MarineLab Research Partners

MarineLab instructors spend a lot of time in the field and observe the same sites over the course of years. Most reseachers cannot afford to pay field scientists to spend that much time in the field as our instructors do. We decided to actively seek out organizations that can use data collected over long periods. MarineLab is very pleased to join these organizations as partners and data providers. Our activities enhance our students' participation and understanding of current research going on about the seagrass, mangrove, and coral reef ecosystems of the Florida Keys. To see our most recent activities, check out our blog! Sarah Egner has recently been promoted to Director of Research, Program Development and Outreach, and is busy contacting other researchers and universities to see how MarineLab's staff and students can help them.

GLOBE | REEF CHECK | CORAL RESTORATION FOUNDATION | BLEACH WATCH |SERC'S WATER QUALITY MONITORING NETWORK |
SEAGRASS WATCH | PHYTOPLANKTON MONITORING NETWORK | GREAT ANNUAL FISH COUNT

GLOBEGlobal Learning & Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) is a worldwide, hands-on science & education program. Water quality data collected by MarineLab students is now uploaded to the GLOBE international database, to be used by scientists, teachers, and other students around the world. CRFThe Coral Restoration Foundation was created to develop coral nurseries and reef restoration programs for acroporid corals. MarineLab has its own restoration site, Molasses Junior.
ReefCheckReef Check Foundation iis an international organization dedicated to the conservation of two ecosystems: tropical coral reefs and California rocky reefs. MarineLab uses the organization's ReefCheck protocol in its Advanced SCUBA and Teacher Workshop programs, providing Reef Check EcoDiver certification to these students and teachers. NMS LogoBleach Watch is a volunteer monitoring and observation program operated by Mote Marine Lab in conjunction with the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. MarineLab students are briefed on what to look for, and any bleaching events are reported to the Bleach Watch network.
Seagrass Watch Seagrass Watch is a global, scientific, non destructive seagrass monitoring and assessment initiative. MarineLab is now an official observer with Seawatch and will be using their protocols and data sheets. phytoplanktonPhytoplankton Monitoring Network is new to MarineLab, but we are all very excited about it. We recently bought a new microscope with a video screen and camera capabilities. Our staff are busy learning all they can about phytoplankton identification and their role in HABS (Harmful Algal Blooms) such as red tide. The photo was actually taken from our 'scope!
SOUTHEAST ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH CENTER (FIU) WATER QUALITY MONITORING NETWORK For the past two years or so, MarineLab has had a sonde on loan from the SERC and has been collecting water quality data for Dr. Joe Boyer of Florida International University. GAFCGreat Annual Fish Count is an annual event sponsored by the Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF). Held in July, it affords MarineLab students the opportunity to participate in a global fish count and to have their data included in the results.