About Florida Oceanographic Society

Florida Oceanographic Society is a non-profit organization founded in 1964 with the mission to inspire environmental stewardship of Florida’s coastal ecosystems through education, research, and advocacy.  The Florida Oceanographic Society is leading efforts in research, monitoring and restoring habitats in South Florida, particularly in the southern portion of the Indian River Lagoon (IRL). Located in a biogeographical transition zone between tropical and temperate habitats, the IRL is North America’s most biodiverse estuary. The IRL is comprised of mangrove swamps, oyster and seagrass beds, sand and mud flats, and coral and worm reefs and is home to more than 4,300 species of plants and animals, including 36 rare and endangered species.

The Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center, operated by the Florida Oceanographic Society, provides a natural learning environment for public and private groups. Centered around Florida’s marine life and local coastal ecosystems, they help guests of all ages build skills that promote interpretation, understanding, and conservation of our natural resources.

Each year, the Education Department at Florida Oceanographic Society educates thousands of students from around our community and around the globe with on-site field trip programs, Virtual Field Trips, in-school outreach programs, summer camps, and special educational activities. Under the leadership of our Director of Education, Dr. Zack Jud, we continually upgrade our offerings to meet Florida’s tough standards for excellence.

Learn more about Florida’s coastal ecosystems and the animals that call them home by selecting an activity below!