The Keys Marine Laboratory staff recently welcomed the interim director for the Florida Institute of Oceanography (FIO) as well as the Florida Keys’ representative in the state House.
David Naar became FIO’s interim director on Aug. 15 while serving as associate dean and professor of the University of South Florida’s College of Marine Science. Naar is a familiar figure at the University of South Florida (USF); he has held key positions at the College of Marine Science during his 35-year tenure. Holding a doctorate from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, he brings extensive expertise in seafloor mapping and plate tectonics.
Naar has more than 46 years of experience in geological oceanography and has been on countless research expeditions utilizing FIO’s research vessels for the past 35 years. His earlier research involved the analysis of marine magnetics, bathymetry, backscatter and earthquake data to study mid-ocean ridge processes, microplate processes and their interactions with hotspot volcanism. He used freezing wax analog models of seafloor spreading to gain insight on how major plate boundary reorganizations occur.
His more recent research has involved acoustic multibeam mapping of paleoshorelines, fish benthic habitats, artificial reefs, coral reefs, inert mines and hydrothermal vents. These research interests have led to oceanographic mapping expeditions to the Gulf, Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans.
State Rep. Jim Mooney and his legislative aide Lee Young engaged with the entire KML team. Highlights included a tour of the seawater systems, updates on funding progress for the pre-planning construction phase and new housing for students and researchers, and pre-planning for Ocean’s Day at the state capitol.
“We were delighted to welcome Dr. Naar to KML to experience first-hand how the laboratory functions as a critical hub for the scientific and restoration community,” said Cynthia Lewis, KML director. “This was also a unique opportunity for Dr. Naar to visit with Representative Mooney, who not only champions the value of KML but also recognizes its vulnerability in a changing climate.”
For more than 30 years, KML has offered a unique location, dedicated on-site scientific support and a comprehensive full-service marine field station. KML is a satellite campus of the University of South Florida (USF) operated by the state Institute of Oceanography. Surrounded by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, the facility spans 8 acres on Long Key in Layton. With easy access to Florida Bay, Everglades National Park, Florida’s Coral Reef and the Atlantic Ocean, KML supports vital research on the subtropical and tropical marine and terrestrial ecosystems of the southeastern United States.
KML facilitates college-level education and research for institutions and stakeholders at local, state, national and international levels. Its primary purpose is to function as a hub facilitating a wide range of classes, research and restoration. More than 244 organizations from more than 42 states and 53 organizations from 28 countries, have benefited from the services and resources provided by KML since its inception in 1992.
