Keys Marine Laboratory

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Keys Marine Laboratory We are a full-service Marine Science and Education Field Station located on Long Key, FL - mm 68.5 in the Florida Keys!

We provide infrastructure and support for Marine Research, Restoration and Education Groups. Keys Marine Laboratory (KML) is a full-service marine field station, serving as a regional hub in the Florida Keys for Research | Restoration | Education. Operated by the State of Florida Institute of Oceanography (FIO)/University of South Florida (USF) located on 8 acres on Long Key, Florida. Serving over 150 research & academic groups totaling more than 800 individuals a year. What KML Offers for students and researchers:
*Ideal location with easy access to the Florida Bay & Everglades National Park, Atlantic Ocean, and Florida Keys National Sanctuary.
*Captained research vessels
*Five on-site scientists creating a collaborative hub for diverse research and restoration efforts
*On-site housing
*Wet lab & dry lab and classroom facilities
*Three temperature-controlled seawater systems that replicate ambient reef conditions featuring sixty seawater tables ranging from 40 to 1,000 gallons of water

Over the past 30 years, KML has been utilized for a variety of academic, research, restoration, and government projects from 41 states and 191 organizations across the United States and utilized by 28 countries and 53 organizations worldwide.

* Call today to book your KML experience! *

Florida’s Coral Reef Resilience Program & State of Florida Bleaching Response PlanIn September, the Keys Marine Laborato...
10/12/2026

Florida’s Coral Reef Resilience Program & State of Florida Bleaching Response Plan

In September, the Keys Marine Laboratory (KML) hosted members (Maurizio Martinelli, Kathleen Czaia, and Brooke Robinson)
of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Coral Protection & Restoration (CPR) Program for a tour of its new coral rescue seawater facility. This system, operational since June 2026, enhances land-based capabilities to support ecosystem restoration and respond to emergencies affecting Florida’s Coral Reef.

Despite high reef temperatures during the summer of 2026, few corals were relocated to KML, allowing restoration partners to continue coral propagation. As a result, 23 out of 28 supported tables at KML were utilized. Organizations such as I.CARE, Coral Restoration Foundation, and Reef Renewal USA, Inc. produced hundreds of coral fragments ('frags') throughout the summer, preparing for fall outplanting activities as ocean temperatures decrease.

Funding for seawater operations supporting coral restoration at KML is provided by the DEP Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection.

Florida Institute of Oceanography University of South Florida

New KML merchandise! Stainless steel ‘Ocean Bottle’ in Ocean Blue or Forest Green17 oz. Insulated for hot or cold drinks...
09/28/2026

New KML merchandise! Stainless steel ‘Ocean Bottle’ in Ocean Blue or Forest Green
17 oz. Insulated for hot or cold drinks, dishwasher safe, convenient travel size: 2.6” x 8.5”
For every bottle purchased, Ocean Bottle funds the collection of 25 lbs. of plastic – the equivalent of 1,000 ocean-bound plastic bottles!

Suggested donation level $30.00 per bottle
USF Foundation: https://giving.usf.edu/online/gift/f/600057

08/31/2026

Senior Biological Scientist will serve as the Manager of the Florida Institute of Oceanography - Keys Marine Laboratory (KML) seawater systems to operate and manage the Seawater Systems at the KML in addition to captaining vessels and acting as lead science diver. Incumbent must have depth of knowle...

Recently, Keys Marine Laboratory (KML) welcomed Eddie Kertis, the new NOAA Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary-Florid...
08/26/2026

Recently, Keys Marine Laboratory (KML) welcomed Eddie Kertis, the new NOAA Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary-Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary superintendent, for a visit and tour. He was excited to see KML’s coral restoration capabilities as well as the other services the lab provides. KML looks forward to working with Eddie!

University of South Florida Florida Institute of Oceanography

08/14/2026

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08/06/2026

Dr. Cindy Lewis, Director of Keys Marine Laboratory (KML), was recently featured on The Weather Channel to discuss the current status of Florida's coral reefs and the projected impact of this year's El Niño event on coral bleaching.

Florida Institute of Oceanography University of South Florida

Address

68486 Overseas Highway
Layton, FL
33001

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+13056649101

Website

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