Providing Scientific Solutions
Mission
The Institute was founded in 1963 to conduct research in the tradition of world-renowned scientists, Dr. Carl L. and Laura C. Hubbs. Since 1963 our charter has been: “To return to the sea some measure of the benefits derived from it.”
Thriving Oceans For a Healthier World
Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute (HSWRI) is a non-profit scientific research organization committed to conserving and renewing marine life to ensure a healthier planet. Our team of experts provides innovative and objective scientific solutions to challenges threatening ocean health and marine life in our rapidly changing world.
The Institute began in 1963 when Milton C. Shedd, one of the visionary founders of SeaWorld, recognized the importance of developing and nurturing a non-profit research foundation with the vision “to return to the sea some measure of the benefits derived from it.”
In the following years, SeaWorld parks opened in multiple locations including San Diego, California and Orlando, Florida providing opportunities for collaborative research on animals in zoological parks that would complement the non-profit foundation’s field research on marine wildlife.
The research foundation was later rededicated as the Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute in honor of Dr. Carl Leavitt Hubbs’ inspiring achievements in ocean science and education.
While we are separate entities, HSWRI continues to collaborate with SeaWorld on scientific research on marine life and ocean health and both organizations serve as “first responders” in marine animal rescue.
In our rapidly changing world, our research is never complete. Whether it is deploying rescue teams, replenishing depleted fish populations, protecting habitats or simply better understanding life in our oceans, we want to create a planet where humans and marine life thrive together. Every bit counts and you can make a difference.
Donald B. Kent, M.S.
HSWRI President & CEO
Don came to the Institute in 1977 as a San Diego State University graduate student working on the growth characteristics of striped bass. He has participated on numerous Institute programs studying gray whales, assessing noise effects on animals, minimizing killer whale impacts on fishing operations and, closest to his interest, the development of marine finfish aquaculture. Don has led the Institute since 1996.
Core Values
Excellence in Original and Independent Scientific Research
Public Service
Scientific Honesty and Integrity
Safety and Efficiency
Highest Standards for Animal Care and Welfare
Creative and Productive Workplace
Common Sense
Our Legacy
54 Years of Scientific Solutions
Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute (HSWRI) is an independent, non-profit research organization that provides innovative and objective scientific solutions to challenges facing ocean health and marine life in our rapidly changing world.
The Institute began in 1963 when Milton C. Shedd, one of the visionary founders of SeaWorld, recognized the importance of developing and nurturing a non-profit research foundation with the vision “to return to the sea some measure of the benefits derived from it.”
In the following years, SeaWorld parks opened in multiple locations including San Diego, California and Orlando, Florida providing opportunities for collaborative research on animals in zoological parks that would complement the non-profit foundation’s field research on marine wildlife.
The research foundation was later rededicated as the Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute in honor of Dr. Carl Leavitt Hubbs’ inspiring achievements in ocean science and education.
While we are separate entities, HSWRI continues to collaborate with SeaWorld on scientific research on marine life and ocean health and both organizations serve as “first responders” in marine animal rescue.
Dr. Clark Hubbs, the son of Carl L. and Laura C. Hubbs served on the HSWRI Board of Trustees until his passing in 2008. Bill Shedd, the son of Milton Shedd, serves as Chairman of the Board today. His active involvement offers a unique continuity and historic perspective to the legacy of the Institute and the core values of our founders.
Milton C. Shedd
(1923-2002)
Milt was an avid and accomplished fisherman and visionary conservationist. He understood the intrinsic value of the oceans as a primary economic engine of the world that needed to be nurtured and cared for. His life-long marine conservation ethic fostered the creation of the independent non-profit Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute and the for-profit SeaWorld in 1963. Milt envisioned that HSWRI would provide scientific information and ocean education to the visitors of the SeaWorld zoological theme park.
As Chairman Emeritus of the Institute, Mr. Shedd continued his commitment to marine conservation and scientific research. He was a proponent of the Hubbs-SeaWorld expansion in Brevard County, Florida. One of his last projects was to forward the concept of turning decommissioned oil rigs into reefs and research platforms to support recreational sport fishing.
Milt’s passing is a great loss to ocean conservation and Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute. The enduring spirit of his legacy will continue “to return to the sea some measure of the benefits derived from it.”
