Boat Tours

2025 John & Barbara Ferrera
Ocean Science Lecture Series

Boat Tours

Boat Tours are Back!

Gift Shop

FAU Harbor Branch Gift Shop

Research

FAU 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.
Dennis Hanisak

Dr. M. Dennis Hanisak Memorial Fund

To honor Dr. M. Dennis Hanisak’s remarkable legacy at FAU 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.
http://fauf.egyptawe.com/funds/hboi-hanisakmemorial

Click here to view a recording of Dr. Hanisak's Celebration of Life, held Sunday, June 23 at FAU Harbor Branch.

Harbor Branch campus building

Harbor Branch

5600 US 1 North, Fort Pierce, FL 34946 772.242.2400
Florida Atlantic University (FAU) 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 Florida Atlantic University 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
FAU Awarded DOE Grant to Test Offshore Ocean Current Energy
FAU's Southeast National Marine Renewable Energy Center has received an $800,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to advance ocean energy technologies with a test facility offshore Palm Beach County.
READ
Iliamna Lake Harbor Seals Genetically Isolated from Pacific Ocean
A new genetic study led by FAU Harbor Branch researchers indicates that Alaska's Iliamna Lake harbor seals may represent a unique, endemic form of harbor seal.
READ
Deeper Corals May Help Shallow Reefs Recover in the Florida Keys
Using genomic DNA analyses, FAU Harbor Branch researchers have uncovered vital links between coral populations at different depths. Deeper corals may help replenish declining shallow reefs in the Florida Keys.
READ
What's Really 'Fueling' Harmful Algae in Florida's Lake Okeechobee?
FAU Harbor Branch researchers have conducted the first comprehensive sampling of the Lake Okeechobee Waterway and its estuaries. Findings mark a groundbreaking step in preserving this crucial ecosystem.
READ
Additional Information
Florida Atlantic's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute engages with the community through the Ocean Discovery Visitors Center and the Ocean Science Lecture Series. Harbor Branch’s research and outreach programs translate marine science in order to provide solutions that improve economies and quality of life for coastal communities.
Address
Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
Florida Atlantic University
5600 US 1 North
Fort Pierce, FL 34946