Our Mission
Our Mission is ocean conservation through research and education.
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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.
The Go Blue Sponsor Reception last night was beyond incredible! Dr.Mikki had a chat about her history with the Loggerhead Marinelife Center and current shark research with an incredible audience in Florida!
Tonight, Dr.Mikki McComb-Kobza will accept the 2026 Eleanor Fletcher Lifetime Achievement Award at the Go Blue Award Ceremony. Last night was a great way to kick off the celebration with friends both new and old. Thank you to the incredible supporters and sponsors of such a fantastic event!
#goblueawards #sponsorreception #loggerheadmarinelifecenter #oceanconservation
Want to know how I got these scars? 🤡
Yes... We actually do! Body markings have been studied on many marine species- mostly marine mammals (looking at you bottlenose dolphins!). Yet, no global catalogue exists for sharks! Scientists Joseph Fotso, D.J. Madigan, our very own Dr. Mikki McComb-Kobza, A.L Newton, R.E. Hueter, B.R. Franks, Brett McBride, G.C. Fisher and N.E Hussey decided to change that by conducting a case study using one epic shark- the white shark! 🦈
Some interesting findings have emerged as a result of building this framework, notably that old and new scars can be identified using a combination of BRUV (Baited Remote Underwater Video) technology and above-water assessments during routine tagging practices.
What makes this research exciting is that body markings can help scientists identify individual sharks, it can help compare scarring patterns globally, and it can give a deeper understanding of what role predator-prey interactions have when it comes to wounds, scarring and healing. There is so much still to learn! Research made possible by OCEARCH and NSERC Discovery.
Read the Scientific Paper:
Fotso J, Madigan D.J, McComb-Kobza, DM, et al. (2026) Prey-inflicted interactions in aquatic ecosystems: a framework to quantify body marking patterns on marine fauna with a case study on the white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) in Atlantic Canada. Wildlife Research. 53. WR25038. doi:10.1071/WR25038
#sharkscience #oceanresearch #sharkresearchers #whitesharks #oceanfirstinstitute
Rays and their close relatives, sharks, have roamed our planet for hundreds of millions of years, yet there’s still so much to discover! From how long they live and when they reach maturity to the incredible distances they travel, these remarkable animals hold many scientific mysteries.
Did you know that our Ray Ecology course explores the biology, history, and ecological importance of rays while challenging common misconceptions about these often misunderstood animals? Discover what makes rays unique, where they live, how they interact with humans, and why they play such an important role in aquatic ecosystems thanks to our amazing support from SSI.
#RayEcology #SharkAndRayConservation #MarineScience #OceanConservation #SSI
Clive continues on to say “Despite all of the harm plastic causes, it is undeniably useful. The best way to move forward remains unclear, but new innovation will surely help.” We couldn’t have said it better ourselves!
Students like Clive are exploring Colorado’s front range waterways to understand the presence and prevalence of microplastics. The Microplastics program is made possible thanks to our generous supporters at SCFD and the New York Community Trust. If you’re a Colorado teacher or high school student that would like to get involved, visit our link in the bio to book one of our Microplastics Workshops in your local community.
#Microplastics #COMicroplastics #OceanFirstInstitute #SCFD #NewYorkCommunityTrust
A magical night with our friends at Fins Attached for their annual gala! We love supporting partners that share our mission of conservation, research, and education. A special heartfelt thank you to Dr.Alex Antoniou for his leadership, Dr.Mauricio Hoyos for his tireless effort to save sharks, and of course honoring Rob Stewart’s legacy. To all the friends that said hello to us- thank you. To all the friends that supported Fins Attached- thank you. The work we do together matters, we must work together to support each other and save the animals that we so deeply love.
Thank You. 💜🦈
#finsattached #finssttachedgala #sharkconservation #oceanfirstinstitute
This past weekend, our CEO and Chief Scientist Dr.Mikki McComb-Kobza delivered a presentation at the Fins Attached Gala. We celebrated sharks with our longtime partners and friends, shared scientific wins regarding our Cocos Islands shark research, and connected Coloradans and bison lovers to the powerful ocean predators that follow in their footsteps.
We cannot wait to continue to celebrate the work of the team at Fins Attached and the incredible Dr.Mauricio Hoyos and Dr. Alex Antoniou. We will honor and remember Rob Stewart and the legacy he leaves behind. Together we are the voices for the sharks and will continue to be.
#finsattachedgala #finsattached #sharkconservation #coloradoconservationpartners #oceanfirstinstitute
Support ocean conservation through research and education.
You are critical and essential in fulfilling our mission. Your donation assures Ocean First Institute can continue to engage in ground breaking research and educate the next generation of ocean ambassadors about the importance of our greatest natural resource and its interconnectedness to all life on the planet.
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Please join us for an extraordinary evening in support of our friends Fins Attached Marine Research And Conservation ...
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Twelve years ago, Ocean First Institute began with a simple idea: that research, conservation, education and community engagement could help create a healthier ocean. Today, that idea has grown into 12 years of research, fieldwork, education, partnerships, and countless moments that have reminded us why this work matters.
From studying sharks in the Florida Keys and collecting water samples across the Front Range, to putting students in the field, and sharing the stories of the ocean with communities around the world- every project has been another piece of the journey. This reinforces our commitment to ocean conservation through research and education.
#12years #oceanfirstinstitute #oceanconservation #sharkconservation ...
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Celebrating the Life of Rob Stewart. His Legacy Continues
The Saving Our Seas from a Mile High gala will be an inspiring evening dedicated to ocean conservation, shark protection, and marine research. Hosted by Fins Attached, the event brings together ocean advocates, scientists, conservation leaders, and supporters who share a commitment to protecting our oceans for future generations. The gala highlights critical conservation projects, groundbreaking shark and marine research, and community-driven efforts to preserve fragile marine ecosystems around the world. Guests experience an unforgettable evening of storytelling, education, and purpose, all focused on creating lasting change for the ocean.
The Gala Details: Your ticket includes your choice of meal, open bar, and free parking.
Get your tickets now before they run out.
finsattached.betterworld.org/events/saving-our-seas-mile-high-2026
ONE OCEAN WORLDWIDE COALITION Ocean First Institute A-1 Scuba + Diventures Sharkwater Fin Free Pelagios Kakunjá Salty Sharks Uprising Denver Divers DiveWet.com Ocean Blue Tree Tamara Glover Elite Divers Shearwater DOXA Roland St John Rocío Pérez Ocean First ...
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