Island Science Day

Presented by the University of Texas Marine Science Institute

Saturday October 12, 2024

Explore the natural wonder of Port Aransas at Island Science Day, brought to you by the University of Texas Marine Science Institute! At this open-house style event, you'll be able to take boat rides, go on interactive field trips, learn about the work UTMSI scientists are doing, and more.

What began humbly in 1941 as a small shack on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico in Port Aransas is now home to cutting-edge research, education, and outreach programs. The Texas Gulf Coast Research Center invites you to join them in celebrating 83 years of marine science.

 

Schedule of Events

Turtle close to surface of the water

Demonstrations

Plastics and Nurdles
  • 10 a.m., noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m.
Wetland Wonders
  • Limit 15 persons
  • 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m.
Keeping It Reel!
  • Limit 15 persons
  • 10 a.m., noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m.
Turtle Talk
  • Limit 20 persons
  • 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m.
What's In My Net?
  • Limit 15 persons
  • 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m.
Sediments and Seaweeds
  • Limit 15 persons
  • 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m.

A large whtie and blue boat is docked by a grassy field.

Excursions Aboard Research Vessels

Space is limited. Restricted to adults and children aged 10 and above only for R/V Katy and Curt Johnson.

"Life in a Texas Estuary" Aboard R/V Katy
  • Limit 20 persons
  • 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m.
"Surrounding Seagrass" Aboard Curt Johnson
  • Limit 10 persons
  • 10:15 a.m., 11:45 a.m., 1:15 p.m., 2:45 p.m.

A white bird with a long orange beak wades

Presentations

Presentation by Dr. Kristin Nielsen
  • 9:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m.
The Marshes They Are A-Changin' by Kyle Runion
  • 11:30 a.m., 3 p.m.

An open empty museum room with a wavy blue ceiling, aquarium tanks on one wall, and various oceanic hangings on the walls

Guided Tours

Wetlands Education Center
  • Limit 20 persons 
  • 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m.
Marine Science Institute
  • Limit 15 persons
  • 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m.
Fisheries and Mariculture Laboratory 
  • Limit 15 persons
  • 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m.

Other Activities 

Gyotaku fish printing, vendor booths, live music, Patton Center, food trucks, movie showings, a UT/OU football game watch party, KPAB clean up, and more!

Book Your Excursions

While all events at Island Science Day are free of charge, many have limited spots and require pre-registration. 

Thank You To Our Event Partners!

Marline blue text reads Port Aransas in all caps. Beneath it is a line and the text "the island life," also in marlin blue, in lowercase letters.

Green logo that says "Our Texas Our Future." Next to the text is a Texas shape with a leaf drawing in it.

College of Natural Sciences

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