The Bermuda Biological Station for Research has changed its name to Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences ? or BIOS.

Brian Duperreault, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of BIOS, said the organisation had a long and illustrious history but the title did not accurately reflect the scale and scope of work undertaken.

He said: "We believe the new branding gives us clarity of vision, expresses consistency of messages and will invigorate support for the institute and its mission."

The organisation was founded in 1903 by scientists from Harvard University, New York University and the Bermuda Natural History Society as a station for research in biology and zoology.

BBSR was incorporated in New York in 1926 as a US not-for-profit organisation and by 1932 the Bermuda Government and the Rockefeller Foundation joined forces to provide facilities and a modest endowment, and opened the BBSR at its present location in Ferry Reach, St. George's.

Since its modest beginnings at the turn of the last century, the scope and focus of the organisation has grown and the new name has been devised to reflect its current status as a world-class science and educational institute focusing on marine ecosystems, ocean/atmospheric interactions and ocean health, as well as their influence on man's habitat and health, said a BIOS press statement.

Dr. Anthony Knap, President and Director of BIOS, is pleased with the re-branding exercise.

He said: "Our new name, Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences, reflects the transformation of the research station into an independent institute focused on the study of marine and atmospheric systems.

"Education about the oceans and effective communication of research findings are essential to fostering public understanding and support for responsible ocean stewardship. We hope the community will embrace the new name and all that it encompasses."

BIOS also has a new logo for the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences represents the global impact of its scientific and educational vision.

The thinking behind it recognises that three-quarters of the planet is covered by water and people have a responsibility to always offer it protection.

The meridians cross at Bermuda, and the sun rises over the Sargasso Sea, welcoming a new era of research and discovery, said the release.