UTMSI is a department of the University of Texas and is dedicated to research, education, and outreach of marine and coastal environments.

Port Aransas, Texas
Joined February 2015
Congrats to our very own Grant Lockridge and Megan Do! #TexasScience
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The ARK is having a turtle release this weekend!
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Island Science Day is finally here! Come over - open until 2pm
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🐢🤝 It was great hosting the SeaWorld rescue team this week at ARK to share updates, review systems, & strengthen partnerships in sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation. @SeaWorldSanAntonio @MissionAransasNERR @ARKWildlifeRehab
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UTMSI, UTIG, and the Jackson School of Geosciences recently gathered in Port A to generate innovative research ideas and future partnerships. We were pleased to welcome Gregg Robertson, whose support helped make the workshop possible. 🌊🔬🤘 marinescience.utexas.edu/new…
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Microplastics are everywhere, but what do they mean for human health? A new UT News feature explores research seeking answers, including perspectives from UTMSI's Dr. Zhanfei Liu. 🔗 Read the story: news.utexas.edu/2026/08/20/t…
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🦪 Join the Future of Oyster Aquaculture in Texas. Seeking a Shellfish Aquaculture Research Manager to lead the development of a new oyster aquaculture facility in Port A 👉 Apply here: utaustin.wd1.myworkdayjobs.c…
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Like Google Earth, science creates amazing imagery — our grad student Kyra Jean Cipolla is also using 3D photogrammetry to examine coral reef structure and understand how the nooks and crannies in the reef influence the fish that live there. #Coral #reef #UTMSI #TexasScience
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Technology changes. Scientists don't. 💡 This throwback photo captures former Director Pat Parker (center) talking with Robbie Moore and Don Gibson about plans for a coring platform. The equipment is different, but big ideas and bold science never go out of style. 📷 D Parker
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A new study finds that invasive rats on tropical islands can reshape entire coral reef food webs. marinescience.utexas.edu/new… #CoralReefs #MarineScience #Ecology #Conservation #TexasScience #UTMSI See less
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🎉 Congratulations to Amanda Jacoby, recipient of the CNS Staff Excellence Award! Amanda’s creativity, organization, and dedication help make UTMSI’s events, outreach, and communications a success. Well deserved! 👏🌊 #UTMSI #TexasScience #StaffExcellence #HookEm
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Hurricane Season and Coastal Bend Highway 361
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Microbes are all around us...and they may be doing far more than we realize. At #UTMSI, researchers (Prasad & Lever) are uncovering how tiny microbes interact with detrital particles by isolating living microbial cells — allowing them to watch these interactions in real time.
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🎉 Congrats grad student Lauren Bomer - selected as a GCAN Fellow! She represented Texas at the NOAA Ocean Acidification Program meeting, where she shared research, built connections, and helped shape future Gulf coastal science. gcoos.org/gcan-fellows/ #UTMSI #TexasScience
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#UTMSI is researching how microplastics affect human health — the Liu Lab recently attended the UT MD Anderson–UT Austin Collaborative Research Summit, where they connected across campuses to tackle complex environmental and health challenges. 🧪🌊 🤘
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Construction is underway on our new, state‑of‑the‑art research vessel for UT Marine Science Institute—built to power discovery across the Texas coast and the Gulf. 👉utmsi.utexas.edu/nextgen-ves…
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