The Medina Aquarius Program is a global beacon for marine conservation, exploration and discovery, featuring the FIU Aquarius Reef Base, the world's only underwater research laboratory. For more than three decades, Aquarius has served as an underwater observatory for monitoring ocean health. Unparalleled in its capabilities, Aquarius also serves as a training and testing hub for NASA, the United States Navy and even technology companies .
800+
Research papers supported
153
Saturation missions to date
462
Aquanauts and counting
Beneath the waves, toward the future
Deployed 60 feet beneath the surface of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, FIU Aquarius gives scientists the gift of time. Saturation in Aquarius affords researchers significantly more dive time which translates into even more research time. This globally significant asset provides unparalleled means to study the ocean, test and develop state-of-the-art technology, train specialized divers and astronauts, and engage in the world in ocean science and exploration.
About Aquarius
Learn more about FIU Aquarius, including the reef base, shore base, history of the program and our leadership team.
Our Missions
Explore the types of missions conducted at FIU Aquarius and learn about some of our latest research.
Working with us
FIU Aquarius is an ideal platform for research, advanced training, and technology testing and development.
Support Aquarius
Help build the future in ocean health, technology and space exploration with the Medina Aquarius Program.
Legacy of Impact
Transforming the world's understanding of our oceans- Establishment of the world’s deepest coral nursery, searching for solutions to the catastrophic loss of corals worldwide
- Investigating the role seagrasses play in protecting reefs and mitigating ocean acidification
- Investigating sharks’ impacts on coral reefs to inform reef and shark protection
- Expanding research on how large predators structure coral reef ecosystems
- FIU selected as lead research partner for Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
- Virtual tours and live chats with aquanauts for more than 1 million schoolchildren
News
FIU Aquarius and Tekmara partner to apply AI under the sea
Oct 13, 2025
He drove 1,000 miles for seagrass, now he advocates for 10,000 miles of coastline
Sep 17, 2025
FIU celebrates the legacy of Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen with launch of fellowship program
Jul 24, 2025
FIU research, innovation take center stage at eMerge Americas
Mar 28, 2025
FIU team ups with world-renowned marine conservationist to spotlight South Florida’s coastal ecosystems
Jun 3, 2024
Aquarius operations director considers worst-case scenarios surrounding the missing submersible
Jun 21, 2023
Contact Us
FIU Medina Aquarius Program
85932 Overseas Highway
Islamorada, FL 33036
Inquiries: aquarius@fiu.edu or contact a team member