Marine Resources Development Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization, created in 1970 with the goal of developing a better understanding of earth's marine resources. It has evolved into an organization with both an educational and scientific focus. Since 1985, nearly 5,000 students each year have been introduced to the ocean through our MarineLab STEM education programs. We focus on connecting students with active research projects through our partnerships with researchers and citizen science opportunities. The longest-continually-running undersea habitat, which is used for science and educational purposes, is on our lagoon floor.

History

In 1970, the first Earth Day was celebrated, helping to launch the environmental movement. That same year, Marine Resources Development Foundation was established. Even before MRDF came into existence, its founder and President, Ian G. Koblick, pioneered projects that enhanced our understanding of the ocean.

The Foundation worked closed with the governments of the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico in its formative years, the early 1970s. It helped these islands establish ocean policies, set up marine training programs, operate undersea labs, improve fisheries techniques, test new diving equipment, initiate environmental management strategies, and develop marine archeological and commercial diving techniques. The underwater technology and hardware used in these projects was designed and developed by MRDF, contributing to tools available for undersea exploration. When the Foundation moved to Ft Lauderdale, Florida, in 1976, it became involved with the US Department of Commerce on the creation of a national ocean program.

From underwater habitats to educational programs to special events highlighting our ocean's resources, MRDF's history spans over 40 years of technology and science advancement.