Marine Ecosystem Conservation
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Research
FAU Harbor Branch prioritizes solution-oriented research that addresses critical issues affecting coastal zone, oceans, and human well-being. Research scientists take a global approach, conducting studies around the world in varying climates, ecosystems, and cultures.
Harbor Branch
5600 US 1 North, Fort Pierce, FL 34946 772.242.2400
Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute is a world class research organization with a focus on exploring the marine environments, studying key species and understanding the connection between humans and the ocean. Founded in 1971 as Harbor Branch Oceanographic Foundation, Inc., the Institute expanded its reach to over 100 miles along Florida’s east coast when it joined Florida Atlantic University in 2007. Located in St. Lucie County, our 144-acre campus along the Indian River Lagoon employs over 200 scientists, engineers, educators, staff and students. To this day, the Institute actively pursues solution-oriented research that addresses some of the most critical issues affecting coastal zones, oceans and human well-being.
Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute is a world class research organization with a focus on exploring the marine environments, studying key species and understanding the connection between humans and the ocean. Founded in 1971 as Harbor Branch Oceanographic Foundation, Inc., the Institute expanded its reach to over 100 miles along Florida’s east coast when it joined Florida Atlantic University in 2007. Located in St. Lucie County, our 144-acre campus along the Indian River Lagoon employs over 200 scientists, engineers, educators, staff and students. To this day, the Institute actively pursues solution-oriented research that addresses some of the most critical issues affecting coastal zones, oceans and human well-being.
NEWS
10/29/2025
Nearly 70 FAU faculty are ranked among the world's top 2% of scientists by Stanford-Elsevier, recognizing their global research impact across 22 fields and 174 subfields from engineering to humanities.
10/17/2025
FAU Harbor Branch researchers have received the 2025 Responsible Seafood Innovation Award in Aquaculture from the Global Seafood Alliance for its Queen Conch Lab's pioneering work in sustainable aquaculture.
09/25/2025
Funded by the U.S. EPA, the project marks the first genetic assessment of sponge recovery in the region, with broad implications for ecosystem health and economically important species like the spiny lobster.
09/18/2025
FAU researchers used 12 years of underwater audio to study red hind groupers, whose sounds reveal courtship, mating and territorial behavior - offering key clues to ocean changes through sound.