FAU joins the Treasure Coast community in mourning the loss of J. Seward Johnson Jr., a renowned sculptor and former chairman and CEO of Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution, Inc. He passed away last week at the age of 89.

Mr. Seward’s late father, J. Seward Johnson Sr., founded Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution in 1971, to fulfill his vision of preserving the environment through a deep, scientific understanding of the ocean. Prior to his passing in 1983, Johnson Sr. began to transfer leadership to his son.

One of Mr. Johnson Jr.’s first initiatives was the creation of the Biomedical Marine Research program, which is inspired by the ocean’s great biodiversity as a source of medical treatments. With its unique collection of more than 35,000 samples of marine organisms and 19,000 microbial cultures, the program has characterized more than 100 compounds with significant therapeutic potential.

In the 1980s that the potential for Harbor Branch to serve as an agent of environmental conservation also was realized, thanks to the Johnsons. Their Indian River Lagoon (IRL) Coastal Zone Study found spectacular stretches of deepwater Oculina varicosa, a slow-growing tree coral that can reach 100 feet in height and serves as habitat for countless species of fish and other marine life. These reefs are highly vulnerable to trawling and other commercial fishing practices, and after years of documentation and advocacy spearheaded by Harbor Branch scientists, the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council established the Oculina Bank Habitat Area of Particular Concern, the world’s first deep coral reef area to receive protection from damaging fishing practices.

During the 1990s, Mr. Johnson continued to support the research established during his father’s time, including the founding of the Marine Mammal Research and Conservation program. The program began with a photographic identification study to document the social structure of IRL dolphins. Today, it is a member of the NOAA Southeast Region Marine Mammal Stranding Network that responds to assist sick and injured animals.

As Harbor Branch grew in size and complexity, Mr. Johnson helped to transition the institution into a charitable organization in 2003. His legacy lives on in an immeasurable way and his contributions will forever be part of the fabric of FAU Harbor Branch.