Under the direction of Mark Perry, Florida Oceanographic Society has grown from its founding in 1964 to become one of the most respected sources for marine science research and education in Florida. Florida Oceanographic Society is now finding its place on the national and international stage.

A resident of Martin County since 1957 and passionate about our waterways, Mark joined the organization with a background in marine science and education. As its Executive Director, Mark manages projects and operations; authors and administers grant projects; authors and edits publications; makes presentations to community, professional groups, and government entities; testifies and advocates on behalf of water resources; directs a staff that includes researchers and education specialists; and works alongside volunteers who energetically support Florida Oceanographic with time, commitment, and funds.

About Perry:

Education

• Bachelor of Science, Oceanography and Applied Technology, cum laude, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, Florida.
• Graduate with Honors, Admiral Farragut Naval Academy, St. Petersburg, Florida.
• Additional studies at Tulane University in New Orleans and Florida Institute of Technology, Jensen Beach, Florida.

Experience

• US Merchant Marine Seaman, engaged with offshore oil and gas industry in the Gulf of Mexico
• Research Technician with Rosensteil School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Miami.
• Instructor of Astronomy, Florida Institute of Technology
• Manager and curator of marine life collection for Hartman Aquarium and Gilberts’ Bar House of Refuge Museum.
• Executive Director of Florida Oceanographic Society.

Professional Organizations 

• Florida Academy of Sciences
• National Marine Education Association
• Florida Marine Science Education Association
• Florida Aquaculture Association
• Florida Native Plant Society
• The Everglades Coalition
• The Rivers Coalition

Activism in Support of Our Waters and Our Environment 

• State Co-Chair of the Everglades Coalition, 52 national and state non-governmental organizations dedicated to restoring Florida’s Everglades. 

• Member of the Water Resource Advisory Commission of the South Florida Water Management District. 

• Vice-Chair of The Rivers Coalition, a group of 55 regional business and environmental organizations fighting for the health of the St. Lucie River Estuary and Indian River Lagoon. 

• Testimony before the Senate Agriculture Committee in Washington, DC on Sugar Reform and its impact on the Everglades, Lake Okeechobee, and the estuaries of the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee Rivers. 

• Author of scientific technical publications and articles for magazine, newsletters and journals on ocean and coastal issues. 

• Speaker for schools and civic organizations on Florida’s ocean and coastal environments.

Publications

Perry, M.D., et al, 1980.  The Source Book of Marine Sciences.  Florida Oceanographic Society, Stuart, FL.

Perry,M.D.  1986. Geomorphic Features of the Anistasia Formation Outcrops on Hutchinson Island.  Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL.

Perry, M.D., et al, 1984. Hutchinson Island Resource Planning and Management Plan.  Florida Department of Community Affairs, Tallahassee, FL.

Perry, M.D., et al, 1982.  Coastal Zone Management Study of Hutchinson Island. Martin County Board of County Commissioners, Martin County, FL.

Author and editor for numerous grant projects, educational curricula and programs and informational materials, including Florida Oceanographic, a quarterly publication by Florida Oceanographic Society.

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