Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute

This month, our team had an amazing time at the Melbourne Police Department Kid’s Fishing Clinic at Ballard Park! 🎣

We’re so grateful for the chance to connect with local families and share tips on how to help protect Indian River Lagoon dolphins, especially with the rise in dolphin entanglements in recent years.

At the event, we shared our DIY portable fishing line recycling containers to help keep fishing line out of the lagoon and protect our local wildlife. These small actions can make a big difference in the lives of wild animals that call the Indian River Lagoon home! 🌎💙🐬

🌊🔬 As Women’s History Month comes to a close, we’re proud to continue celebrating the women of Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute who drive our mission forward every day.

While March may be ending, our appreciation doesn’t stop here. We remain committed to uplifting and supporting the women who protect our oceans and inspire the next generation of scientists, leaders, and changemakers.

Here’s to the women making waves this month and every month. 💙

🔬🌊 Hubbs History Lesson

Founded in 1963, Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute was built on a bold idea: that science can protect and help us return to our oceans for generations to come.

What began as a small team of dedicated researchers has grown into a leading non-profit marine conservation organization working to conserve and renew marine life worldwide. From aquaculture programs to marine mammal rescue and response, our mission has always remained the same: to return to the sea some measure of the benefits derived from it.

Over the decades, our researchers have advanced sustainable seafood solutions, restored critical habitats, made important discoveries, and responded to stranded dolphins and whales in need.

More than 60 years later, we’re still driven by curiosity, compassion, and a deep commitment to ocean health. 💙

Here’s to the scientists, responders, partners, and supporters who have shaped our story and to the future we’re building together.

Remember Melby the manatee? 🐋💙

In February 2026, it took an industrial-scale rescue to free this gentle giant from an under-road storm drain. A powerful reminder of how human impacts can reach even the most unexpected places. Melby was actually discovered after a maintenance worker heard him chirping, highlighting just how important awareness can be in protecting these animals.

Today, on , take a moment to think about how we can better protect these incredible animals from hazards in their habitat. From boats to pot lines and netting, everyday human activity can pose serious risks.

The images here capture these risks in real time. The manatees interacted with everything placed in their environment highlighting just how curious and hands-on they are. In doing so, they became entangled in a standard pot line (like the buoy and trap line shown). Fortunately, a SeaWorld Animal Care Specialist was able to respond quickly and safely free them. Moments like this reinforce the need for better solutions. Even with modifications like sheathed or stiffened lines, curious manatees may still interact but with a much lower risk of entanglement. Until these safer designs can be implemented in the ocean, continued innovation and awareness are essential to protecting them.

At HSWRI, our Animal Behavior and Senses (ABS) team is working to better understand these threats and develop solutions to keep manatees safe. Where prevention isn’t always possible, we’re also advancing monitoring tools to help detect and respond to animals in danger.

Last week our team was thrilled to join SeaWorld San Diego’s STEM Day! 🧪🌊

Hundreds of students from 1st - 12th grade, traveling from across Southern California and even Mexico, spent the day exploring the park while participating in hands-on STEM experiences.

Curious students and teachers stopped by the HSWRI booth to learn about fish aging, marine mammal bioacoustics, and all the science behind our institute. The enthusiasm, thoughtful questions, and excitement for science made it an incredible day for our team!

A big thank you to all the students and educators who came by to chat with us and to SeaWorld San Diego for including us as a STEM partner. We can’t wait to return in the fall!

Thank you for coming, ! 🐟

We had a great time welcoming Tommy and the crew to our Mission Bay lab and giving them a behind-the-scenes look at the innovative aquaculture work happening at HSWRI.

Be sure to catch Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute on Season 6 of The Fishmonger. We can’t wait for you to see it! 🎥🌊

One very unexpected visitor was spotted in New Smyrna Beach this week 👀🦭

On Monday, our team received a report of a possible seal hauled out on a sandbar in the Mosquito Lagoon, about five miles south of Ponce Inlet. We were able to locate the harbor seal, evaluate its condition, and collect photo documentation.

Harbor seals typically range seasonally from the mid-Atlantic United States to the Canadian Arctic and rarely travel south of North Carolina. Seal strandings in Florida are extremely rare. In fact, only two have been documented in the last 20 years.

The seal has not been seen again since re-entering the water. If you happen to spot this unexpected traveler, please remember:

1️⃣ Call stranding responders right away. In Florida, call 1-888-404-3922.
2️⃣ Stay at least 100 yards (300 feet) away and keep dogs on a leash. If the animal reacts to your presence, you are too close.
3️⃣ Do not touch, pick up, or attempt to feed the seal.
4️⃣ If possible, take a photo or video to help responders confirm the sighting and assess the animal’s condition.

Harbor seals, like all marine mammals, are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which makes it illegal to feed or harass them.

Have you ever seen a seal in Florida? Let us know!👇 And if you spot this one, please report the sighting and remember to keep your distance.