From Coast to Campus: A Behind The Scenes Look at FSU Marine Lab Facilities

08/15/2025

At the heart of FSU’s Coastal and Marine Laboratory (FSUCML) groundbreaking ecological and oceanographic research along Florida’s diverse coastlines lies a critical partner working behind the scenes, FSU Facilities. While researchers make advances in marine ecosystem science and conservation at FSUCML, Facilities staff ensure that the infrastructure supporting these efforts runs smoothly and efficiently, creating the foundation for scientific discovery.

The FSUCML is located 45 miles from the Main Campus in Tallahassee, Florida, along the Gulf of Mexico in St. Teresa. The unique facility is a hub for studying a wide range of habitats—from tidal marshes and seagrass beds to offshore reefs—making it a vital site for researchers’ understanding of Florida’s coastal ecosystems. Supporting this complex research environment requires state-of-the-art infrastructure and dedicated maintenance, roles that Facilities staff on both the main campus and FSUCML have embraced with expertise and care.

One of the standout innovations at FSUCML is the Real-time and Continuous Seawater Monitoring System, a sophisticated setup that continuously monitors water quality and environmental conditions in real time. This system collects critical data on temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, and other factors that influence marine life and ecosystem health. The water collected is pulled directly from the Apalachicola Bay through two offshore vaults that then run to the pumping system. Once the water passes through the settlement tanks, it flows through the laboratories of the FSUCML, including the Research Hatchery, where it is utilized by researchers. The system simulates water environments representative of the local to natural habitats, so when animals are used for research, they’re kept in conditions similar to their natural surroundings. Additionally, the water is returned to the bay after use, creating a more sustainable system.

The Seawater Monitoring System demands precision and vigilance—tasks managed expertly by Facilities teams who ensure sensors are calibrated, equipment is operational, and data flows uninterrupted. All data is communicated back to the Central Utilities Plant (CUP) on FSU’s main campus through system censors, to ensure that operations are monitored in real time 24/7.

In addition to the Seawater Monitoring System, FSUCML relies on several other unique technologies to support daily operations. For example, the on-site fuel dock allows research vessels to refuel efficiently, enabling extended fieldwork and quick turnaround times between expeditions. Additionally, to support research that requires diving expeditions, the FSUCML houses a refill station for diving cylinders. Machinery such as these, and more, are maintained in collaboration between Facilities and FSUCML to ensure all needs are met in an efficient and effective manner.

In addition to the specialized machinery, Facilities also plays a role in the maintenance of the FSUCML as a whole. From maintaining HVAC systems that keep labs climate-controlled, to servicing pumps and filtration systems critical for seawater circulation, Facilities creates an environment where researchers can focus on their scientific missions without interruption.

As FSUCML continues to push the boundaries of marine science, FSU Facilities remains a steadfast partner integral to the operations of the facility as a whole —keeping labs running smoothly, refurbishing workspaces, supporting innovative systems, and ultimately helping FSU lead the way in coastal and marine research.