76 THE COASTAL BEND MAGAZINE • Late Spring 2019 TheCoastalBend.com The University of Texas Marine Science Institute (UTMSI) is among the oldest and most significant marine research facilities on the United States Gulf Coast, established in a beachside cabin in 1941. The facility has excelled over the years in countless marine research projects that have impacted industries including oil and gas exploration, shipping, and mariculture, and have influenced U.S. and international marine pollution and conservation laws. UTMSI wel- comes visitors daily where self guided tours and educational movies are among the attractions offered in the visitors center. Seven aquatic displays depict Texas coastal habitats and the organisms that live in them, includ- ing Spartina, black mangrove marsh, oyster reef, open bay bottom, rock jetty and offshore artificial reefs. Other displays in the main building highlight current and past research projects and feature representative specimens and photographs of local plants and animals. Admission is free. 630 E. Cotter Ave. • utmsi.utexas.edu UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS MARINE SCIENCE INSTITUTE ONE OF TOP IN THE U.S.