Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute

The Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute is located in Fort Pierce in Florida, dedicated to the proper use, protection and exploration of the oceans. In fact, visitors can learn from interactive displays and exhibits created by the institute's top conservationists, educators, explorers, engineers and scientists.

The institute has information about its deep sea submersible and research ship that explores the depths of the oceans to about three thousand feet. Visitors are enlightened by scientific studies that unravel oceanic mysteries, identifying potential disease-fighting, unique and sometimes yet to be discovered sea organisms. Classroom videos show coastline studies of shallow reefs of coral and deep marine mammals and sea type grasses. The human impact is always a factor in these shows in relation to these deep and shallow sea communities. Land-based teams introduced guests to aquaculture, sea-borne seafood farms and the tools and instruments that make this possible.

Other research items that guests learn about include the Indian River Lagoon eco systems, coastal increases in algae blooms, bottlenose dolphin work, marine sponge chemicals for fighting cancer, manatee and seal rescues, restoring apple snails, developing saltwater fish farms, use of robotics instead of marine animals for observation stations and the development of marine scientist education centers. In fact, the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute is constantly busy and open even to requests for inclusion into research projects by members of the public.