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Smithsonian
Marine Ecosystems Exhibit
 Here
on the east coast of Florida, we are fortunate to live along the
shores of the most diverse estuary in the United States - the
Indian River Lagoon (IRL). The lagoon stretches 156 miles from
Ponce De Leon Inlet on the north to Jupiter on the south, and
harbors over 3,000 species of organisms. Even though the IRL is
an everyday sight for many of us, few have ever experienced the
unsurpassed biological diversity that lies below these waters.
The Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems Exhibit provides a window into
this underwater world.
 Make
no mistake, we are not a typical public aquarium. Our focus is
on displaying ecosystems as complex communities of organisms interacting
in their environment. At the Marine Ecosystems Exhibit, visitors
can explore six different Florida marine habitats and learn about
the complexity and importance of marine ecosystems. The largest
aquarium is a model of a Caribbean coral reef. Other displays
include living models of seagrass, mangrove, estuarine and nearshore
habitats, as well as a deepwater Oculina coral reef. There are
several smaller aquarium displays and a touch tank where you can
meet some of our local sea creatures.
 With
the help of our dynamic displays we strive to provide the public
with a better understanding of the fragile marine ecosystems of
the IRL and surrounding area and the impact humans are having
on these fragile environments.
Explore this
web site to learn more on the background and history of our live
exhibits. Learn what it takes to keep them running.
You'll also find information regarding our education programs,
tours, and special events. Better yet, come visit us in person
and see
for
yourself!
If you have
any questions or comments about the Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems
Exhibit you can email them to
hoffman@si.edu. If you are interested in volunteering
at the Exhibit, please contact Cristin Ryan at ryanc@si.edu.
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