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 science. Degree plans are offered by the Department of Marine Science and College of Natural Sciences.
Founded in 1941, the seventy-two-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 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 ten acres. The mariculture program focuses on basic research on captive spawning, larval development and rearing, and nutrition of broodstock and larvae of recreationally and commercially important fishes. FAML also supports an active program on the interactions between fish physiology and the environment and how that translates to fish otoliths. 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 the Mission-Aransas National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) headquarters. The NERR is a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) program managed by the University and one of only twenty-eight 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 Mission-Aransas Reserve operates a visitor center called the Bay Education Center which is located in Rockport, TX, and dedicated to estuaries. It is free and open to the public, Tuesday through Saturday, 1-4 pm, with daily presentations at 2 and 3 pm. It is home to Science On a Sphere® , one of only three in Texas. Coming in summer 2014 is the addition of the Estuary Explorium in the UTMSI Visitor Center.
The Marine Science Institute offers 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 facility have been responsible for landmark discoveries in marine science. The faculty at the Institute have an excellent record of and reputation for successful, innovative sponsored research projects spanning both local and global interests. Their work is locally significant and globally relevant.