During two weekends in early April, our crew assisted USF Professor Chantale Begin and USF Dive Safety Officer Ben Meister with this student-focused opportunity which was made possible by the Florida Institute of Oceanography (FIO)-sponsored “KML Lab Time Award”. Each group of eight students participated in a total of three days onboard KML’s R/V Diodon, and completed eight field-intensive scientific dives within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. A large majority of the students were recently certified Open Water Divers and their time at KML gave them the opportunity to gain proficiency in essential dive skills/safety, learn a variety of marine survey/underwater photography techniques, and enhance their marine species identification skills. After each day of diving, students partook in classroom sessions led by the USF Instructors.

The Keys Marine Laboratory (KML) , and our parent organization Florida Institute of Oceanography (FIO), are proud to announce the progress on an NSF ICBR Grant awarded to KML in the Fall of 2019 to expand and improve the facility’s seawater systems. This infrastructure improvement project has three main goals:

Add new seawater well degassing tower to increase the output of high-quality seawater for research projects at Keys Marine Laboratory

Repair, resurface, and increase the depth of existing ‘Shallows’ seawater pool to approximate depth of Florida Bay.

Increase capacity for temperature-controlled experimental tanks and supply temperature-controlled seawater to large ‘Shallows’ pool.

Currently the project nears completion on the Improvements to the ‘Shallows’ Mesocosm and has broken ground for the second degassing tower and the additional concrete seawater holding tanks, arriving in September 2020. We anticipate a completion date of Spring 2021!

These improvements, when completed, will provide the ability to conduct ex-situ research at expanded spatial and temporal scales. By providing high quality seawater with the ability to manipulate water quality, salinity, temperature to this expanded system, we hope to be able to better facilitate an increased variety of projects focused on the effects of climate change in the marine environment. KML’s proximity to the diverse subtropical ecosystems of South Florida and our expanded seawater system provide for the space and capability to run larger scale projects both ex-situ and in-situ simultaneously.

Projects such as;

Community based trials for reef restoration, disease mitigation or resistance, thermal tolerance, etc.

Mesocosm scale behavior trials

Prototype equipment testing (ROVs, Drones, etc)

And many more.

Do you have ideas of how KML’s Seawater System could better fit your research needs?

Take our 2-minute survey to tell us more about it.

We look forward to facilitating your next research project!

Questions? Contact Us!

We have some exciting news! The Keys Marine Lab has transitioned into our Phase Two Reopening! This increases KML’s capacity to 50% and allows us to host small educational groups of up to 10 people.

Additionally, Phase Two adds a COVID-19 Illness Incident Contingency Plan section to the pre-arrival Health Status Survey Form. Due to KML’s relatively remote location with limited local care facilities, it is necessary for visiting groups to devise a  detailed response plan in of the event of a suspected COVID-19 infection during your stay. KML will facilitate in any way possible should this situation arise, but the PI of each group bears the primary responsibility for their group contingency plan.  

New Phase Two requirement:

All groups will be required to submit a COVID-19 Illness Incident Contingency Plan for review and approval before arrival. An outline for this plan is on page two of KML’s Prearrival Health Status Survey. This plan includes the steps to be taken by your group in the event of suspected COVID-19 illness. This should include who and how your group will provide care, especially if medical care or hospitalization is necessary (see our Health Care Facilities document), getting tested, etc. Your plan must also address your protocols to vacate KML as soon as safely possible and return home to isolate, quarantine, and/or receive medical attention. KML will facilitate as best as possible in this process but it is the responsibility of your group to have a contingency plan in place.

Phase Two continued requirements

1)  Pre arrival COVID-19 testing, Health Status Surveys, and twice daily temperature checks while on site.

2) KML will still only book 1 group per Dorm unit (no mixing groups) however we may split a single group of 10 people between 2 dorms as needed.

3) Face masks are still mandatory (as per Monroe Co) indoors, and outdoors when social distancing cannot be maintained.

4) Daily disinfecting of all high-touch surfaces is still in effect.

As always KML is here to facilitate your field research and education needs safely and efficiently. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. For more information on KML’s response to COVID-19 please see our COVID-19 Information page.  

We hope to see you all soon!

KML Staff

KML PHASE 1 Reopening:

We are happy to announce that the Keys Marine Lab reopened July 10 under our Phase 1 Plan! We would like to take this opportunity to welcome small research groups back to KML as well as highlight the ongoing protective and preventive measures we have put into place to ensure your research groups’ safety and success at KML.

What does Phase 1 mean for your research?

Phase 1 allows KML to host small research groups of five (5) people or less conducting essential, time sensitive activities. While graduate students can be included in these groups, no education-oriented courses will be permitted during Phase One. Transitioning to the next phases of operations will be directed by our FIO ICAC and dependent on changing state and local conditions.

What are we doing to ensure your safety while at KML?

KML staff have been briefed and the KML facilities have undergone inspection by the FIO Infection Control Advisory Committee, headed by infectious disease medical professionals at USF the protocols and procedures in the attached document have been approved for the KML Phased Re-opening Plan. 

Below is a break down of cleaning and safety procedures additional information can be found on our COVID Information Page.

KML General health and safety measures:

All members of the group must be viral RT-PCR tested seven (7) days prior to arrival and provide proof of negative results before access to KML. The Health Status Survey must be completed and submitted 24-hours prior to arrival.

Masks or proper facial coverings will be required by all persons while on the grounds of KML when indoors or when outdoors and 

proper social distancing (six feet) cannot be maintained (on vessels, working at SW tables, etc.

There will be only one group scheduled per common cooking and living space within the dorms. Dorm capacities will be restricted.

 Plexiglas dividers have been installed in common use areas such as the main Dry Lab to assist with workspace protections. Markings on floors and working spaces or common use areas will help to ensure proper social distancing.

Daily Health Checks:

All visitors at KML and KML staff will undergo twice daily temperature checks and health screenings to ensure the safety of all KML users and staff. Checks will be performed morning and afternoon by KML Staff outside the science office.

Daily Disinfection Protocols:

KML staff disinfect all common use areas (dry labs, classroom, walkthrough lab) twice daily.

All high touch common surfaces (doorknobs, handles, handrails) are disinfected more frequently.

Disinfection and hand sanitizing stations have been set up throughout the facility. Enhanced access to cleaning and disinfecting supplies are readily available in all common areas.

Cleaning (Between Groups):

All Dorms and living areas will be cleaned and disinfected thoroughly after each group departs. Dorms will remain empty between each group to allow time for proper sanitizing.

With these precautions in place, KML staff is dedicated to ensuring that KML remains a safe place to conduct your research during this pandemic. We suggest that you familiarize yourself with FIO’s Operations at KML ’Phased Reopening Plan’ and FAQs prior to booking and arrival. These documents can be found on our website here. If you have further questions, please feel free to contact KML staff.

We hope to be able to safely and effectively facilitate your research project soon.

Best wishes,
KML Staff