In 1986, an unknown marine biologist and self-taught artist from Jamaica arrived at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show with a folding table, a stack of T-shirts, and vibrant paintings of the ocean’s most captivating creatures. The art turned heads, the shirts sold out, and something far bigger than a weekend hustle was set in motion.
The man behind the table was Guy Harvey—destined to become one of the world’s most recognized marine wildlife artists and a leading voice for ocean conservation. What began as a humble booth at a boat show grew into a career that seamlessly merged art, science, and education. In 2008, Harvey took his mission to the next level, founding the Guy Harvey Foundation (formerly the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation) in Fort Lauderdale and channeling his passion into a global force for research, education, and preservation of the seas.
From shark-tagging expeditions at the Guy Harvey Research Institute—based at Nova Southeastern University’s Halmos College of Arts & Sciences—to coral restoration projects in the Florida Keys, the Foundation’s work is deeply rooted in South Florida. The waters here are more than a backdrop; they’re living classrooms, laboratories, and reminders of what’s at stake if we fail to protect the marine environment.
Now leading the Foundation as CEO is Harvey’s daughter, Jessica. Raised on boats and research trips, she grew up immersed in marine science and conservation. Her love of wildlife and the outdoors—instilled by her parents—led her into a career as an environmental conservationist before taking the helm of the family’s nonprofit.
Jessica’s latest initiative, the Guy Harvey Conservation Education Program, gives educators—and, by extension, schools and districts—access to regional professional development in environmental Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) education. After completing the training, participants become Guy Harvey Conservation (GHC) Educators, equipped with recognition, resources, and grants to enhance their classrooms and inspire the next generation of ocean stewards. “This is open to all elementary, middle, and high school educators,” Jessica says. “It includes all the materials, supplies, and educational content they need to inspire and excite the next generation of stewards of ocean conservation.”
The program builds on earlier educational initiatives, including K–12 marine science curriculum development, STEAM-based lesson plans, and hands-on experiences that connect students directly to the ocean’s wonders and challenges. Strategic partnerships with Brightmark, SeaWorld, the Florida Lottery, and Norwegian Cruise Line have exponentially expanded the curriculum’s reach, with an estimated potential impact of 50 million students and five million teachers worldwide.
For local students in Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami-Dade counties, the impact is immediate and tangible. A beach cleanup focused on plastic waste, studying coral health, or tracking a satellite-tagged shark from a classroom computer can ignite a lifelong passion for conservation.
Fueling this education is the cutting-edge science produced by the Guy Harvey Research Institute, established in 1999 through a collaboration between Harvey and NSU. One of only a handful of private organizations dedicated exclusively to conserving fish populations and biodiversity, the Institute brings together scientists, students, and volunteers to tag sharks, monitor reef health, and generate data that shapes conservation policy.
The Institute’s shark-tracking program—open to sponsorship by schools, businesses, and individuals—lets the public follow tagged sharks online in near-real time. “This is science that captures the imagination while also producing valuable migration data that helps protect these vital apex predators,” Jessica says.
While the Foundation’s reach extends across the globe, its heartbeat is here in South Florida, where eco-tourism, fishing, and recreation depend on healthy oceans. Locals can support its mission by volunteering, purchasing Guy Harvey merchandise (a portion of proceeds goes to conservation and education), or attending the annual fundraising gala.
Every October, the Foundation hosts this signature event in Fort Lauderdale, with proceeds benefiting ocean research and education. This year’s 17th anniversary celebration will take place October 29 at the Lauderdale Yacht Club and will honor two individuals for their significant contributions to marine conservation and education.
Dr. Harvey’s story is a testament to how one person’s passion can spark a movement—but as he often says, “It takes cash to care.” Just as his career began with a table at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show, the future of ocean conservation rests with students, teachers, and ocean lovers working together to protect our seas.
Visit guyharveyfoundation.org to get involved.
