Introduction       The University       Admission       Registration, Tuition, and Fees       Academic Policies and Procedures       Student Services       Libraries and Other Academic Resources          The University of Texas Libraries          Dolph Briscoe Center for American History          Harry Ransom Center          Legal Research: Tarlton Law Library          Other Libraries in Austin          McDonald Obervatory          Texas Natural Science Center          University of Texas Press          KUT and KUTX Public Radio          Computing Resources          Marine Science Institute          Hogg Foundation for Mental Health          Institute of Latin American Studies       Appendices       Index

• Introduction
• The University
• Admission
• Registration, Tuition, and Fees
• Academic Policies and Procedures
• Student Services
• Libraries and Other Academic Resources
  • The University of Texas Libraries
  • Dolph Briscoe Center for American History
  • Harry Ransom Center
  • Legal Research: Tarlton Law Library
  • Other Libraries in Austin
  • McDonald Obervatory
  • Texas Natural Science Center
  • University of Texas Press
  • KUT and KUTX Public Radio
  • Computing Resources
  • Marine Science Institute
  • Hogg Foundation for Mental Health
  • Institute of Latin American Studies
• Appendices
• Index

Marine Science Institute

The Marine Science Institute located in Port Aransas, Texas, is the gateway to pristine estuaries and the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico.  The institute is ideally located for the resident faculty to conduct basic and applied research and provide undergraduate and graduate instruction in marine science. Well known for its masters and doctoral degree programs in marine science, an undergraduate degree is also available in marine and freshwater biology. Degree plans are offered by the Department of Marine Science and College of Natural Sciences.

Founded in 1941, the 72-acre campus provides a wide variety of natural marine environments within close proximity.  These ecosystems include fresh to hypersaline waters, grass and mud flats, shell reef, sand beaches, dune areas, Gulf of Mexico waters, and estuarine nurseries.  A variety of facilities complement the research, education and outreach, including research laboratories, classrooms, library, pier laboratory, dormitories, apartment housing, cafeteria, visitor's center/auditorium and offices.  The institute's fleet of boats range from shallow water skiffs to the R/V Katy, a 57-foot trawler.

The Fisheries and Mariculture Laboratory (FAML) is located near the ferry landing on 10-acres. The mariculture program focuses on finfish reproduction, growth, physiology, and restocking of sportfish. CCA Texas Laboratory for Larviculture, a part of FAML, is the only such facility in the state.

The Estuarine Research Center at the Marine Science Institute is home to Mission-Aransas National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) headquarters. NERR is a national oceanic and atmospheric administration program managed by the University and one of only 28 in the United States.  Within the 185,708 acre boundary the program focuses on research, education, and stewardship. It brings together scientists, landowners, policy makers, and the public to ensure optimal coastal management decisions. The NERR also provides twice-weekly guided tours of the Wetlands Education Center, a three-acre tidal marsh built for educational use. Self-guided tours are available daily.

The Marine Science Institute operates Marine Education Services as part of its outreach program. It provides marine education experiences for visiting-classes, teacher training workshops, and evening seminars.

Scientists at this long standing and well known facility have been responsible for landmark discoveries in marine science. The faculty at the Institute have an excellent record of successful, innovative sponsored research projects spanning both local and global interests. The UT Marine Science Institute is a 'Resource for Texas - A Resource for the World.'