Dear Friends:

As many of you already know, Harbor Branch suffered serious damage from direct hits by Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne. However, I am pleased to report that as of Monday, Oct. 4, we are back up and running in a limited capacity. All of our divisions will be able to continue operations during what will be a long and difficult recovery phase, but many scientists will be working in temporary workspace. We do not have an accurate estimate, but total damages are likely to be in the range of $30 to $40 million.

Our Marine Sciences building, which houses coral, bioluminescence, deep-sea biology, fish and other research programs, was one of the hardest hit. Several roof sections were blown away leading to major water damage. We now have to determine if it will make more sense to repair the building, which is over 30 years old, or rebuild.

Also hit hard by both storms was our Johnson Education Center, which lost several large windows and roof sections. As an unfortunate result, most on-campus educational programs are now on hold, although courses taught in conjunction with FAU and IRCC are continuing without interruption.

The heaviest new damage from Jeanne was to the Link Building, which houses administrative offices, much of our drug discovery program, and the Environmental Laboratory commercial subsidiary. Much of the roof was damaged, allowing in substantial water. However, the biomedical sample collection and critical data remain safe in our hurricane-proof (and now twice-tested) bunker.

Many aquaculture greenhouses, the maintenance building, the high bay warehouse, and housing for students in the aquaculture training program also suffered major damage, among other buildings. Our dolphin and whale critical care pool facility was also destroyed, meaning that, for now, we will not be able to do any marine mammal rehabilitation.

We have already made remarkable progress, but the rebuilding process will be a long and difficult one that will push us to the limit emotionally, intellectually, and financially. We are working with state and national legislators as well as our insurance company and FEMA to secure necessary funds. However, it is now clear we will need additional support as we complete our recovery. So, we are asking friends and supporters like you to help us in our efforts by contributing what you can to our newly established HBOI Hurricane Relief Fund. [ CLICK HERE to make a tax-deductible contribution online or call Jan Petri at 772-465-2400 ext. 241 ]

Thank-you in advance for your continued support.

Yours sincerely,

Shirley Pomponi, Ph.D. - Harbor Branch President and CEO