Florida Oceanographic Society: Research Projects

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.

Coastal Estuary Alert - Click

On August 2nd, volunteers placed 300 oyster modules on spoil island SL 18B. Approximately 40 volunteers were assisted by the TV show Aquakids, who filmed the restoration event. click

Florida Oceanographic's Vincent Encomio, PhD, Research Scientist, is appointed Affiliate Research Assistant Professor at Florida Atlantic University! click

Miami Herald reports on research - Dr. Grant Gilmore with Florida Oceanographic's Hilde Zenil - Fish's love songs and oil-spill impact on marine life. Listen to the fish! click

Update on Oysters and the Estuary and interview with Vincent Encomio -

April 25, 2010 by Ed Killer

Click for TCpalm story and video!

Eco Art & Earth Day at Florida Oceanographic

Click for TCpalm Story and Video April 24, 2010

Restoration Planting at

Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center

Sessions on: Fridays 9AM-12PM

until project is completed.

Florida Oceanographic Society would welcome the help of volunteers with its Habitat Restoration Project. We are planting native vegitation. This is a great opportunity to participate in an important stage of a restoration project. We encourage everyone to bring their own water bottle, gloves and if possible, a shovel with an identifying mark. Come to the Staff and Volunteer Entrance at the south end of the parking lot. For more information please contact:

Pam Hopkins at 225-0505 x114 or phopkins@fos-cc.org