INSIDE ON CAMPUS

Marine Science Institute opens new fisheries lab, expands research oppor

UT Marine Science Institute (UTMSI) staff and members of the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) mark the opening of the university’s new research facility with a ribbon cutting ceremony. left to right: , UTMSI Director Lee Fuiman, UTMSI Development Officer Mary Abell, university President William Powers Jr., UTMSI Associate Director for Mariculture Joan Holt, CCA Chairman Mark Ray, CCA Executive Director Robby Byers, CCA President Bill Schwarzlose, CCA Vice President and Director of Conservation Pat Murray, CCA board member Ronnie Luster and CCA Assistant Director Luke Giles.
Photo: Phil Reynolds

The university’s Marine Science Institute in Port Aransas introduced its new 3,000-square-foot larval fish research facility on Aug. 17 during a grand opening celebration.

The Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) Texas Laboratory for Marine Larviculture was made possible through a $700,000 donation from the CCA Texas.

It will allow scientists to increase hatchery success and production of recreationally and commercially important fish species and to expand the number of new species that can be reared.

“This building will allow us to move our studies up to a higher level with a novel system of tanks and environmental controls,” says Joan Holt, associate director for mariculture and professor of marine science at the institute.

“With the addition of new modern laboratory space we will have an unparalleled capability for critical work on Texas fisheries, with implications for fisheries nationwide.”