Resting on the coastline of Mustang Island in Port Aransas is the University of Texas’ Marine Science Institute (UTMSI), dedicated to enhancing the understanding of the world’s oceans and educating populations about marine environments. What was once a small shack in 1941 is now one of the most significant research facilities on the Texas coast.
UTMSI addresses worldwide issues while focusing on the coastal zone ecosystem within three categories: biogeochemistry, fish physiology and ecosystem dynamics. Through its three educational centers, UTMSI is dedicated to spreading knowledge about aquatic life with the local community.
“The importance is, we live here,” UTMSI Education Coordinator Adriana Reza said. “Our community loves the beach, but we do not often visit the beach because it is part of our lives. Highlighting research is important so that our community, visitors and tourists are aware of all the things going on here. The oceans and the estuaries are vital ecosystems, and they play a really great role in our lives.”
Located in Rockport, the Bay Education Center — one of UTMSI’s campuses — invites visitors to understand the importance of estuaries and coastal habitats through discoveries of the Mission-Aransas Estuary and the National Estuarine Research Reserve. Visitors can explore Science on a Sphere (SOS), an interactive 3D globe that brings Earth science to life from land, air, space and sea.
The newest addition to UTMSI’s reach is the Patton Center for Marine Science Education in Port Aransas. It offers eight large aquaria, interactive displays and its Estuary Explorium, designed for people of all ages to delve into the UTMSI research. The center features multiple walking trails, the Wetlands Education Center and the Water Wise Wildlife Garden, which demonstrates native coastal vegetation.
Then, there’s the 3.6-acre Wetlands Education Center—one of a kind in the state of Texas—and its trail lined with interpretive signage, designed to instruct about local coastal habitats. Visitors can acquire hands-on experience and take in the unique local plants and animals. Free guided tours are available twice weekly, and self-guided walks are open to the public from dawn to dusk.
“[The centers] help the mission by making that connection to our community, whether it is our locals in Port Aransas or our winter Texans. They remember the message they learned at MSI,” Reza said.
Free public educational programs, including lectures, nature crafts, teacher workshops, graduate student opportunities and a kids’ summer science program are also available.
UTMSI research, education and outreach emphasize the vital importance of the coastal ecosystems to our communities. Because our blue waters, at the end of the day, are more than just pretty scenery.
