HARBOR BRANCH At A Glance

HARBOR BRANCH MISSION more information

Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution is dedicated to exploring the world's oceans, integrating the science and technology of the sea with the needs of humankind. Our staff of over 250, includes scientists, engineers, mariners and support personnel. We are involved in research and education in the marine sciences; biological, chemical, and environmental sciences; marine biomedical sciences; marine mammal conservation; aquaculture; and ocean engineering. We have a wide variety of educational programs and products to raise public awareness of the marine environment, illustrating how the health of our planet is inextricably linked to the state of our oceans.

HARBOR BRANCH DIRECTORS more information

Management
Chairman - ADM. Paul Yost
President and CEO - Shirley Pomponi, Ph.D.
Government and Public Relations - Jan Petri

Research
Director of Aquaculture - Megan Davis-Hodgkins, Ph.D.
Director of Biomedical Marine Research - Amy Wright, Ph.D.
Director of Dolphin Research and Conservation - Stephen D. McCulloch
Director of Engineering - (ACTING) Lawrence Borne
Director of Marine Education - M. Dennis Hanisak, Ph.D.
Director of Marine Mammal Research and Conservation - Gregory D. Bossart, VMD, Ph.D.
Director of Marine Operations - Tim Askew
Director of Marine Science - M. Dennis Hanisak, Ph.D.

HARBOR BRANCH LOCATION more information

To get to HBOI from the North (Orlando and Melbourne) or South (West Palm Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, and Miami) go to either Interstate 95 or the Florida Turnpike and follow the directions below.

To Access Interstate 95 From Orlando International Airport, Take SR-528 Toll Road East (Bee-Line Exp.) to Interstate 95 South.

From Interstate 95:
• Take Interstate 95 to Exit #138 (formerly Exit #67) (Route 614 / Indrio Rd.)
• Drive East on Indrio Rd. 3.5 miles to U.S. 1
• Turn left (North) and drive 1 mile to Harbor Branch entrance on your right.

From Florida's Turnpike:
• Take Ft. Pierce/Vero Beach Exit #152 (Route 70).
• After the Toll booth drive straight on route 713 for 7.5 miles to Route 614 (Indrio Road).
• Turn right (East) and drive 3.5 miles to U.S. 1
• Turn left (North) and drive 1 mile to Harbor Branch entrance on your right.

Download Directions and Map in PDF format.

HARBOR BRANCH FUNDING more information

HARBOR BRANCH currently receives more than 70% of its funding from competitively awarded outside grants and contracts. The institution's scientists and engineers aggressively pursue grants and contracts to fund their projects. The remainder of the institution's annual operating budget is comprised of private donations from individuals, foundations, and various trust funds.

The institution is exempt from federal income tax under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3), qualifying for tax-deductible contributions under Internal Revenue Code Section 170(c). Gifts are used to further HARBOR BRANCH's research and development work in oceans, estuaries and coastal regions. Charitable gifts also support the education of aspiring scientists and engineers and the general public with the goal of enhancing the knowledge, appreciation and wise use of the marine environment.

HARBOR BRANCH RESEARCH more information

Aquaculture - research on culture of fish, mollusks, crustaceans and plants. Also offering education programs, aquaculture feasibility and implementation plans.

Biomedical Marine Research - emphasizing drug discovery from marine organisms.

Dolphin Research and Conservation - State of Florida "Protect Wild Dolphins" specialty license plate funded research program, population studies, strandings, rehabilitation, release.

Engineering - research, design, prototyping, and fabrication of tools, instruments and vehicles for in-water use, engineering project management services.

Marine Education - the Marine Education program offers a diverse menu of marine science programs including field trips, camps, after school programs, courses, internships, post-doctoral fellowships and workshops for students, teachers, and the general public.

Marine Mammal Research and Conservation - State of Florida "Protect Florida's Whales" specialty license plate-funded research and education program, research, veterinary training, medical response and pathology studies of marine mammals, including manatees, whales and dolphins.

Marine Operations - operation and maintenance of three ocean-going ships and three research submersibles, as well as a fleet of small boats intended for estuarine use.

Marine Science - advanced research in estuarine, coastal and deep water ecosystems.

HARBOR BRANCH VESSELS AND SUBMERSIBLES more information

JOHNSON-SEA-LINK I & II
Harbor Branch manned submersibles devoted primarilly to research in the marine sciences, are classed and certified to a maximum operating depth of 3,000 feet by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). The forward acrylic sphere is fine inches thick and provides panoramic visibility for a pilot and one observer. These sophisticated and highly maneuverable free swimming submersibles have been in operation since 1971 and 1975. Maintained and operated by experienced and expert pilots and crews, they are further supported by in-house ocean engineers.

CLELIA
A PC 1204 submersible built by Perry Oceanographics in 1976 and refitted in 1992 by HARBOR BRANCH Oceanographic Institution to address the needs of the shallow water scientific community, is classed and certified to a maximum operating depth of 1000 feet by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). The highly maneuverable submersible is ideally suited for multiple short dives as well as longer duration more complex dives. Maintained and operated by experienced and expert pilots and crew, it is further supported by in-house engineering staff.

R/V SEWARD JOHNSON
The 204 foot Oceanographic and Submersible-Support research vessel, built in 1984, commissioned in 1985 and extensively rebuilt and lengthened in 1994. R/V SEWARD JOHNSON is part of the University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS) fleet.With an 8000 nautical mile range and a cruising speed of 12 knots, the vessel is capable of traveling and working in any of the world's oceans, while accommodating up to 40 people.

R/V SEWARD JOHNSON II
A 168-foot former offshore supply vessel, the R/V SEWARD JOHNSON II was converted to support marine science research, ocean engineering research, and submersible operations. With a 7,000 nautical mile range and cruising speed of 11 knots, the vessel is capable of traveling to any of the world's oceans while accomodating 30 people. An 18-ton A-frame handling system located on the aft deck allows safe submersible launch and recovery up to sea state five. With a 360 degree bow thruster and state-of-the-art electronic navigation systems, she is able to maneuver and position itself with ease and speed, allowing for precision station-keeping. The R/V SEWARD JOHNSON II is part of the University National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS) fleet.

HARBOR BRANCH MARINE EDUCATION PROGRAM more information

Education programs offered through HARBOR BRANCH include a wide range of offerings from K-12 programs, camps and workshops to undergraduate and graduate internships as well as university-accredited courses.

HARBOR BRANCH ASSOCIATES PROGRAM more information

An active Associates Program is offered by Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution, Inc. to provide an opportunity for its members to become involved in learning more about Harbor Branch research and education. Besides being an important partner in Harbor Branch science, engineering and education activities, members receive advance mailings on upcoming events, including films, lectures and gift store sales; free admission to our weekly film series and monthly lectures; discounts in our marine specialty gift shops; behind-the-scenes tours; invitations to special events and use of the Harbor Branch Library and Specimen Museum.