Research Projects at the Smithsonian Marine Station

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Specific Research Interests

General Research Interests

The Smithsonian Marine Station at Fort Pierce is a marine science research center that is dedicated to the increase and diffusion of knowledge in marine sciences. The research specializes on biodiversity, focused on the marine and estuarine waters of Florida’s Treasure Coast, but with comparative studies throughout coastal Florida. Research is carried out primarily through a program for Smithsonian visiting scientists, their colleagues and postdoctoral fellows who submit annual proposals for review by a Management Committee (See History).

Sampling in shallow water

The program draws top scientists, totaling up to 100 each year, from the Smithsonian Institution as well as students and collaborators from leading institutions around the world. Scientists engage in a broad spectrum of research projects in systematics, ecology, and life histories of marine organisms extending from the intertidal and shallow waters of the Indian River Lagoon to the offshore waters of the Continental Shelf and Florida Current (see Specific Research Interests, Annual Report and Publications). Because of the high diversity of species and habitats, this region, situated in a biogeographical transitional zone, is ideal for such marine biodiversity research (see Indian River Lagoon Species Inventory Project).

Smithsonian Marine Station at Fort Pierce
701 Seaway Drive, Fort Pierce, Florida 34949
Phone 772-462-6220, Fax 772-461-8154