HBOI
Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, at Florida Atlantic University
The Waitt Institute has partnered with Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute to bring their ocean exploration expertise and resources to the first two CATALYST expeditions in the form of logistics and science plan development, as well as to charter their Research Vessel Seward Johnson as the first CATALYST launch vessel for the Waitt Institute’s two Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs).
About HBOI
Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (Harbor Branch), a research institute of Florida Atlantic University carries out oceanographic research in Florida’s waters and around the world. The research institute focuses on aquaculture, drug discovery from marine organisms, ocean engineering, marine ecosystem health and ocean exploration. Harbor Branch is located on the Indian River Lagoon near Fort Pierce on Florida’s central east coast and is home to some of the world’s leading ocean science laboratories. Harbor Branch provides a unique combination of specialized capabilities, allowing for exploration of almost every aspect of the world’s oceans.
HBOI Mission
Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute at Florida Atlantic University (HBOI) is comprised of 140 scientists, engineers, mariners and support personnel, whose mission is Ocean Science for a Better WorldTM.
In the deep sea, our ship and research submersibles enable us to explore and work in depths as great as 3,000 feet. Our scientists study and unravel the ocean’s mysteries and identify unique organisms whose chemical components are evaluated for their disease-fighting potential.
Closer to our coastlines, we study deep and shallow coral reefs, sea grasses and marine mammals to see how these communities are affected by human impacts.
On land, our aquaculture team works on new ways to farm seafood, and our engineers support research and exploration missions with custom-designed platforms, vehicles, tools and instruments.
In the classroom, our specialized graduate and undergraduate programs in marine science and biotechnology give students a chance to augment textbook learning with the resources of a leading oceanographic institute.
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