Ocean First Institute | Give Miami Day

Who we Are

Founded in 2014, Ocean First Institute (OFI) advances ocean conservation through research, education, and community engagement. Working across South Florida, OFI connects people with marine science through hands-on K–12 education, scientific research, mentorship, and public programming. OFI combines experiential education with active conservation science, including ongoing shark research and monthly field sampling. Students can move from hands-on classroom learning into deeper opportunities through mentorship, laboratory work, and field research. OFI also engages residents, fishers, and other stakeholders in conversations around sharks and marine conservation. Through this work, we help young people and community members better understand the ecosystems that define South Florida and build the knowledge, skills, and connection needed to become informed stewards of their home.

Research

OFI conducts active marine conservation research across South Florida. Our work includes long-term shark monitoring and tagging, microplastics research, and other studies focused on marine species and ecosystem health. Our scientists conduct monthly field sampling using multiple research methods to better understand shark abundance, movement, habitat use, and connectivity. We also collaborate with local universities, conservation organizations, and other research partners to expand the reach and impact of this science.

Education

OFI brings marine science directly to K–12 students through free, hands-on programs focused on topics such as sharks, marine ecosystems, biodiversity, microplastics, and human impacts on ocean health. Students learn by doing rather than simply listening. Through interactive activities, scientific inquiry, and real-world examples, they build knowledge while connecting what they learn to the environments around them.

For students whose interest grows, OFI creates opportunities to go deeper through research mentorship, laboratory experiences, field research, research-skills workshops, and other advanced learning opportunities. Our goal is to help students move along a pathway from early exposure to deeper scientific participation and future STEM and conservation opportunities. In Miami-Dade County, our programs are growing rapidly, thanks to generous donors and corporate and foundation partners. We are expanding access to ocean science for thousands of students, including those who have never had the chance to explore the water just miles from their homes.

Community Engagement

Marine conservation depends on the people who live and work alongside Florida’s waters. OFI engages residents, families, fishers, educators, volunteers, and other local stakeholders through public programs, community events, citizen science, and conversations connected to our research. These interactions help make science more accessible while creating opportunities for community knowledge and perspectives to inform conservation dialogue, particularly around sharks and the changing marine environment.

Why Your Support Matters

Give Miami Day support helps OFI expand hands-on marine science education, advance active conservation research, and create more opportunities for students and communities to engage directly with the ocean. Together, we can help ensure that the people growing up alongside Florida’s waters have the knowledge, skills, and opportunities to understand them, study them, and protect them.