UTMSI

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-vessel/

New research from UTMSI shows that sunlight causes ocean plastics to release dissolved chemical compounds—not just smaller plastic particles—reshaping how we understand plastic pollution. 🔬 #UTMSI #TexasScience #Ocean #nurdle #MarineDebris utmsi.utexas.edu/new-study-clar…

Providing hands-on education and experience is what we do every day. #TexasScience #UTMSI

Thankful for support from the Texas General Land Office Coastal Management Program for projects at UTMSI, including ARK operations, Chinese tallow removal, and seagrass habitat research to guide restoration—plus matching support from UT, private donors & Fennessey Ranch. 🌊🌱

How do you study ocean environments that are nearly impossible for humans to reach? By building the technology to go there. 🌊⚙️ In this Q&A, UT alum Chip Breier shares how he's designing autonomous tools that collect critical data. 🔗 Read full interview: cns.utexas.edu/news/features/…

You know what we DON’T love this Valentine’s Day? 💔 Microplastics on the beach. 🏖️ Fortunately, our colleagues on the main campus, Carlos Baiz and team are working on a solution 💘 Read the story: cns.utexas.edu/news/features/… #UTMSI #Microplastics #TexasScience #Robotics

Even though the temperature feels like summer, our UTMSI Winter 2025 Newsletter is here! ❄️ Check out our 36th issue. 👉 indd.adobe.com/view/c80f982f-…

Texas scientists are teaming up to protect our changing Texas coast by synthesizing decades of TPWD data on storms, drought, freezes, and fisheries. UTMSI’s Dr. Zhanfei Liu co‑leads this NOAA‑funded effort 👉 restoreactscienceprogram.noaa.gov/coastal-manage…

New e-book written by Ingrid Bunholi and colleagues. Fast, practical techniques for species ID 🦈 using DNA/eDNA. “From Sample to Rapid DNA and eDNA Identification – An Easy Step-by-Step Guide” Download here: pt.scribd.com/document/95224… #MarineScience #DNA #TexasScience #UTMSI

🌊 Our UTMSI scientists are at the Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation 2025 Conference, sharing research on coastal ecosystems. We’re proud to be part of this global conversation—and even more excited that Dr. Sharon Herzka, CERF President-Elect, is leading the way!

Stars Over Port A – Benefit for the ARK 🌌 Tomorrow, Nov. 8, 5–7:30 p.m. at the Sip Yard Port Aransas! Enjoy live music, great food (Wok On, Vibe Tacos, Slicee’s), and two drinks with your ticket—all supporting the ARK. Tickets: $60. RSVP: (361) 332-6361 #StarsOverPortA #ARK

We’re Hiring! Small Boat Operator – Port Aransas, TX 🌊🚤 The Small Boat Operator will safely operate and maintain small vessels used in scientific fieldwork—transporting personnel, equipment, and assisting with sampling. Apply now: tinyurl.com/4nkz6crh

While jellyfish populations appear to be rising, their gelatinous bodies and drifting nature make them notoriously difficult to track. That’s where science steps in. A new instrument on the UTMSI research pier can record smaller stages of jellyfish. 📷 Herzka

Big news! Since 1974, we've been educating K–12 students & visitors. Now, with SEA, we’re expanding our reach with a mobile classroom—bringing ocean learning directly to Coastal Bend schools and festivals. Thank you, SEA, for your continued support and congrats on 25 yrs!

🦈 Fast Solutions for an Urgent Problem - PhD student Ingrid Bunholi's new paper on the use of rapid genetic testing in shark & ray conservation. An e-book is coming soon 👉 utmsi.utexas.edu/fast-solutions… 📷 Mary Finch & Erika Beux #Shark #TexasScience #eDNA #UTMSI #Genetics #CaseyLab

In honor of National Campus Safety Awareness Month, we thank the Port Aransas Police, EMS & Fire Dept. for joining us, and Jim Moreno for leading the program. Together, we strengthened campus safety & preparedness. #CampusSafety #CommunityPartners #PortAransas

Bob and Kevin are back in action! Yesterday, a 2nd Sofar buoy was deployed at West Flower Garden Bank by FGBNMS scientists. The Hu Lab will use the data from both Kevin and Bob to monitor the environmental health of the coral reefs.🔹 Meet Kevin: spotters.sofarocean.com/historical/SPO… #UTMSI

Join researchers from #UTMSI as they capture stunning high-res imagery of plankton using an advanced shadowgraph-based system that continuously collects images of fish larvae, jellies, amphipods, and other planktonic organisms in their natural environment. youtu.be/svlHaxMfbFU

🐟🌊 Less than 1% of baby fish survive past the larval stage. PhD student Juan Pablo Lozano-Peña is studying how rock pools at the Port Aransas jetty help them find shelter on their journey to estuaries. Read more: portasouthjetty.com/articles/the-l…

🌟 Staff Spotlight: Caitlin Neill 🌟 Research Tech in the Nielsen Lab, “Drip Master” of Solid Phase Extraction, and lifelong learner. Outside the lab, she enjoys sewing, crocheting, music & softball. If she were a marine organism? A Christmas Tree Worm! 📷: Izzy Nelson