Our Mission
The mission of Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute Foundation, Inc. (HBOIF) is to support the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, a research institute within Florida Atlantic University.
HBOIF provides funding and support for research and education in marine sciences and ocean engineering. Our goal is to support FAU's Harbor Branch as it increases understanding of oceans and coastal areas through exploration and scientific investigation.
Specialty License Plates
Aquaculture
Did you know that half of the seafood we eat comes from aquaculture, also known as fish farming? Fish, clams, shrimp and plants are items grown for food and for restocking overfished areas. The Aquaculture license plate, designed by marine wildlife artist and conservationist Guy Harvey, supports the research that Harbor Branch scientists do to advance the industry, like testing land-based culture methods that reuse water and limit waste while growing healthy and safe seafood.
($25 plus registration fees)
Protect Florida Whales
Several whale species can be found in Florida waters, including the most endangered of all great whales: the North Atlantic right whale. Designed by marine life artist Wyland, the Protect Florida Whales plate supports protection of these endangered species through public education and conservation. Plate proceeds also fund Harbor Branch’s 24/7 emergency response for whales that become stranded.
($25 plus registration fees)
Protect Wild Dolphins
The Protect Wild Dolphins plate, designed by marine artist Steve Diossy, enables 24/7 emergency response for dolphins that become stranded or entangled in fishing gear or other items foreign to the oceans or estuary ecosystems. Harbor Branch’s marine mammal teams also conduct a variety of studies to help understand dolphin health, life history, and the environment where they live.
($20 plus registration fees)
Save Our Seas
The Guy Harvey-designed Save Our Seas license plate funds Harbor Branch’s research on Florida’s waters and coral reefs. Harbor Branch scientists investigate the health of coastal waterways by utilizing a network of automated water quality measurement stations that allow researchers and the public to track conditions in popular boating and swimming spots.
($25 plus registration fees)
BUY YOUR PLATE TODAY AT YOUR LOCAL TAX COLLECTOR’S OFFICE OR ONLINE HERE
People should treat the ocean
like we do anything else that we care about —
with consideration, with care, & affection.
That's it. For that we must educate.— Walter Munk
In the News
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HBOIF ANNOUNCES $1 MILLION IN FUNDING FOR SEAGRASS RESTORATION
The Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute Foundation (HBOIF) is pleased to announce an important and much needed $1 million grant to FAU Harbor Branch for a large-scale seagrass restoration project in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL).
Read More Here! -
STATEMENT OF HARBOR BRANCH OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTE FOUNDATION ON FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY APPEAL TO FLORIDA SUPREME COURT
After six years of litigation, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute Foundation (the Foundation) is disappointed that Florida Atlantic University (FAU) has chosen yet again to appeal another adverse court ruling against FAU.
Read the HBOIF Press Release -
2025 JOHN & BARBARA FERRERA OCEAN SCIENCE LECTURE SERIES
The John & Barbara Ferrera Ocean Science Lecture Series provides a forum for the community to learn about FAU Harbor Branch’s most recent discoveries directly from the scientists and engineers who make them.
Click here to learn more -
FAU’S HARBOR BRANCH INDIAN RIVER LAGOON TOUR BOAT
Funded by another grant from the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute Foundation!
Book your tour here!
