The SEES Lab advances the science, conservation, monitoring, & restoration of coastal ecosystems. Our research addresses critical questions related to habitat ecology, restoration, water quality, ecosystem resilience, & the role of coastal habitats in supporting biodiversity & fisheries.

Since launching the Harbor Branch Seagrass Nursery in 2015 with support from the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute Foundation, we have developed & maintained a living collection of seagrass species that supports restoration efforts, scientific research, & education. The nursery serves as a living laboratory for restoration research, technology development, education, & the production of sustainable donor material for coastal restoration projects.

In 2026, the facility will expand as the Harbor Branch Coastal Plant Nursery, broadening our capacity to support research, conservation, & restoration across a wider range of coastal habitats.

Our team conducts field, laboratory, & remote sensing research to better understand the factors influencing ecosystem health. Current projects include coastal habitat restoration & monitoring, seagrass ecology, habitat use by marine organisms, water quality assessment, ecosystem responses to environmental stressors, & the development of new technologies & tools to support coastal resource management.

We work collaboratively with universities, government agencies, non-profit organizations, & community partners. Through these partnerships, we aim to generate actionable science that supports the conservation, restoration, & long-term stewardship of coastal ecosystems.