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Saturday, May 19, 2001 Secrets of the sea in Ft. Pierce exhibitsDAYTRIPPERS | By Robert Ryals In some ways, we know more about the surface of the moon than we do about the oceans that cover two-thirds of our planet. Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute in Ft. Pierce is working to change that and offering educational tours providing an in-depth look at ocean life and research. A tour of the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute covers aquaculture, ocean exploration, deep-sea submersibles, wildlife rescues and shows what lies beneath this huge expanse of water and the efforts being made to understand and protect our oceans. The institute offers two tours, a bus tour of the campus and a pontoon boat wildlife tour on the adjoining Indian River. On the campus tour, most people are surprised at the size and scope of the institute. The shrubs on U.S. 1 conceal a bustling 615-acre complex, complete with the largest dry dock high bay in the Southeast and a marine railway used for removing large vessels from the ocean. The tour begins with a short movie telling about the 30-year history of this nonprofit institute. One of the most interesting stops on the tour is the aquaculture center, with its live displays of ocean life and information on commercial cultivation of shrimp, clams and fish. The center owns a number of deep-sea submersibles and one is available to climb in for a first-hand experience. The tour includes a trip through a wildlife sanctuary on the grounds, complete with birds and alligators, a fish touch-tank for kids, and details about the unique sculptures throughout the grounds. The institute's research projects are discussed on the tour. Several projects are dedicated to marine mammal research. One current project involves studying skin lesions that have begun to appear on area manatees. The institute also pioneered a lock system that protects manatees from being crushed in lock doors. The institute staff is also nursing a rescued baby whale back to health, but for the whale's protection, this is not on the tour. The wildlife tour is a 90-minute trip aboard a pontoon boat into the nearby Indian River lagoon. The tour guide covers the history and ecology of the Indian River basin, along with information on plant and animal life in the area. Sights along the tour usually include birds, dolphins and manatees, though occasionally the marine mammals will sleep in and miss the tour. Either way, it is a beautiful trip around the lagoon. Some of the army of volunteers who work at Harbor Branch became interested in marine research after taking one of the tours. Others follow the adventures of the institute's sea explorations by logging on to www.at-sea.com. For those who live near the ocean, it is wonderful to see a place dedicated to understanding and preserving our neighbor to the east. A tour of the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute is the way to learn more about the oceans and support its efforts. What to takeArt appreciation -- From a statue of a fisherman in a sinking boat to wooden pillars on a lake, sculptures keep popping up all over the campus. The tour is like a "Where's Waldo" of the art world. A space shuttle launch schedule -- One of the most unique pieces of art on the campus is a tribute to the space shuttle Challenger. This collection of broken pillars placed in the middle of a lake is on a direct line between the shore and the launch pad. When the shuttles are launched, they rise directly over the monument. The monument is also a favorite basking spot for baby alligators. Aquarium space -- Harbor Branch is the largest commercial producer of clownfish in the world. Check out the different varieties and plan your next aquarium addition. Children -- What child wouldn't want to sit in a submersible, ride on a boat, see alligators and visit a "fish petting" tank. Bring your kids or borrow some from the neighbors. A full day -- You will want to experience both the campus tour and the lagoon boat tour. Plan on arriving early and staying most of the day. Credit card -- The gift shop has a wide variety of ocean-themed items. You can pretty much redecorate your home, especially your kitchen, in a wildlife theme. Many guests get hooked. If you goHarbor Branch Oceanographic Institute offers two different tours each day: -- The Campus and Wildlife Tour is a 90-minute bus tour of the institute and leaves at noon and 2 p.m. The cost is $10 for adults and $6 for children 6 to12 years old. Children younger than 6 go free. -- The Indian River Lagoon Wildlife Boat Tour leaves from the institute at 1 and 3 p.m. daily aboard a 42-seat pontoon boat. The cost is $19 for adults and $12 for children 6 to 12. -- The best value is a combined package that offers both tours for $25 for adults and $15 for children 6 to 12. Reservations are recommended, but there is usually room for people who stop by before the tour. -- For reservations and more information, contact the institute at (561) 465-2400, ext. 517. You can also log onto www.hboi.edu for additional details. How to get thereFrom U.S. 92 in Daytona Beach, head south on Interstate 95 for 118 miles to exit 67, (State Road 614, Indrio Road). Head east on Indrio Road for 5.5 miles to U.S. 1. Turn left on U.S. 1 and head north for mile. A sign and billboard mark the entrance to Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute on the right. |
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