Key Largo Research Station

Ocean First Institute Opens Key Largo Research Station to Advance Marine Conservation

Ocean First Institute, the nonprofit arm of Ocean First, has opened a new research facility in Key Largo in partnership with MarineLab. Located next to our dive shop and surrounded by critical ecosystems like seagrass beds, mangroves, and the Florida Reef Tract—the world’s third-largest barrier reef—the Key Largo Research Station is a strategic hub for marine science, education, and conservation in the Florida Keys.

This new facility supports Ocean First Institute’s mission by enabling staff and students to conduct impactful research focused on endangered species and fragile marine habitats. Research findings are shared with educators, policymakers, and the public to inspire science-based solutions for ocean and waterway conservation.

Research Focus Areas

Our research initiatives primarily concentrate on:

 • Shark Populations and Ecology: Investigating the distribution, behavior, and health of shark species in the region.

 • Goliath Grouper Studies: Monitoring the population dynamics and conservation status of this endangered species.

 • Pollution Analysis: Utilizing advanced tools like the Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectrometer to detect and analyze pollutants, including microplastics and chemicals, in local waterways. 

Educational Programs and Community Engagement

The research station also functions as an educational platform, offering.

 • Field Courses: Providing undergraduate and high school students with hands-on research experience alongside marine biologists and graduate students.

 • Citizen Science Opportunities: Engaging the public in data collection and environmental monitoring to foster community involvement in marine conservation.

 • Partnerships with Schools: Collaborating with educational institutions across Florida to offer both digital and in-person research opportunities.

Collaborations and Partnerships: 

We collaborate with educational institutions across Florida to offer both digital and in-person research opportunities, and our research efforts are bolstered through partnerships with organizations such as MarineLab, enhancing our capacity to conduct significant ecological studies and conservation projects. 

Visit Us

To learn more about our research initiatives or to participate in our programs, please contact us by email: keylargo@oceanfirst.blue -or- by phone: 305.453.2228

Join us in our mission to advance marine conservation and education in the Florida Keys!

Click here to learn more about Ocean First Institute.