Naos
Marine and Molecular
Laboratories
A cutting-edge molecular lab
and launching point to the
Eastern Tropical Pacific
Projects and Stories
Naos
Seminars & Events
Currently, we have no upcoming seminars. For more information click here.
At the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal, Naos Island Laboratories provide access to marine research sites. The lab has an extensive seawater system for research projects. The molecular biology research facility is used for both marine and terrestrial research projects. Archaeological, fish and bird collections are housed at Naos. The lab is adjacent to rocky intertidal shorelines, cobble and sand beaches, tidal mud flats and estuarine habitats. The station's three small research vessels provide access to sites across the Bay of Panama in the Las Perlas Archipelago. The scientific diving program is headquartered here and facilitates STRI divers in both the Pacific and the Caribbean.
Research
STRI’s base for marine biology in the Pacific Ocean also houses archaeology, paleontology, bird and fish collections. At the molecular lab, scientists working throughout Panama and the region use genetics and genomics tools to explore everything from vision in fish to chemical defenses of tropical trees.
Science in Action
Researchers count manatees using their chatter to recognize individuals
Language and cultural “intercambios” bring the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute community together
Teaming up to combat invasive marine species in the Tropical Eastern Pacific
Understanding Panama’s blue carbon stock
Indigenous marine biologist deciphers the evolution of feeding strategies of sister fish species on both sides of the isthmus of Panama
Wishing farewell to our friend, Dr. Richard Cooke
First global assessment of
the sustainability of coral reef fisheries
Scientists catch the suspect in long-term marine murder mystery
Panama Bay Hydromedusae:
small, elegant, and misunderstood
The S/Y Eugen Siebold
arrives in Panama
Ana K. Spalding Named Founding
Director of the Adrienne Arsht Community-Based Resilience Solutions Initiative
Sustainability and resilience in the Eastern Tropical Pacific: What will it take?
Alejandro Arze, STRI Director of
Protection and Security, Retires
Smithsonian Science Drives Establishment of New Important Marine Mammal Area in Ecuador
Our Ocean Conference 2022,
República de Palaos: Delegación de Jóvenes
As the ocean heats up hungrier predators take control
Have Antillean manatees
crossed the Panama Canal?
Unique agates on a Panamanian island reveal submarine volcanic activity
New interactive map of indigenous fishing practices around the pacific rim
Exploring the Lives of Ancient Panamanians. Seminar by Ashley Sharpe and Nicole Smith-Guzman
Secondary forests restore fresh water sources in degraded landscapes
Biologists discover that more intense predation in the tropics can limit marine invasions
Informed tourists make
whale watching safer for whales
A young comic book heroine travels through Panama’s deep history
Archaeologists search
for the origin of dental
modification in Panama
Yacht Acadia Expedition: are eastern pacific corals climate change survivors?
Richard Cooke joins International
Council for Archaeozoology’s
Committee of Honor
Smithsonian scientist clears
up Panamanian urban legend
How the ability to clone itself
may empower a mystery globetrotter
Animated maps of sea level rise: the Isthmus of Panama during the last 26,000 years
Invasive lionfish may
be a selective predator
Have vessels cooperated with whale conservation efforts in the Gulf of Panama?
Long-term consequences of river damming in the Panama Canal
Science and universal education
for tackling climate change
Olive ridley turtles avoid
unfavorable conditions
Fishing exclusion zones to help
manage shark populations in Pacific Panama
Living coral cover will slow
future reef dissolution
Traditional fisherfolk help uncover
ancient fish preservation methods
Invaders are lunch
for local marine species
A photographic guide to the
wildlife of Panama’s old city
White-tailed deer were predominant
in pre-Columbian Panama feasts
Flickering sky islands
generate Andean biodiversity
A time machine that
explores the ocean’s past
Mysterious Larvae Discovered
in Panama’s Two Oceans
Deep time
tracking devices
Words, Birds, and Watercolor:
an Interview with Charlotte Steeves
14 reasons to leave
the STRI bubble
First study of humpback whale
survivors of killer whale attacks
in the Southeastern Pacific
Old Species Learn
New Tricks…Very Slowly
Sweet desserts drive the search
for disease-carrying mosquitoes
Smithsonian Science Supports
Costa Rican Cetacean Conservation
Coastal study from Panama
to Alaska discovers where
marine invaders fare better
How genetically isolated is
the marine fauna of Panama’s
Coiba National Park?
An Indo-Pacific damselfish takes
hold on the other side of the globe
A tale of communication
on coral reefs
From cold temps to heat stress
and oxygen depletion, marine
larvae overcome hazards on
the way to adulthood
Big fish produce disproportionately
bigger eggs and more of them
Ira Rubinoff,
Emeritus Director,
retires from STRI
Tracking Aedes Mosquito
Invasions in Panama
Smithsonian Researchers
Name New Ocean Zone
Scientists tag humpback
whales in Southeast Pacific
Why study symbiotic
relationships in Panama?
Species invasion through
Panama Canal? Pacific jingle
shell found in Caribbean
People
Naos's staff helps scientists with a variety of issues related to the use of the molecular and other lab spaces, the seawater system, scientific diving and boats.
Services and Resources
Naos's facilities include a modern genetic laboratory equipment, outdoor seawater system and a large archaeology collection. There is a dock with a small fleet of boats for exploring the Eastern Tropical Pacific and a scientific diving program for underwater researchers.
Molecular Laboratory
A fully equipped molecular lab is designed to meet the needs of large research teams who study marine and terrestrial organisms. All aspects of genetic and genomic analysis, including automated sequencing and microsatellite analysis are available in 5,000 square feet of multi-user labs. Equipment includes DNA sequencers, centrifuges, PCR thermocyclers and ultra-cold freezers.
Seawater System
A covered pavilion contains flow-through seawater systems with filtered and raw water tanks, aquaria, seawater tables and holding tanks for the study of a wide range of marine organisms.
Archaeology Laboratory
A cavernous, converted warehouse holds artifacts representing decades of research into Panama’s prehistory as well as offices and workspace.
Scientific Diving program
Scientific diving plays a critical role in marine research at STRI. The dive program includes scientific dive training for STRI staff, and check out dives and supplemental training for visiting researchers. Our scientific diving program is affiliated with the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS).
Dock and Research vessels
Three small boats support research within about 100 km of the lab, providing access to an extensive range of marine and shoreline habitats throughout the northern part of the Gulf of Panama, including the Las Perlas Archipelago. The 29-foot Hanibal is the preferred research vessel for Las Perlas. The two smaller boats, a 15-foot Boston Whaler and the 24-foot Aguijón, also can be transported by trailer to support research in other areas of Panama.
Accommodations
There is no housing at Naos, although there are several hotels on the causeway. Researchers may stay at STRI dormitories near the Tupper Research and Conference Center in Ancon or rent local housing. There are numerous restaurants along the Amador Causeway. The nearest supermarket is in the Albrook area, a 10-15 minute drive, depending on traffic.
Field vehicles
STRI has manual transmission 4x4 trucks available at most research facilities. Some labs have their own vehicles as well. These vehicles are for authorizes research activities and need to be booked in advance. Drivers need valid licenses, a U.S. government license (issued at STRI), and experience driving manual transmission vehicles in off-road conditions.
Physical Monitoring Program
Established in 2010, the Physical Monitoring Program maintains a 12m tower on which rainfall, solar radiation, temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and direction are monitored. In addition, ocean temperature, pH and salinity are monitored one both sides of the Amador Causeway near the Naos laboratories.
Laboratories and Equipment
There is some general use equipment available for common use. Please contact the scientific coordination office for more information.
Maps & Directions
Naos Laboratories are located in Panama City on Naos Island, connected to the mainland by the Amador Causeway. To get to Naos from the city, drive, take a taxi or take the STRI employee shuttle. After passing the BioMuseo and the Panama Canal Authority pier on the right and the STRI pier on the left, you will see building 356 which houses the Naos Marine Laboratory's administrative offices on the right. The shuttle for STRI employees and visiting scientists leaves from the Tupper Research and Conference Center. Call to confirm the bus schedule +507 212-3420.
Naos Laboratories
Directional map
Contact Us
Visiting Scientists
For assistance with lab and office space and scientific project support
Lodging & Fees
For questions about accommodations and administration
Scientific Divers
For any projects involving diving at STRI
Emergencies
Report all emergencies to STRI security
