Research Projects

ONGOING RESEARCH 

Florida Oceanographic is a leader in marine science research in Florida. We study our biodiverse ecosystem, which is home to more than 4,300 species of plants and animals, including 36 rare and endangered species. Our research staff monitors the health of the Indian River Lagoon and the St. Lucie Estuary on the shore of our science center. We check water quality, monitor the diversity and health of marine life and inspect artificial reefs and sea grasses.

Currently, Vincent Encomio, PhD, Research Scientist, is spearheading an effort to restore the oyster population devastated by fresh-water discharges into the estuary in 2005. The oysters are critical to cleaning the water and providing habitat and food for more than 300 estuarine species. We grow oyster larvae and spat at our science center; when they mature, Encomio and others lead volunteers in building oyster-shell reefs and populate them with the growing oysters. Their progress is monitored using cutting-edge acoustic technology.

• CMEP - Coastal Marsh Enhancement Program
• Leaf Litter Study
• Plankton Seasonality Study
• Seagrass Bed Fauna Seasonality Study
• Bathtub Reef Fish Counts
• Beach Profiling Study
• Queen Conch Research
• Clam Aquaculture Research