Smithsonian Marine Station at Fort Pierce
The Smithsonian Marine Station at Fort Pierce is a research center that specializes in Floridian marine ecosystems and lifeforms. The resarch is focused mostly on the Indian River Lagoon and also on the offshore waters of Florida's central and east coast.[1]
The station is a part of the National Museum of Natural History, which is part of the Smithsonian Institution of Washington DC. Its purpose is to be a field station which will draw scientists and students from the Smithsonian and other institutions from around the world, in which they will investigate animals, plants, and physical processes of oceans and rivers. The information obtained at the station will be published in forms and scientific journals.[1]
It also provides administrative and logistical management of the Caribbean Coral Reef Ecosystems Program, that is based at the Carrie Bow Cay Field Station. Both stations are important to the Smithsonian Marine Science Network.[1]
Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems Exhibit
One of the key features of the SMS is Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems Exhibit, which provides a diverse marine environment from the 156 mile Indian River Lagoon, to scientists and tourists alike. The exhibit showcases 3,000 species of organisms that can be viewed by tourists on the site.[2]