Guy Harvey, Inc. has joined forces with Nova Southeastern University's Oceanographic Center to create the Guy Harvey Research Institute (GHRI). Guy Harvey made the formal announcement on Monday, November 13 during a press conference at the Oceanographic Center located on the ocean at the entrance to Port Everglades.

While many know Guy Harvey the marine artist, few know Dr. Guy Harvey the marine biologist. In 1982, Harvey earned a Ph.D. in fisheries management from the University of West Indies. His scientific knowledge, combined with his love of fish and the seas, has made him aware of the need for research, conservation and education.

Other supporters of GHRI include the Forman family of Fort Lauderdale. Dr. Richard Dodge, dean of the Oceanographic Center, said that Dr. Charles Forman and his brother Hamilton have been long-time supporters of NSU and the Oceanographic Center. They were instrumental in acquiring the current site on Port Everglades. Dr. Forman's son, Charles Forman, was the first to suggest establishing the institute and has helped to make it a reality.

Dr. Dodge added that the new institute is completely compatible with the mission and vision of NSU's Oceanographic Center. This mission is to carry out innovative, basic and applied research and to provide high-quality graduate and undergraduate education in a broad range of marine-science and related disciplines. In addition, the center serves as a community resource for information, research, and education concerning oceanographic and environmental issues.

Fish have always been a source of food and recreation. They are extremely important to economies worldwide as well as the ecosystems within the world's oceans and freshwaters. Today, fish resources are in a rapid state of decline. Overfishing, pollution, and habitat loss are a few of the factors that have created an international crisis that is affecting everyone.

Grouper, swordfish, blue-fin tuna, various sharks, salmon, and cod are a few examples of critically depleted fish populations. It is estimated by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization that of the world's fish stocks whose status is known, nearly 70 percent are fully exploited, overexploited or depleted.

Numerous research projects are already underway at the Institute. Dr. Richard Spieler, director of GHRI, is examining artificial reef function. This includes determining design criteria for artificial reefs to effectively manage particular species and specific age groups, such as juveniles. He is also studying the differences between fish found on artificial reefs and fish found on natural reefs. The findings from those studies will help to determine the design of future artificial reefs.

Dr. Mahmood Shivji, associate director of GHRI, is conducting research on the biology, ecology, biodiversity and conservation of gamefish. His current research is focused on explaining, from a wildlife conservation perspective, various aspects of the biology, migration, reproduction behavior and biodiversity of sharks. He is also developing state-of-the-art DNA forensic techniques that will aid in worldwide shark fisheries management. These techniques will also help in detecting the illegal trade of prohibited shark parts, such as fins and jaws. Sharks have been particularly susceptible to overfishing and the inhumane practice of finning. Fins are often cut from the sharks while they are still alive. Once the fins are removed the sharks are thrown back into the water to die. Dr. Shivji's research will enable scientists to develop plans to help conserve these extremely threatened and ecologically critical species.

Dr. David Gilliam, along with Dr. Spieler, is studying the processes that influence the population dynamics of reef fish. In order to protect reef fish populations and their habitats, more needs to be known about the processes that maintain the abundance and diversity of fish on coral and hard bottom reefs. Studies are also underway to determine the specific habitat needs for juvenile reef fish. These studies will help to protect reef fish populations.

A percentage of the proceeds of all Guy Harvey merchandise will be donated to GHRI. The depletion of the world's fish stocks and the deteriorating ecosystems within our oceans and freshwaters affect everyone, even those who don't fish or eat fish. The efforts of GHRI and NSU will provide the research and education needed to conserve, understand, and maintain the diversity of life in our seas. While there are no simple solutions to these problems, without scientific knowledge there can be no solutions at all. To learn more about the Guy Harvey Research Institute, visit their website at www.nova.edu/ocean/ghri/ or call the Oceanographic Center at 954-262-3605.