FAU School of Environmental, Coastal, and Ocean Sustainability - ECOS

08/18/2026

Come along with Florida Atlantic University geoscience student Stephanie Strazzi during her Research Experience for Undergraduates at the W.K. Kellogg Biological Station in Michigan. 🪨

After hearing about a local rock shop from her mentor, a visit was basically required. Stephanie stopped by Rockhound Rock Shop to explore its collection, with Brisket and his favorite rock joining the adventure.

08/17/2026

For student researchers, conferences like ESA are more than a place to present their work. They’re a chance to practice talking about complex ideas, connect with other scientists, learn from research happening across the field and see where their own work fits into the bigger picture. 🌎🔬

At , we challenged students to explain their research in 10 seconds or less. Did everyone beat the clock? Not exactly. 😅 But when you’re doing work this interesting, 10 seconds goes pretty fast.

08/12/2026

Could new technology help detect water quality threats before they become full-scale environmental emergencies? 🌊

Researchers at FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute are testing an underwater monitoring system that tracks water conditions around the clock, giving scientists earlier insight into changes that may lead to harmful algal blooms, fish kills and other threats to marine ecosystems.

By identifying warning signs sooner, the technology could help communities respond faster and better protect Florida’s waterways.

Learn more:

Algae blooms and fish kills aren’t just an environmental issue, they are also an economic one. It has costed Florida billions of dollars over the last few decades in clean up, lost tourism and health issues.

08/11/2026

Florida’s coral reefs are in crisis, but scientists are working to change their future. 🌊

Hear from leading experts on coral disease, resilient “super corals” and new restoration techniques helping rebuild these vital ecosystems.

Watch the full discussion:

Florida's coral reefs are invaluable natural treasures facing unpre...

08/10/2026

How are loggerhead sea turtles responding to a changing Gulf of Mexico? 🐢🌊

👋 Meet Alison Centeno, a student researcher studying loggerhead sea turtles in the eastern Gulf of Mexico.

Using satellite tracking, Alison follows their movements over time to better understand where they travel, how they use different habitats and how environmental conditions, including changing water temperatures and ocean currents, may influence their behavior.

Her research is helping reveal how these iconic marine animals respond to changes in the environment around them.

Thanks to our partner .

08/10/2026

There are only two facilities in the world that study leatherback sea turtle hatchlings, and South Florida is home to one of them. 🐢🌊

At Florida Atlantic University's Marine Science Lab, researchers are studying newborn sea turtles to better understand how they live, dive and survive in the ocean.

Their work is uncovering remarkable findings, including one baby leatherback that dove 330 feet on a single breath, while helping scientists learn how to better protect threatened and endangered sea turtle species.

See the research in action:

There are only two facilities in the entire world that study leatherback turtle hatchlings, and South Florida is home to one of them.

08/07/2026

What does long-term agricultural research look like in action? 🌱

Follow along as Stephanie and Ann head into the field for a behind-the-scenes look at their work with the Long-Term Agroecosystem Research (LTAR) network. Their research helps us better understand how agricultural systems change over time and how science can support a more sustainable future.

08/07/2026

Sometimes, the key to coastal recovery is already beneath the surface. 🌱🌊

Researchers at FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute are studying a resilient native seagrass species that can persist as seeds beneath the sediment, then regenerate when environmental conditions improve.

After successfully growing and producing viable seeds in FAU Harbor Branch’s Seagrass Nursery, Ruppia maritima could offer a promising new approach to restoring damaged habitats in the Indian River Lagoon and other coastal ecosystems.

Learn how this small but mighty species could help reshape coastal restoration:

FAU Harbor Branch researchers found a resilient seagrass that survives environmental stress and regenerates from seeds, offering new hope for restoring degraded habitats in the Indian River Lagoon.

08/05/2026

🌱 Student researcher Holyn Hahn is getting hands-on experience in seagrass restoration.

Working alongside a large-scale restoration project focused on Zostera marina, a flowering marine plant commonly known as eelgrass, Holyn is studying how different cultivation techniques affect its growth and overall health. Her research examines indicators such as photosynthetic rates and carbon-to-nitrogen ratios.

Her work is helping researchers better understand how to cultivate healthier seagrass and strengthen restoration efforts.