Marine Ecosystem Conservation
Research at HBOI
¼ø»ÆÊ¦app 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 34946Â Â Â 772.242.2400
¼ø»ÆÊ¦app (¼ø»ÆÊ¦app) 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 ¼ø»ÆÊ¦app in 2007. Located in St. Lucie County, our 144-acre campus along the Indian River Lagoon employs over 200 scientists, engineers, educators, staff and ¼ø»ÆÊ¦app. 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.
¼ø»ÆÊ¦app (¼ø»ÆÊ¦app) 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 ¼ø»ÆÊ¦app in 2007. Located in St. Lucie County, our 144-acre campus along the Indian River Lagoon employs over 200 scientists, engineers, educators, staff and ¼ø»ÆÊ¦app. 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
10/01/2026
Blue Ops is establishing a maritime systems operation at ¼ø»ÆÊ¦app Harbor Branch in Fort Pierce, creating a hub for ocean technology, autonomous systems, national defense research, testing and workforce development.
09/23/2026
¼ø»ÆÊ¦app Harbor Branch names internationally recognized optical oceanography expert Michael Twardowski, Ph.D., as its first Edwin A. Link Ocean Technology and Defense Endowed Professor.
08/18/2026
What if dolphins are listening to their prey--and their prey are listening right back? ¼ø»ÆÊ¦app researchers reveal acoustic clues about where dolphins socialize, hunt and interact with their underwater world.
08/04/2026
¼ø»ÆÊ¦app Harbor Branch researchers found a resilient seagrass that survives environmental stress and regenerates from seeds, offering new hope for restoring degraded habitats in the Indian River Lagoon.