Our Mission
Our Mission is ocean conservation through research and education.
Learn more about what we do
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Conservation
We strive to conserve endangered species by working with local partners to achieve conservation goals and engaging the public in the process.
Research
Our research projects focus on fundamental questions about the natural world and the intricacies of how species interact with their environment.
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.
Storytelling has the power to inspire action—and we’re honored to be part of it.
Join Ocean First Institute at the Boulder Environmental Nature Outdoors Film Festival as we celebrate powerful stories that reconnect us with our oceans, wildlife, and the natural world. Through film, conversation, and community, we can inspire the next generation of conservationists and create lasting change.
We hope to see you there! Film buffs, nature lovers, ocean admirers and everyone in between!
🔗Link in Bio to purchase tickets
#BoulderENOFF #ConservationThroughStorytelling #OceanFirstInstitute #OceanConservation
Shark Field Course #3 is in the books! 🦈
Another unforgettable week in the Florida Keys with an incredible group of students learning what shark science really looks like—long days on the water, teamwork, curiosity, and hands-on conservation.
This week we safely captured and studied 11 sharks, collecting data that will help us better understand and protect these incredible animals.
Thank you to every student who brought your energy, passion, and willingness to learn. Watching the next generation of shark scientists grow is one of the greatest parts of this work.
On to the next adventure!
A huge shoutout to our partners who help make it all possible!@marinelabkeylargo @oceanfirstkeylargo
Applications for future Ocean First Institute Shark Field Courses are coming soon!
#SharkFieldCourse #SharkScience #OceanFirstInstitute #SharkConservation
And just like that… we are officially SOLD OUT for the Galapagos! 🐢🐧🦈
The response was absolutely unreal, and we’re still pinching ourselves. To everyone who snagged a spot: pack your bags, because we’re heading to one of the most magical places on Earth.
Didn’t make the cut this time? Send an email to info@oceanfirstinstitute.org to get first dibs on our next adventure. Trust us, you won’t want to miss what we’re planning next. 🦈💜✈️
#GalapagosIslands #SoldOut #OceanFirstInstituteExpeditions #BucketListTravel
Week 2 of our Summer 2026 Shark Field Course is in the books, and this all-female squad absolutely dominated the Florida Keys!
From sunrise to sunset, these incredible women stepped into the role of shark scientists and didn’t miss a beat. They mastered every single aspect of field research—preparing bait, deploying drumlines, analyzing BRUV footage, and collecting critical data on a rocking boat. Their teamwork, precision, and passion proved that the future of marine science is bright (and fiercely female). 💪💜 🦈
We are endlessly proud of Class 2 and their massive contributions to the Ocean First Institute Florida Keys Shark Lab’s ongoing research. Watch out, marine science world—these shark advocates are just getting started!
All Ocean First Institute Florida Keys Shark Lab research is conducted with relevant permits and under the supervision and guidance of trained shark research professionals.
Interested students should join Ocean First Institute’s newsletter to stay updated on current work and future program openings.
(A huge shout-out to our incredible male assistants and boat captains who worked tirelessly alongside us this week to keep everyone safe and supported. We love our collaborative, all-hands-on-deck OFI community!!!)
#OFIfloridakeyssharklab #SharkResearch #WomenInSTEM #WomenInMarineScience #SharkScience
One of the most emotional moments of our Shark Field Course happened while reviewing footage from our BRUV (Baited Remote Underwater Video) cameras.
Suddenly, a large female Great Hammerhead Shark appeared on the screen.
With her broad head and noticeably full belly, we believe she may be pregnant, though that cannot be confirmed from video alone. Watching this magnificent, critically endangered shark slowly circle our camera left our students and research team speechless. Then came the cheers, the excitement, and yes, even a few tears.
These are the moments that remind us why research, education, and conservation matter. Great hammerheads still swim in Florida’s waters, but their future depends on the choices we make today.
Every shark sighting is a reminder that there is still time to protect these incredible animals.
All research activities, including BRUV deployments, were conducted under the appropriate research permits.
#GreatHammerhead #SharkConservation #FloridaKeys #BRUV #OceanFirstInstitute SharkResearch MarineScience ConservationInAction FLKeysSharkLab
‼️5 spots left! ‼️
Join Ocean First Institute and the Katie Adamson Conservation Fund for the adventure of a lifetime as we explore one of the most extraordinary wildlife destinations on Earth. Observe iconic species such as blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, and Galapagos penguins- and, if we’re lucky, snorkel alongside hammerhead sharks! This isn’t just a vacation- it’s an opportunity to experience the islands that inspired generations of scientists, conservationists, and explorers. The best part? We’ll be there during Charles Darwin’s birthday! 🐢
You’ll travel alongside our team of wildlife and conservation experts as we uncover marine conservation stories that make the Galapagos one of the world’s most extraordinary destinations. Are you ready to stand where Darwin stood and experience the wonder of the Galapagos for yourself? We hope you’ll secure your spot today by sending an email to info@oceanfirstinstitute.org
#OceanFirstInstitute #GalapagosIslands #MarineConservation #katieadamsonconservationfund
Only 8 spots remain for our Galapagos Expedition, and we expect them to fill quickly.
Join Ocean First Institute and the Katie Adamson Conservation Fund for the adventure of a lifetime as we explore one of the most extraordinary wildlife destinations on Earth. Observe iconic species such as blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, and Galapagos penguins- and, if we’re lucky, snorkel alongside hammerhead sharks! This isn’t just a vacation- it’s an opportunity to experience the islands that inspired generations of scientists, conservationists, and explorers. The best part? We’ll be there during Charles Darwin’s birthday! 🐢
You’ll travel alongside our team of wildlife and conservation experts as we uncover marine conservation stories that make the Galapagos one of the world’s most extraordinary destinations. Are you ready to stand where Darwin stood and experience the wonder of the Galapagos for yourself? We hope you’ll secure your spot today by sending an email to info@oceanfirstinstitute.org
#OceanFirstInstitute #GalapagosIslands #MarineConservation #katieadamsonconservationfund
Our first 2026 Shark Field Course of the Summer has come to a close! We had the most amazing time teaching students how to conduct shark research using BRUVs and Drumline techniques. Students learned every aspect of the role of a shark scientist. From preparing bait to balancing on a rocking boat, measuring sharks to collecting water samples- they did it all (and absolutely crushed it). We are so proud of Class 1 and all they accomplished in supporting Ocean First Institute Florida Keys Shark Lab’s ongoing research. We cannot wait to see what amazing things these shark advocates will do. 💜🦈
All Ocean First Institute Florida Keys Shark Lab research is conducted with relevant permits and under the supervision and guidance of trained shark research professionals. Interested students should join Ocean First Institute’s newsletter to stay updated on current work and future program openings.
#OFIfloridakeyssharklab #SharkResearch #undergradresearch #sharkscience
What’s it like conducting shark research? 🦈 Well… you spend a lot of time waiting to catch the sharks! It takes patience to do this kind of science, but once you catch a shark it’s go-time and you have to work as fast and as safely as possible.
Here you can see our team releasing a nurse shark back to her home with our partners at @katieadamsonconservationfund
All work was conducted under Belize Fisheries Department MBEMC scientific research permit number 0044-26
#GoSlow #YouBetterBelizeIt #KACF #OceanConservation #sharkresearch
When we say the Belize expedition was amazing, don’t just take our word for it! Listen to these testimonials from a few of our Shark Research Expedition participants.🦈🇧🇿 What an amazing opportunity to connect people from all over to the ocean and show why sharks matter.
All work was conducted under Belize Fisheries Department MBEMC scientific research permit number 0044-26
#GoSlow #YouBetterBelizeIt #KACF #OceanConservation #sharkresearch
Ocean First Institute is thrilled to announce that we’ve received another grant from The PNC Foundation! We hope you will join us in celebrating this news by dropping a party emoji in the comments 🎉🎉🎉🎉
#pncfoundation #BocaRaton #FloridaEducation #marinescienceprogram
Dave Johnson of the @katieadamsonconservationfund shares his reason for loving sharks with us. We were honored to tag several nurse sharks over Mothers Day and name them after a few special mothers including Terry. 🦈💜
All work was conducted under Belize Fisheries Department MBEMC scientific research permit number 0044-26
#GoSlow #YouBetterBelizeIt #KACF #OceanConservation #sharkresearch
Goose Creek Cleanup Presented by Boulder
ENOFF in Collaboration with the City of Boulder!
With deep gratitude, Boulder ENOFF would like to thank the City of Boulder and Boulder Parks & Recreation for welcoming us as the presenting organization for the Goose Creek Cleanup on July 11, 2026, and for creating such a meaningful opportunity to bring our community together in service of the land, water, wildlife, and the shared spaces we all depend on. 💚
We are especially thankful to the City of Boulder Parks & Recreation team, as well as the Safe and Managed Public Spaces (SAMPS) team, for supporting our volunteers, helping ensure safety along the creek, and making this community cleanup possible. Their partnership allowed Boulder ENOFF to connect our mission of environmental storytelling, community action, and care for the natural world with hands on stewardship. We are honored to be part of such a dedicated and caring community.
The turnout was incredible! More than 60 volunteers came together to care for Goose Creek, removing an astonishing 647 pounds of trash and recyclables from the creekside area. Among the debris recovered was even a television, a powerful reminder of the difference a committed community can make in just one morning.
A special thank you to Rayback Collective for hosting our volunteers and providing a welcoming space for gathering, conversation, and celebration after the cleanup. Their hospitality helped make the day not only productive, but joyful and community centered.
We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to the organizations and community partners who supported Boulder ENOFF and this cleanup, including our valued sponsors Ocean First Institute, Twig Hair Salon , Rocky Mountain Feline Rescue, Mindful Works, Floral Bumblebee, Reef Healers, and REI. Your support helps make community stewardship events like this possible.
To everyone who volunteered, hauled trash, promoted the cleanup, shared our festival, supported our sponsors, or helped make the morning possible, thank you! Together, we restored a small but meaningful piece of Boulder's living landscape, and we are excited to carry that spirit forward into this year's Boulder Environmental / Nature / Outdoors Film Festival, taking place July 16 through July 19 at the Dairy Arts Center! We hope to see you there 🏔️🦈🐳✨🐘🌊🌼
With gratitude,
Richard Paradise
Festival Director
Madeline Brooke
Assistant Director
#goosecreekcleanup
#ProtectTheLandYouLove
#cityofboulder
#bouldercolorado
#oceanfirstinstitute #rockymountainfelinerescue
#twighairsalon
#benoff
#volunteer #thereisnoplanetb
#CommunityCleanup
#StewardshipMatters
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Join Ocean First Institute at the Boulder Environmental Nature Outdoors Film Festival as we celebrate powerful stories that reconnect us with our oceans, wildlife, and the natural world. Through film, conversation, and community, we can inspire the next generation of conservationists and create lasting change.
The 2026 Boulder Environmental Nature Outdoors Film Festival will take place July 16–19 at the Dairy Arts Center in Boulder, marking our eighth year of programming at this venue. Each year, we welcome more than 1,000 passionate attendees, including world-renowned filmmakers, world-travelers, change-makers, conservationists, scientists, environmental advocates, educators, outdoor enthusiasts, philanthropists, and more!
We invite you to join us in celebrating the power of storytelling to inspire conservation, connection, and positive change.
View the 2026 Film Program: www.dailycamera.com/2026/06/26/2026-boulder-environmental-nature-outdoors-film-festival/
Purchase Tickets Here: thedairy.org/benoff/
Learn more about Boulder ENOFF here:
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Join our partners at Ocean First and Boulder Environmental Nature Outdoors Film Festival (BENOFF) for a Goode Creek Clean Up event happening TOMORROW at 9:00AM! ... See MoreSee Less
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Beyond grateful for Ocean Reef Community Foundation grant that supports our outreach education programs in Key Largo, Homestead, and Florida City! Our project advances marine research training and expands scientist development, providing both middle and high school students with valuable field data experiences. We express our deepest gratitude to the Ocean Reef Community Foundation for supporting our mission of ocean conservation through research and education.
This opportunity is going to transform the lives of South Floridians, showing that anyone can become a marine scientist and protect sharks! Thank you!
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