State of Florida Institute of Oceanography
Keys Marine Laboratory
KEYS MARINE LABORATORY
Only Florida among the continental states has a tropical marine habitat. Through the State's acquisition of the former Sea World Shark Institute and subsequent establishment of the Keys Marine Laboratory (KML) on Long Key, this unique U.S. resource is accessible to researchers and educators throughout the country. The KML, purchased through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) for joint operation by the Florida Marine Research Institute/FDEP and the Florida Institute of Oceanography/State University System, was formally dedicated in 1989 as a full-service marine laboratory and education center for programs focussing on south Florida environments.
The facility is a two hour drive from Miami International Airport at mile marker 68.5 on US Route 1. Within 1/2 hour of the KML are coral reefs, Florida Bay, grass flats, sandy beaches, mud flats, mangrove forests, and hardwood hammocks as well as access to oceanic waters of the Gulf stream and the Florida Straits.
The KML has air conditioned dormitory facilities accommodating up to 27 people, with cooking facilities. Local catering service is also available. The KML boasts a series of 30" deep interconnected research and holding pools totalling 548,000 gallons of seawater with flow through pumping capability in excess of 162,000 gph. A 15,000 gallon observation tank and assorted other tanks ranging in size from 1000 to 5000 gallons are also maintained at the KML. A classroom/meeting room is available as well as wet lab/dry lab facilities for both individual research projects and larger scale education programs. A limited array of sampling gear and laboratory equipment is maintained at the KML. Special analytical equipment is provided by individual researchers and can usually be accommodated in secure or restricted areas. The KML also has a fleet of small boats which are available to users with KML staff operators.
The KML staff members have backgrounds in marine environmental education, expertise in marine animal collecting and maintenance, and extensive knowledge of local habitats. They are available for consultation and help and coordination of both research projects and education programs. The staff is happy to assist groups and individuals in any way to make their program successful and enjoyable. Use of the KML is approved upon completion of a Facility Use Request Form which insures that the education or research needs can be met and that there are no scheduling conflicts at that this multi-user facility.
The facility site manager can be reached directly at (305) 664-9101, Fax. No. (305)664-0850. Dr. Sandra Vargo is the FIO program coordinator and can be reached at (727) 553-1100, Fax. No. (727)553-1109. Both will be happy to answer any questions and to help plan and schedule your KML visit. Please do not hesitate to call.
Visit the Keys Marine Laboratory Website
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