the leadership of the College of Science and Harbor Branch, as well as ECOS-affiliated faculty, to develop the mission, vision and strategic plan for new and rapidly expanding environmental research, teaching and community engagement at Florida Atlantic University.

Read more.

WLW-ECOS Student Success Scholarship

Apply for the new WLW Environment and Student Success Scholarship! Undergraduate students with a demonstrated interest in environmental science can apply for up to $7,500 in support for the Fall 2025 semester.

Fall deadline to apply: Aug. 22, 2025. 

Learn more and apply.

Outreach and Education

Announcing the New Discovery Spotlight Exhibit

See what life looks like from a fish's point of view in the newest exhibit at the Ocean Discovery Visitors Center. The Fisheries Ecology and Conservation lab at FAU Harbor Branch is studying Atlantic goliath grouper in Florida, and this exhibit gives a behind-the-scenes look at their research methods. Using a specialized tool called a CATS-CAM biologging tag, researchers are able to learn more about fish behaviors (including spawning), assess how boating and fishing impact their behavior, and see captivating footage of undersea life from the fish's point of view.

Visit the Ocean Discovery Visitors Center to experience the exhibit in-person! Open hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Plan your visit.

Explore the Indian River Lagoon on the Discovery pontoon!

VOTED BEST ECO-ADVENTURE

IN INDIAN RIVER MAGAZINE'S BEST OF THE TREASURE COAST 2025

Featured Event

Experience the Ocean Like Never Before

Celebrate World Ocean Day with the third annual International Ocean Film Festival – Florida Tour at FAU Harbor Branch. This unique event brings together ocean enthusiasts, filmmakers, scientists and conservationists for a day filled with eight inspiring short films from around the globe. Set against the backdrop of our beautiful waterfront campus, the festival offers a captivating lineup of films that celebrate the beauty and importance of the world's oceans.

Saturday, June 7

1 to 5 p.m.

Tickets: $25

Subscribe to Ocean Currents

Florida Atlantic Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute | Website