Our Mission

Our Mission is ocean conservation through research and education.

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Conservation

Conservation

We strive to conserve endangered species by working with local partners to achieve conservation goals and engaging the public in the process.

Research

Research

Our research projects focus on fundamental questions about the natural world and the intricacies of how species interact with their environment.

Education

Education

Our core mission is to impart knowledge and provide experiences for youth to engage in meaningful marine science both in the classroom and in the field.

Thank you Ocean Reef Community Foundation for your support so we can continue our valuable work in the Florida Keys community! Don’t just take it from us, here is a testimonial from one of our students: 

“I really enjoyed my time there, and I was so grateful to get hands-on experience working with sharks and helping collect data. Being able to see firsthand what goes into shark research made my love for sharks grow even more. It was fascinating to learn how scientists gather information and use it to better understand and protect these animals.” 

How amazing is that?! We couldn’t do our work without the support of our amazing partners at Ocean Reef Community Foundation. 🦈💜

#marinescience #oceanreefcommunityfoundation #hesrtofocesnreef #reachingthefloridakeys #floridakeyssharkresearch

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Look who made the news!! We were SO excited to see our new intern Brooke featured in @faulabschools_research newsletter! We are so lucky to have you on our team- keep on shining ✨

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We recently welcomed Mike Sterling of the Orca Replica and the International SeaKeepers Society to our Florida Keys Shark Lab.

Mike generously donates the use of his vessel to support Ocean First Institute’s shark research, helping our team get into the field and collect important data on these incredible animals.

We’re grateful for partners who believe in the power of research and collaboration to create a healthier ocean. Thanks for visiting and for being part of the OFI story! 🦈💜

#sharkconservation #oceanfirstinstitute #theorcareplica #changethenarrative

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Today, we picked up a check from SCFD with hearts full of gratitude. 💙

Since 2020, SCFD has given Ocean First Institute something every small nonprofit needs: the stability to grow and the belief that there is a tomorrow.

Their support has helped us reach thousands of Coloradans with ocean conservation and, most importantly, hope. Hope means showing up and working toward a better future, even when we don’t know the outcome.

Thank you, SCFD, for helping make our work possible and giving us a foundation to thrive. We will never forget who helped us get here.  @scfd_co

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Support ocean conservation through research and education.

You are critical and essential in fulfilling our mission. Your donation assures Ocean First Institute can continue to engage in ground breaking research and educate the next generation of ocean ambassadors about the importance of our greatest natural resource and its interconnectedness to all life on the planet.