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Biomedical Discoveries Via ROV
Esther Guzmán, Ph.D., research professor and principal investigator of the Cancer Cell Biology Group at Florida Atlantic University's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, published a story last month in "Sea Technology" about the importance of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) in continuing her lab's work to search for marine natural products in the depths of the sea that have the potential to cure challenging diseases like cancer. Her team forged a partnership with the University of North Carolina Wilmington to utilize its Mohawk ROV on research expeditions, including a NOAA Ocean Exploration-funded expedition to explore deepwater habitats in the Caribbean Sea that resulted in collection of 136 samples for biotechnology studies.
Read more. |
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Whale Spotting
It’s been a busy whale season off Florida’s East Coast. The FAU Harbor Branch Marine Mammal Stranding and Population Assessment Team was asked and authorized by NOAA Fisheries (NMFS) to search and photo document a reported humpback whale off Fort Pierce Inlet. The team spent several hours with the whale as it swam with offshore dolphins. Photos were sent to various whale researchers to see if the whale could be individually identified. The photo above was permitted and approved by NMFS and taken by the team off its 24’ RHIB boat. |
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In addition, two North Atlantic right whales were tracked by the marine mammal team and other groups through Indian River, St. Lucie and Martin counties by land. The goal was to photo document (pictured right) and monitor them as they swam by our area for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission and NMFS.
If you see whales from shore, please call the whale alert number at 877-942-5343 or use the Whale Alert App. If you are on the water and see North Atlantic right whales, stay 500 yards away and call the whale alert number or alert the Coast Guard via VHF 16. |
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Fin of the Month: Milky Way (MKWY)
Meet “MKWY”, also known as Milky Way, who was first identified by FAU Harbor Branch's Marine Mammal Stranding and Population Assessment team (MMSPA) in September 2021. |
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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 photo-identification catalog (NOAA NMFS LOC No. 23069-01). Milky Way has been sighted three times by different Dolphin Spotters. Milky Way has white splotches on its body and dorsal fin. 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 fill in research gaps within and outside of their survey region. Registered Spotters can view all 475 sightings ranging from New Smyrna to Stuart on the mobile app WatchSpotter.
Becoming a citizen scientist is a great way to support FAU Harbor Branch's 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. |
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Dolphin Calves in the Lagoon
Between October and December 2024, the FAU Harbor Branch Marine Mammal Stranding and Population Assessment team saw six calves for the first time during the team's monthly photo-identification field surveys. For all six of the mothers, these are their second calves documented by the program. As for their first known calves, the team has spotted a few of them doing well out on their own!
Photos taken under NOAA NMFS LOC No. 23069-01. |
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Applications Open for Summer Intern Program
The application period is now open for FAU Harbor Branch's Summer Intern Program for undergraduate and graduate students interested in marine-related fields. Train on-site at FAU Harbor Branch with eminent research faculty in specialties including aquaculture, biomedical marine research, marine biology, marine mammal research, marine natural product chemistry, marine microbiology, ocean engineering, ocean technology and oceanography.
Applications are due March 1.
Learn more and apply. |
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Walter & Lalita Janke Foundation Innovations in Sustainability Science Research Fund 2025
The Center for Environmental Studies at Florida Atlantic has announced the eighth cycle for the Walter & Lalita Janke Foundation Innovations in Sustainability Science Research Fund 2025.
The Walter & Lalita Janke Foundation Innovations in Sustainability Science Research Fund is requesting research project proposals that will enhance existing energy technologies and support the early development of promising new energy concepts. Proposed projects should improve the efficiency, viability, and reliability of renewable and non-renewable energy sources, through enhanced implementation, production, storage and/or distribution, and associated public perceptions, policies, and marketing. Submissions are welcome from any discipline or combination of disciplines, including the sciences, engineering, the social sciences, business and arts/humanities.
Pre-proposals are due by midnight on Saturday, March 1.
Learn more.
Contact Colin Polsky, Ph.D., with questions at cpolsky@fau.edu and copy ces@fau.edu. |
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Florida Sea Grant Biennial Science Competition
Florida Sea Grant is accepting letters of intent for its its FY 2026-2027 Biennial Applied Science Competition for two-year projects. Florida Sea Grant’s biennial research competition supports applied science and educational opportunities to drive scientific innovation, new knowledge and products that support coastal and ocean resilience, and the long-term prosperity of communities and businesses that rely on those resources. Letters of intent are due Feb. 25.
Learn more. |
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Indian River Magazine's Best of the Treasure Coast
FAU Harbor Branch was voted Best Eco-Adventure in Indian River Magazine's 2025 Best of the Treasure Coast competition! Designations are based on ballots cast by the magazine's readers.
Check out what voters said about their tour experiences. Flip to page 20.
Public tours run every Saturday. Book your experience today! Private group tours are also available by calling 772-242-2293. |
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2025 Ocean Science Lecture Series
Every Wednesday at 4 p.m., Jan. 8 - March 26
Johnson Education Center at FAU Harbor Branch in Fort Pierce
January Topics:
- Feb. 5 - Striving for Sustainable Seagrasses in the Indian River Lagoon, Speaker: Rachel Brewton, Ph.D.
- Feb. 12 - (Guest Lecture) Megalodons, Mermaids, and Climate Change: Combating Misinformation About the Ocean, Weather, and Climate Change . . . and Having a Little Fun, Speakers: Ellen Prager, Ph.D., and Dave Jones
- Feb. 19 - Unveiling the Hidden Role of Parasites in Conservation and Ecosystem Restoration, Speaker: Mike McCoy, Ph.D.
- Feb. 26 - Seeds aren’t Only for Plants - Fish Farms Need Seedstock Too, Speaker: Paul Wills, Ph.D.
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| Recordings of earlier Ocean Science Lectures from this year's series are available to view online. Visit the registration link above for details. |
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Frontiers in Science
Future-proofing Our Coasts: Leveraging Science for a Sustainable Tomorrow
Wednesday, Feb. 19
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Live Oak Pavilion, Student Union
Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton |
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| 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. |
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GardenFest
Hosted by Garden Club of Indian River County
Saturday, Feb. 1, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 2, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Riverside Park, Vero Beach
ManateeFest
Saturday, Feb. 1, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Manatee Lagoon, West Palm Beach |
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Subscribe to Ocean Currents
Florida Atlantic Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute | Website |
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