- Largest and deepest of the shallows.
- 2 seawater sources.
- 1 large outflow.
- Water flow can be isolated from shallows 2, 3, 4, 5.
- Water flow: circular around center island.
- Not shaded.

- Currently housing large nurse sharks for immunological research (FIU).
- 2 seawater sources into the shallows.
- 1 small outflow.
- Water flow can be isolated from shallows 1, 3, 4, 5.
- Partially shaded by natural cover.

- Seawater inflow from shallows 2.
- Water flow can't be isolated from shallows 2.
- Partially shaded by natural cover.
- Currently holding local fish and invertebrates for research and educational purposes, including pinfish, queen angelfish, redfish, tarpon, rainbow parrotfish, sea urchins, nurse sharks and others.

- Seawater inflow from shallows 3.
- Water flow can't be isolated from shallows 3.
- Shaded by large shade structure with >90% shade.
- Has been configured over last 4 years as an experimental arena for lobster/triggerfish predator/prey interactions.

The shallows are a unique feature of the research and education facilities at the Keys Marine Laboratory. These marine ponds contain 500,000 gallons of flow-through seawater pulled directly from surrounding waters. Inhabited by algae, sponges, cnidarians, gastropods, tunicates and small fish, the shallows are representative of the surrounding marine environment within the controlled environment of the laboratory. Many field-type experiments can be run in the shallows and they may be configured to house large experimental organisms that do not survive well in typical holding tanks. Contact KML to inquire about other potential uses for the shallows.