b'P o r tA r a n s a sUNIVERSITY OF TEXAS MARINE SCIENCE INSTITUTEThe University of Texas Marine Science Institute (UTMSI) is the oldest and most significant marine research facility on the Gulf Coast, established in a beachside cabin in 1941. The facility has excelled over the years in countless marine re-search 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 welcomes 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 or-ganisms that live in them, including 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 represen-tative specimens and photographs of local plants and animals.630 E. Cotter Ave.utmsi.utexas.edu128THECOASTALBENDMAGAZINE TheCoastalBend.com'