Ocean First Institute conducts shark research at the Florida Keys Shark Lab.
Ocean First Institute conducts shark research, conservation, and education through the Florida Keys Shark Lab, a field-based program dedicated to understanding and protecting shark populations in one of North America’s most important marine ecosystems.
Our research focuses on the abundance, distribution, movement, and habitat use of sharks and rays throughout the Florida Keys. By combining long-term monitoring with innovative technologies, we are building a clearer understanding of how these species use coastal habitats and how they respond to environmental change.
The Florida Keys Shark Lab utilizes a variety of non-invasive research tools, including Baited Remote Underwater Video Systems (BRUVS), environmental DNA (eDNA), drones, and satellite tagging. These approaches allow us to document shark diversity, identify critical habitats, monitor population trends, and better understand the movements of highly migratory species.
Current projects include a multi-year assessment of shark abundance and distribution throughout the Florida Keys and the Disney Conservation Fund-supported Great Hammerhead Shark Project. Through satellite tagging and habitat research, this project seeks to better understand the movements and conservation needs of one of the ocean’s most iconic predators.
The Florida Keys Shark Lab also serves as a training center for the next generation of marine scientists and conservationists. University students, interns, volunteers, and participants in our Shark Research Field Courses gain hands-on experience with modern research techniques while contributing to meaningful conservation science.
By integrating research, education, and community engagement, the Florida Keys Shark Lab generates scientific knowledge that helps guide conservation decisions and inspires stewardship of sharks and the ecosystems they support.