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.
What became Florida Keys Shark Lab started years ago in the field with long days, small boats, big questions, and a lot of dedication. This Earth Day, we’re excited to see the next chapter take shape. 🦈💜
#EarthDay #FloridaKeysSharkLab #sharks #logoreveal #oceanfirstinstitute
That’s a wrap! 🎬 The 5th Annual Microplastics Summit at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science was a great success!
Thank you to the Colorado community of educators, students, and learners of all ages for joining us in another memorable celebration of microplastic solutions. We were thrilled to award 5th grade student Brendan with our inaugural Student Spotlight award for his work with @troutunlimited to study macroinvertebrates in Colorado waterways.
Thank you to our partners at Centeral Colorado Water Conservancy, @groundwork_denver and @mountaintopbreck for showing up to teach the kiddos all about actions they can take in their homes to make an impact.
A special thank you to @scfd_co for the support as well as our incredible collaborators at @denvermuseumns of which this program would not be possible! 👏👏👏
We were honored to have so many volunteers support us this year and look forward to inspiring many more with tiny plastics BIG solutions! 🔬💕🎉
There’s nothing quite like watching the ocean come to you…
Deploying our 360° BRUVs off Cocos Island and suddenly—silvertip sharks glide into frame, curious and confident, circling and following the camera like they know something is up.
But here’s what makes this unreal—
because it’s 360°, we follow them back.
As the shark moves, we move with it… turning, tracking, staying right in the moment. It’s not just footage—you’re in it.
This is exactly why we do this.
Baited remote underwater video systems draw animals in, giving us a rare window into how sharks move through and investigate their environment—capturing interactions we’d almost never see otherwise. And sometimes… it turns into moments like this.
Thanks to @finsattached for supporting the expedition done under research permit
#CocosIsland #SharkScience #BRUVS #SilvertipShark #OceanFirstInstitute
Microplastics aren’t just an ocean issue. Scientists are studying them in Colorado waterways too.
Learn more at the Microplastics Summit on April 11, 2026
Free with admission at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. The summit is free with museum general admission on that day: 🔗in bio and at https://www.dmns.org/purchase/tickets/
Program presented by @OceanFirstInstitute in collaboration with @scfd_co and @denvermuseumns
#DenverMicroplasticsSummit #MicroplasticsSummit2026 #microplastics
Skadoosh! These swimmer crabs were caught on camera Kung Fu Fighting making our BRUV their kwoon. This BRUV is one of the cameras we deployed in the ocean by Cocos Island, Costa Rica. These crabs are super cool because they have a fifth pair of legs that act like paddles helping them to swim fast in the ocean. Their claws (also called pincers) are no joke- and are often used for protection, communication, and attracting mates. 🦀
Crabs have exoskeletons which act like a type of armor protecting all the soft inner body parts. This padding is like a special body protection which is made up of calcium carbonate - the same thing our bodies and teeth have! Some crab species have one really large pincer such as the fiddler crab. Instead of Kung Fu masters we would imagine they’d be more like boxing champions. Float like a crab, sting like a pincer! 💥
We love that BRUVs can observe the ocean world without human interference. We simply set up a camera and check on it later and often get crystal clear footage of creatures in their habitat. “Your mind is like this water my friend. When it is agitated, it becomes difficult to see. But if you allow it to settle, the answer becomes clear.” - Master Oogway
📍Observed at Cocoa Island, Costa Rica
#BRUV #Crab #KungFu #Crab #SwimmerCrabs
Each year the United Nation (UN) celebrates World Water Day- bringing awareness to the global water crisis. This year in 2026, The UN is focused on water and women. According to UN data, women and girls spend around 250 million hours per day on water collection in 53 countries. One key message is that women must shape the future of water using their leadership and voices.
Here at Ocean First Institute we are celebrating by providing FREE programs to youth to understand the impacts of microplastics in drinking water- giving young girls access to science and advocacy opportunities. If your local high school or girl scout troop would like us to bring our workshop to your space in the Florida Keys, Boca Raton, or the Denver Front Range head over to the link in our bio to register or join us in Denver on April 11th for our FREE Microplastics Summit. (🔗Link In Bio)
Together, we can bring awareness to the importance of clean drinking water and empowerment of women in STEM.
Read more about the UN World Water Day: un.org/en/observances/water-day
underwater.org/bethechange/
#WorldWaterDay #WaterIsLife #CleanWaterForAll #BeTheChange #SDG6
If you needed proof that the ocean is basically Mean Girls, here it is. New research has officially confirmed that bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas) form BFF bonds, and they are VERY selective about their circle.
For years, many thought sharks were solitary loners, but a 6-year study in Fiji by shark researcher Dr. Natasha Marosi @sharkdusoleil and her team discovered they have rich, complex social lives. And guess what? Both male and female bull sharks actively prefer hanging out with females. Adult sharks are especially social, often sticking with others their size, while younger sharks sometimes rely on older ones to learn the ropes. It’s giving “you can’t swim with us.” 🦈💅
Bull sharks show their social interactions and preferences by parallel swimming or displaying lead-follow behaviors. They are actively choosing their companions and avoiding rivals. I’m obsessed.
Tag the shark BFF you would parallel swim with. 👯♀️Are you a social queen or trying to get into the VIP section? The ocean is full of connections we’re only just beginning to understand—and protect.
📍Observed at the Shark Reef Marine Reserve in Fiji @fijisharklab
📊Read the Scientific Paper:
Natasha D. Marosi, Samuel Ellis, David M.P. Jacoby, Juerg M. Brunnschweiler, Darren P. Croft. Rolling in the deep: drivers of social preferences and social interactions within a bull shark aggregation in Fiji. Animal Behaviour, 2026; 123511 DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2026.123511
#SharkScience #sharkbff #SharkFacts #OceanConservation #BullShark
🔎 Hidden plastics, Real science
Save the date for April 11, 2026 for our 5th Annual Microplastics Summit taking place at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science!
Free event tickets are available by following the link in the bio! 🔗
Program presented by @Ocean First Institute in collaboration with @SCFD_CO and @DenverMuseums
#DenverMicroplasticsSummit #MicroplasticsSummit2026 #ToDoDenver #fypDenver #DenverFamilyActivities
We’re giving you a glimpse of what we saw on the BRUV cameras at Cocos Islands in Costa Rica. This beautiful Tiger Shark is just one of many species using this important corridor. BRUV underwater cameras help us identify species, understand movement patterns, and protect critical ocean pathways.
🦈🫶A fantastic shark research expedition conducted alongside our friends and funders at Fins Attached. @finsattached
All research done work under SINAC Resolution permit # R-SINAC-SE-DT-PI-012-2025
#sharkscience #BRUVS #CocosIsland #SharkConservation
White Shark spotted in Islamorada! 🦈👀
While yellowtail fishing in the Florida Keys, Dr. Fredric (Rick) Barrows and his family had the experience of a lifetime when a White Shark cruised by their boat. Calm, curious, and absolutely magnificent. Moments like this remind us that we share the ocean with some truly remarkable wildlife.
Watching this White Shark glide through the water is a beautiful example of how people can enjoy the ocean while still respecting the animals that call it home. Encounters like this inspire awe, appreciation, and a deeper commitment to protecting these incredible creatures. Just listen to the audio in this video- you can hear the genuine excitement of this experience.
Video credit: William Barrows and those at Keys Feeds.
Thank you for sharing this unforgettable sighting with us- we’re only a little jealous!
#WhiteShark #Islamorada #OceanFirstInstitute #SharksNearMe #SharkLove
Microplastics are being found in oceans, rivers… and even our drinking water.
Curious what that means for Colorado?
Join us at the FREE Microplastics Summit on April 11th at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science to hear from scientists, explore hands-on exhibits, and meet organizations working to protect our waterways.
Bring your curiosity and your questions.
🎟️ Tickets are free but space is limited — reserve yours through the link in our bio!
#freethingstodoindenver #DenverEvents #SCFD #denvermuseumofnatureandscience #environmentaleducation
🦈 Dream job for a shark scientist? We’re hiring.
Ocean First Institute is hiring a Director of Science to help lead our shark research and conservation programs.
This hands-on leadership role includes leading shark research and field expeditions, satellite tagging, BRUVs, and other cutting-edge science, while also managing our analytical lab in Boca Raton and mentoring the next generation of ocean scientists.
We’re looking for a passionate marine scientist ready to make a real impact for sharks and ocean conservation.
👉 Full job description and application details in the link in bio
Please share with anyone in your network who might be a great fit.
#SharkScience #MarineBiologyJobs #OceanJobs #SharkConservation #MarineScience OceanConservation ScienceJobs OceanFirstInstitute
Photos from Wahoo Bay's post ... See MoreSee Less
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The Impact Continues…
ACW carries forward through our Community Grant partners and the important work taking place across the Upper Keys, Homestead, and Florida City.
Last year, Ocean First Institute used its $10,000 Community Grant to expand Marine Science Education in partnership with Upper Keys schools. Show your support by watching, liking, and sharing.
You can watch more of our Grantee Spotlights here >>
oceanreefcommunityfoundation.org/2025-grantee-spotlight/
And you can learn more about Ocean First Institute here: www.oceanfirstinstitute.org/ ... See MoreSee Less
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For more than 30 years, the Disney Conservation Fund has supported conservation efforts globally, combining philanthropic grants and Disney expertise to take meaningful action for a healthier planet. 🌍💚
📷: Proyecto Titi, Bruce D. Taubert/Bat Conservation International, Monarch Joint Venture, Save the Elephants, Ocean First Institute, Wildlife Conservation Network ... See MoreSee Less
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Panama has proposed including three thresher shark species (Pelagic thresher, the Bigeye thresher, and the Common thresher) on CMS Appendix I. 🦈
The pelagic thresher shark (𝘈𝘭𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘢𝘴 𝘱𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘴) is globally classified as Endangered, with a decreasing population trend. It moves between Central America and the Gulf of California. It is the smallest of the thresher sharks and females produce only two very large pups.
Unsustainable target and bycatch fisheries, especially longlines and gillnets, are its principal threat, alongside pressure from the shark fin trade.
Read the #CMSCOP15 proposal in 3 languages: www.cms.int/document/30212-proposal-inclusion-pelagic-thresher-alopias-pelagicus-bigeye-thresher-... ... See MoreSee Less
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If you needed proof that the ocean is basically Mean Girls, here it is. New research has officially confirmed that bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas) form BFF bonds, and they are VERY selective about their circle.
For years, many thought sharks were solitary loners, but a 6-year study in Fiji by shark researcher Dr. Natasha Marosi and her team discovered they have rich, complex social lives. And guess what? Both male and female bull sharks actively prefer hanging out with females. Adult sharks are especially social, often sticking with others their size, while younger sharks sometimes rely on older ones to learn the ropes. It’s giving “you can’t swim with us.” 💅🦈
Bull sharks show their social interactions and preferences by parallel swimming or displaying lead-follow behaviors. They are actively choosing their companions and avoiding rivals. I’m obsessed. 💕
Tag the shark BFF you would parallel swim with. 👯♀️Are you a social queen or trying to get into the VIP section? The ocean is full of connections we’re only just beginning to understand—and protect.
📍Observed at the Shark Reef Marine Reserve in Fiji
Read the Scientific Paper:
Natasha D. Marosi, Samuel Ellis, David M.P. Jacoby, Juerg M. Brunnschweiler, Darren P. Croft. Rolling in the deep: drivers of social preferences and social interactions within a bull shark aggregation in Fiji. Animal Behaviour, 2026; 123511 DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2026.123511
#SharkScience #sharkbff #SharkFacts #OceanConservation #BullShark ... See MoreSee Less
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Please spread the word of our FREE Microplastics Summit event taking place April 11th at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Please acquire your FREE ticket to the event by following this link: FreeMicroplasticsSummit.eventbrite.com ... See MoreSee Less
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While yellowtail fishing in the Florida Keys, Dr. Fredric (Rick) Barrows and his family had the experience of a lifetime when a White Shark cruised by their boat. Calm, curious, and absolutely magnificent. Moments like this remind us that we share the ocean with some truly remarkable wildlife.
Watching this White Shark glide through the water is a beautiful example of how people can enjoy the ocean while still respecting the animals that call it home. Encounters like this inspire awe, appreciation, and a deeper commitment to protecting these incredible creatures. Just listen to the audio in this video- you can hear the genuine excitement of this experience.
Video credit: William Barrows and those at Keys Feeds.
Thank you for sharing this unforgettable sighting with us- we’re only a little jealous!
#WhiteShark #Islamorada #OceanFirstInstitute #SharksNearMe #SharkLove ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Microplastics are being found in oceans, rivers… and even our drinking water.
Curious what that means for Colorado?
Join us at the FREE Microplastics Summit on April 11th at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science to hear from scientists, explore hands-on exhibits, and meet organizations working to protect our waterways.
Bring your curiosity and your questions.
🎟️ Tickets are free but space is limited — reserve yours at FreeMicroplasticsSummit.eventbrite.com
#FreeColoradoEvents #SCFD #Microplastics #DenverEvents
Scientific & Cultural Facilities District - SCFD Denver Museum of Nature & Science ... See MoreSee Less
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