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Administration and Operations Contacts
Since 1971, the shared vision of founder J. Seward Johnson, Sr., and inventor Edwin A. Link to explore, protect and wisely use the oceans’ resources has shaped the work at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute. Today, articulated as Ocean Science for a Better World®, this same vision drives more than 160 Harbor Branch scientists, engineers and support staff to be leaders in ocean-related innovation, exploration, research, education and conservation.
Download PDF HBOI's Strategic Plan, "OUR LIVING OCEANS"
In the deep sea, we discover, study and work to preserve fragile coral reef systems, and we evaluate the organisms that live there in the search for compounds with disease-fighting potential.
Closer to shore, we study reefs, sea grasses and marine mammals and how these communities are affected by human impacts, including nutrient pollution that contributes to excessive and harmful algae growth.
On land, our aquaculture team works on new ways to farm seafood, and our engineers open the ocean’s depths to humans through technological innovation and custom-designed platforms, vehicles, tools and instruments.
In the classroom, our specialized graduate and undergraduate programs give students a chance to augment textbook learning with the resources of a leading oceanographic institute.
Research and Education Highlights
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Discovery of Oculina deepwater coral reefs of Florida's east coast in 1975 led to the world’s first Marine Protected Area for deepwater coral. Similar discovery and conservation efforts have created a 23,000-square-mile Habitat Area of Particular Concern to protect Lophelia and Oculina reefs.
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Studying the highly diverse Indian River Lagoon for more than three decades includes monitoring its sea grasses and water quality to predict the impact of freshwater runoff and nutrient loading on ecosystem and animal health
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Documenting the harmful effects of algal blooms on coastal habitats and identifying likely sources of nitrogen inputs that cause the blooms
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Conducting a long-term health and environmental risk assessment of Indian River Lagoon dolphins to understand the ecological, organismal, and possible human health effects of human impacts on coastal waters, as well as photographic identification and ecology studies to understand social organization, movement patterns and feeding behaviors
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Discovering chemicals from marine sponges that show strong potential to fight pancreatic cancer
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Rescuing sick and injured marine mammals including dolphins, manatees and whales in Florida waters — more than 200 since 1999
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Partnering with Alaskan communities to conduct population DNA studies of Alaskan beluga whales in support of conservation
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Protecting manatees in Florida waterways through development and installation of of safety technology for navigation locks and water-control infrastructure
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Using aquaculture to restore apple snails, the primary diet for the endangered Florida kite, and redfish for Florida sportfishing
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Developing fish farming systems for growing saltwater fish, such as pompano and cobia, in low-salinity conditions to help meet worldwide seafood demand
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Developing underwater laser imaging systems to visualize details of the seafloor in murky waters for use by the U.S. Navy in homeland security
- Hosting the Marine and Oceanographic Academy with the St. Lucie County School District to educate the next generation of marine scientists and engineers
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Nearly 40 years of summer internships that provide singular immersion in marine science and technology for undergraduate and graduate students
