Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute

Inspiring New Beluga Research Partnership We're excited to announce a transformative partnership with Oceanogràfic Aquarium in Spain, studying two resilient belugas, Plombir and Miranda, who were rescued from Ukraine. Their relocation from a dolphinarium in Kharkiv provides us with a rare opportunity to study vocal learning—a phenomenon scarcely observed in social mammals. Housed previously with bottlenose dolphins, these belugas now join companions Kylu and Yulka (pictured), making this a fascinating exploration of how these intelligent animals adapt to new social calls and environments. This research has the potential to deepen our understanding of beluga communication and whale social systems while contributing to the improvement of rescue and rehabilitation for toothed whales globally. We're honored to be part of this global effort, bringing together expertise from across continents to advance marine science, conservation, and animal welfare. #MarineScience #BelugaResearch #OceanConservation #RescueAndResearch #HSWRI #GlobalPartnerships Photo Credit: Marc Doménech (Marketing y Comunicación, Avanqua Oceanogràfic S.L.)

Did you know? By purchasing a specialty Discover Florida's Oceans license plate, you directly support Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute’s Marine Mammal Stranding Response and our Indian River Lagoon Dolphin Ecology studies—crucial initiatives that help safeguard these incredible marine species. Your purchase also supports the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida's marine conservation efforts. Florida residents: Visit your local tax collector’s office today and make a difference with your plate purchase! Every plate funds critical research and rescue missions. Not in Florida? You can still help! Donate online to ensure we can continue protecting marine life and preserving ocean health. 🔗https://bit.ly/4dmcJGX #MarineConservation #DolphinSafety #WildlifeProtection #HSWRI #IndianRiverLagoon #MarineMammalRescue #DiscoverFloridasOceans #StrandingResponse #FloridaWildlife

Dolphin Entanglements on the Rise in Indian River Lagoon In the past 4 months, seven dolphins have become entangled, which could be associated with nutritional decline, yielding an increase in risky behaviors like approaching fishing lines if prey fish are limited. Our recent study found that anthropogenic trauma is a leading cause of mortality for lagoon dolphins, which is very concerning. Wendy Noke Durden, Co-Director of Marine Mammal Research & Rescue at Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute, emphasizes the urgency of reporting to ensure timely response. Please call the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission at 888-404-3922 if you see an entangled dolphin. Help protect our marine life! Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission FOX 35 Orlando, WOFL-TV #marinerescue #dolphinsafety #protectourlagoon #marinemammalrescue #hswri #StrandingResponse #indianriverlagoon #floridawildlife #marineconservation #WildlifeRescue

At Hubbs SeaWorld Research Institute, we're passionate about inspiring the next generation and fostering science education within our community! Recently, our dedicated team has been representing #HSWRI at events in California and Florida! Check out some of the events we've attended recently! ⁠ ⁠ 📷1️⃣: FL Scientists attending the 10th Annual Women in STEM - AIM High event at University of Central Florida. We met brilliant future #scientists and shared our experience during a dynamic panel discussion. ⁠ 📷2️⃣: CA staff attending Walter Munk Day at Kellogg Park in La Jolla Shores. Thanks to the Walter Munk Foundation for the Oceans for hosting such a wonderful event! ⁠ 📷3️⃣: FL staff attending Creature Fest at the Barrier Island Center highlighting their work protecting Indian River Lagoon dolphins ⁠ 📷4️⃣: CA staff attending the SAN DIEGO AG IN THE CLASSROOM Teacher Resource Fair at the San Diego Botanic Garden. We had a great time chatting with K-12 San Diego educators⁠ ⁠ Thanks to everyone who stopped by and chatted with us at these events! Keep an eye out for our team at a community event near you! ⁠ #MarineScience #STEM #WalterMunkDay #LaJollaShores #SustainableSeafood #Education #DolphinRescue #IndianRiverLagoon #WomenInSTEM

Our team recently performed health checks on a tank of California yellowtail broodstock. ⁠ ⁠ During this process, every fish received a thorough visual inspection to ensure optimal health. As part of the process, our team carefully measures and weighs each fish. This data helps us monitor their health and growth while in our tanks. ⁠ ⁠ Stay tuned for more updates on our efforts to support sustainable aquaculture! ⁠ #SustainableSeafood #aquaculture #HSWRI #yellowtail #californiayellowtail

Another fin-tastic Creature's Fest at the Barrier Island Center is in the books! We shared all about our dolphin and whale research, rescue and response efforts, and educated many kiddos (and adults) on how they can help keep Indian River Lagoon dolphins safe! 🐬🎃🍫 We're already looking forward to next year! #IndianRiverLagoon #MarineMammal #DolphinRescue #HSWRI #BarrierIslandCenter

🌊🐡🦞 October is National Seafood Month! ⁠ ⁠ At #HSWRI, we're dedicated to advancing sustainable seafood practices that prioritize both the health of our planet and the well being of future generations. Our Sustainable Seafood program focuses on innovative research that helps provide nutritious seafood while reducing the impact on our oceans. ⁠ ⁠ With a growing population, the need for responsibly produced #seafood has never been more important. We're proud to be a part of the national movement working to ensure seafood production meets the needs of people and the planet! 🌍🍽️🐠⁠ #NationalSeafoodMonth #SustainableSeafood #SeafoodForTheFuture #OceanConservation #Aquaculture #EatSustainably

Last week we spent some time with our friends at the MARINE DISCOVERY CENTER and shared our research with the Florida Master Naturalist Program’s Coastal Class. These students had so many great questions and gave us a great opportunity to reflect on the value of what we do. Thanks for having us! 🐬 #HSWRI #MarineScience #OceanConservation #MarineDiscovery #FloridaWildlife

🌊 Our Marine Mammal Stranding Team has been busy! Since June, we've responded to multiple live strandings, including a Gervais’ beaked whale & dwarf sperm whale, conducted 18 necropsies, and responded to 5 entanglements. Sometimes we get lucky and are able to catch an early morning rocket launch before a long day on the water! We extend a huge thank you to our dedicated team of #volunteers that have logged over 1,200 hours helping us respond to stranded, injured, & entangled #dolphins and whales for 138 miles of coastline and estuarine waters. 🐬🚀 #MarineMammalRescue #HSWRI #StrandingResponse #IndianRiverLagoon

We're excited to share a few more highlights from hosting the 7th International Billfish Symposium last week! The symposium fostered meaningful discussions on the status of billfish populations worldwide, the urgent need for more research, and the impacts of climate change and fishing on these species. It was a powerful reminder that coordinated conservation efforts are essential to protect billfish. We were thrilled the event allowed for strengthening of global connections and advancement of the science and management of billfish in a changing ecosystem. A big thank you to the event co-hosts, the International Game Fish Association and Wild Oceans for organizing such a fantastic event and to all attendees for sharing their inspiring research! Special thanks to the event sponsors: The Mid Atlantic, South Jersey Marina, NOAA Fisheries, Costa Sunglasses, Wildlife Computers, Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, YETI, Center for Sportfishing Policy, Lotek, and PRESIDENTIAL CHALLENGE CHARITABLE FOUNDATION INC! 🐟💙 #HSWRI #BillfishSymposium #conservation #fishing #FishMidAtlantic #SeeWhatsOutThere #WildlifeComputers #YamahaRightwaters #BuiltForTheWild #lotekwireless