Marine Ecosystem Conservation
Research
×ó°®ÊÓƵ 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.
Dr. M. Dennis Hanisak Memorial Fund
To honor Dr. M. Dennis Hanisak’s remarkable legacy at ×ó°®ÊÓƵ Harbor Branch, the Institute has established a memorial fund to support Semester by the Sea, a premier marine science education program he founded over 20 years ago. If you would like to leave a gift in Dr. Hanisak's memory, and support a program he was truly passionate about, please visit the link below.
to view a recording of Dr. Hanisak's Celebration of Life, held Sunday, June 23 at ×ó°®ÊÓƵ Harbor Branch.
Harbor Branch
5600 US 1 North, Fort Pierce, FL 34946Â Â Â 772.242.2400
×ó°®ÊÓƵ (×ó°®ÊÓƵ) 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 ×ó°®ÊÓƵ in 2007. Located in St. Lucie County, our 144-acre campus along the Indian River Lagoon employs over 200 scientists, engineers, educators, staff and students. 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.
×ó°®ÊÓƵ (×ó°®ÊÓƵ) 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 ×ó°®ÊÓƵ in 2007. Located in St. Lucie County, our 144-acre campus along the Indian River Lagoon employs over 200 scientists, engineers, educators, staff and students. 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
06/26/2025
The grant awarded to ×ó°®ÊÓƵ Harbor Branch supports the expansion of its queen conch aquaculture lab and is part of a global philanthropic effort to tackle urgent challenges through the power of food.
06/11/2025
×ó°®ÊÓƵ Harbor Branch researchers found that Caulerpa prolifera has taken over seagrass in the Indian River Lagoon, reducing biodiversity, and recently raising concerns over rising numbers of sap-sucking sea slugs.
05/22/2025
Several ×ó°®ÊÓƵ faculty experts are available to discuss a range of hurricane-related topics such as preparedness, evacuation planning, storm impacts and post-disaster recovery.
05/07/2025
×ó°®ÊÓƵ Harbor Branch researchers used parasite data to assess the ecological health of Florida's Indian River Lagoon, which has suffered from pollution and algal blooms, damaging habitats like seagrass beds.