The Smithsonian Marine Station (SMS) at Fort Pierce, Florida is a research center specializing in marine
biodiversity and ecosystems of Florida. Research focuses on the Indian River Lagoon and the offshore waters
of Florida's east central coast, with comparative studies throughout coastal Florida.

The Station, a facility of the National Museum of Natural History, is part of the Smithsonian Institution in
Washington, DC, and serves as a field station which draws scientists and students from the Smithsonian and
collaborating institutions around the world to investigate the plants, animals and physical processes in the
ocean and Indian River Lagoon.

Information uncovered at the Marine Station is published in scientific journals and forms the basis for
effective public policies, conservation efforts, and resource management.