Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute Foundation

09/24/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Mike Twardowski on his appointment as the Edwin A. Link Ocean Technology and Defense Endowed Professor!

🌊 A new chapter in ocean innovation.

FAU Harbor Branch is proud to announce that Michael Twardowski, Ph.D., has been named the inaugural Edwin A. Link Ocean Technology and Defense Endowed Professor. This first endowed professorship at FAU Harbor Branch was made possible through the generous support of the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute Foundation.

For more than 30 years, Dr. Twardowski has pioneered advanced optical sensing technologies to better understand and explore our oceans. A key focus of his research is developing partnerships with defense primes and sensor manufacturers to translate innovative ocean-sensing technologies into real-world applications for marine science and national defense.

Honoring Edwin A. Link’s legacy of innovation, this professorship will help advance cutting-edge research, strengthen collaborations and develop new technologies for the challenges facing our oceans.

Get the full story: https://bit.ly/4AtKeTl.

06/03/2026

We are proud to see this innovative research from FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute making waves in marine science. Initial funding for this work was granted through the Foundation's Save Our Seas specialty license plate program. Thank you to everyone who purchases a Save Our Seas plate and makes this important work possible!

Researchers from Florida Atlantic's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute are cracking the code on predator-prey interactions between shell-crushing marine predators and hard-shelled mollusks.

The team developed a machine learning-based acoustic monitoring system that can detect and classify shell-crushing events from underwater feeding recordings of whitespotted eagle rays. Results, which were published in Ecological Informatics, showed the success of this new system and its potential for deployment on autonomous underwater platforms.

The technology's strong performance has brought researchers closer to scalable, real-time monitoring and more precise measurement of predation pressure on shellfish populations.

Read more in the comments ⬇️

03/25/2026

Tune in today at 4:00 p.m.!

Large, shell-crushing predators such as rays and sea turtles are notoriously elusive, which makes it difficult to understand their ecological role in seabed communities.

Join Dr. Matt Ajemian on Wednesday for the final Ocean Science Lecture of 2026 where he will reveal the remote tracking technologies his team uses to detect and - with the help of AI - classify the "crunchy" predator-prey interactions involving shellfish.

Visit www.fau.edu/hboi/osls to register for in-person attendance or watch live online.

03/13/2026

The Save Our Seas specialty license plate helps to fund critical research like this. Get your plate today: https://hboifoundation.org/

Rising CO₂ and nutrient pollution are weakening the Indian River Lagoon’s ability to support shell-building life. A new FAU Harbor Branch study maps where shell growth is most at risk across the lagoon.

02/23/2026

Tune in this Wednesday to hear Dr. McHenry speak about the engaging programs happening at FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute and how these programs are shaping the next generation of marine science leaders.

For more than 50 years, FAU Harbor Branch has been a leader in marine education, inspiring curiosity and fostering a deeper understanding of our ocean world.

Join Dr. Gabby McHenry for a journey through Harbor Branch's dynamic programs designed to excite young minds about the wonders of science and the underwater world. Hear the partnerships, stories and impact that will spark the next wave of ocean stewards.

Register for in-person attendance or watch online at the link ⬇️

02/19/2026

The 2026 Indian River Lagoon Symposium will continue live at 1:30 pm. Tune in to watch the afternoon session at the link below.

FAU Harbor Branch IRL Symposium

02/10/2026

Tune in at 4 p.m. today.

https://www.fau.edu/hboi/discover-fau-harbor-branch/ocean-science-lecture-series/?fbclid=IwY2xjawP4Wq1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFMcTFUY0tOWDgyenZ3Qmhrc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHiD63IZRkoYQ0CBw9lCBRzctjzinWBZ87iCSiapWNUHJduWY6ibhSI97wVOa-aem-3-F4-W7p9eHGPoz-pz4wGA

For more than 500 years, the floating brown seaweed, pelagic Sargassum, has been a subject of lively debate among scientists and sailors alike. Today, the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt (GASB) is the largest seaweed bloom on Earth.

Join Dr. Brian Lapointe Wednesday for an exploration of this unique ecosystem, the various nutrient sources that feed the GASB, and new innovations that could turn an overabundance of seaweed into beneficial products🌿

The lecture begins at 4 p.m. Register in advance to attend in person or watch live online. Learn more at the link in the comments.

01/23/2026

The Protect Florida Whales specialty license plate supports protection of the North Atlantic right whale through public education and conservation. Additionally, plate proceeds also fund the Marine Mammal Stranding and Population Assessment team's 24/7 emergency response for whales that become stranded. 🐋

2016 with North Atlantic right whales “Clipper” ( #3450) and her calf 🐋

The North Atlantic right whale is one of the most endangered whale species – only about 380 remain. The FAU Harbor Branch Marine Mammal Stranding and Population Assessment team is a member of the Large Whale Entanglement Response Network, assisting partner agencies with research and conservation efforts by documenting right whales by land or on water. Back in 2016 the team sighted this mother and calf pair when they entered the Sebastian Inlet and spent approximately 29 hours there before leaving on their own and heading north!

Fast-forward to 2026 and a promising calving season with 19 new calves identified this winter (per the latest report from Clearwater Marine Aquarium). However, new calves can’t outpace the serious threats posed by collisions and entanglement. Together we can protect these rare and majestic mammals. If you see a right whale while on the water, it is illegal to approach them within 500 yards. By going slow and staying alert, you can help support a safe migration.

Report whale sightings to 1-877-WHALE-HELP (1-877-942-5343).

01/08/2026

The 2026 John and Barbara Ferrera Ocean Science Lecture Series kicks off next week!

Join FAU Harbor Branch executive director Dr. Jim Sullivan for An Introduction to Florida's Office of Ocean Economy on Wednesday, Jan. 14 at 4 p.m. 🌊

Registration is required to attend in person. Can't make it to our campus in Fort Pierce? All lectures are streamed live on our website! More information is available in the comments.

12/22/2025

Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a bright new year ahead!

Still looking for the perfect gift - consider purchasing a specialty license plate. It's the perfect way to give back all year long.

Learn more here: https://hboifoundation.org/license-plates