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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. All events are FREE, but you are highly encouraged to make a reservation to secure your spot for the activities with limited occupancy.

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.

Can't attend but still want to support UTMSI's conservation efforts? 
Click Here To Donate

Schedule of Events

Turtle close to surface of the water

Demonstrations

Registration Required For These Events

If the event is full, check on-site for available slots!

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.

Vessel Excursions

Registration Required For These Events

Space is limited. Restricted to adults and children aged 10 and above only for Curt Johnson. If the event is full, check on-site for available slots!

"Surrounding Seagrass" Aboard Curt Johnson
  • Limit 10 persons
  • 10:15 a.m., 11:45 a.m., 1:15 p.m., 2:45 p.m.
"Bay Ecology" Aboard Mustang
  • 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4 p.m.

A white bird with a long orange beak wades

Presentations

Pre-registration is not required for these events.
One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Dead Fish by Dr. Robert Griffitt 
  • 9:30 a.m., 1 p.m.
Jellyfish—Friends, Foes, or Food by Dr. Ed Buskey
  • 2 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

Registration Required For These Events

If the event is full, check on-site for available slots!

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.
Jetty Cleanup
  • Limit 15 persons
  • 10 a.m., 2 p.m.

Other Activities 

Registration Not Required For These Events

Gyotaku fish printing, vendor booths, live music, Patton Center, food trucks, movie showings, a UT/OU football game watch party, kid activities, 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!

Black and orange word mark reading "The University of Texas at Austin College of Natural Sciences." To the left of the words is a burnt orange badge.

Burnt orange word mark that reads Texas Gulf Coast Research Center

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

Black logo reading "Mustang Dolphin Watch Nature Tours" over a simple black anchor.

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.

Learn More About UTMSI