Research Facilities

The Florida Oceanographic Research Lab is located on the 57-acre campus on Hutchinson Island in Stuart, FL, situated between the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) and the Atlantic Ocean. We provide equipment and resources for resident research staff and visiting scientists including indoor and outdoor…

Research Seminar on Summer Projects

Learn about the Research Department's latest projects! 

Residents fight golf courses in Jonathan Dickinson State Park

Martin County leaders, residents and environmentalists are scrambling to halt the development of Jonathan Dickinson State Park, which would include clearing huge swaths of native scrub habitat to build three golf courses. 

Resort pays high fine for destroying mangrove forest that will take 25 years to regrow

A Treasure Coast resort has paid one of the steepest mangrove-cutting fines in state history for illegally cutting about 944 mangrove trees to nubs along the St. Lucie River shoreline. The state also has issued a second fine in the case to an unpermitted West Palm Beach landscaping company.

Restoration

The Indian River Lagoon (IRL) is one of the most biodiverse estuaries in North America, but it's facing significant challenges. Declining oyster populations, seagrass loss, and habitat degradation are threatening the health of this critical ecosystem. Florida Oceanographic Society is leading the…

Restoration is cure for drowning Everglades | Commentary

Wet season runoff from sugarcane operations within the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) is still having a disproportionate impact on the current flooding in the central Everglades, posing a threat to wildlife.

Restoring Native Clam Communities for Improved Water Quality and Economic Resiliency in the Indian River Lagoon

See how researchers are breeding “superclams” that are resilient to algae blooms in an attempt to filter the Indian River Lagoon’s waters and improve ecosystem health.

"Restoring Oysters to Save Our Waters" Webinar

Join us to learn about oyster reef restoration and the benefits oysters provide our local waterways.

Revised SB 2508’s impact on river, lagoon weighed

The most contentious environment bill of this year’s legislative session is heading to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desk. 

Reviving Our Oyster Reefs: A Success Story

Oyster reefs are integral to the health of the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) and St. Lucie Estuary (SLE).

Rita Kimmons Calls Out the Stingray Shuffle

October's Volunteer Spotlight! 

Rivers Coalition water quality presentation

Take a look at this presentation that discusses the water quality of Lake Okeechobee and the St. Lucie Estuary watershed presented by Gary Goforth. 

Salty Species Summer Camp | Ages 5-7

Discover the true "locals" inhabiting of our waters in our Salty Species Summer Camp.  Immerse yourself in an up-close and personal encounter as we introduce and delve into various plant and animal groups, each showcasing its unique characteristics. 

Salty Species Summer Camp | Ages 5-7

Discover the true "locals" inhabiting of our waters in our Salty Species Summer Camp.  Immerse yourself in an up-close and personal encounter as we introduce and delve into various plant and animal groups, each showcasing its unique characteristics. 

Salty Species Summer Camp | Ages 8-11

Discover the true "locals" inhabiting of our waters in our Salty Species Summer Camp.  Immerse yourself in an up-close and personal encounter as we introduce and delve into various plant and animal groups, each showcasing its unique characteristics. 

Samantha Johnson Intrigues Guests with Touch Tank Experience

Samantha Johnson Intrigues Guests with Touch Tank Experience

Sargassum: The Good, the Bad & the Hidden

Learn about the Sargassum algae that has become more common on our shorelines in recent years at this temporary exhibit in the Exploration Lab.