“The coast of the great State of Texas, washed by the tides and currents of the magnificent inland sea, the Gulf of Mexico, offers unrivaled opportunity for the establishment of a Marine Station. Strange animals and plants, a fauna and flora little known, invite the research of the student and investigator.”

-- University of Texas Board of Regents
   report to Governor Jim Hogg, 1892

This wonderful quote and the Regents’ vision is being carried out today by The University of Texas Marine Science Institute, established in 1941 in Port Aransas, Texas. As Chairman of the Marine Science Advisory Council, it is my honor to provide the leadership in carrying out our stated purposes. “The purposes of the Council are to further the research, educational, and service objectives of the Institute and the Department by all available means, including promoting cutting-edge research in marine science at the Institute, supporting the undergraduate and graduate training efforts of the Department, enhancing public relations, and obtaining financial assistance through the encouragement of gifts, donations, and bequests from individuals and corporate entities, as well as grant support from private foundations.” We the Marine Science Advisory Council are an active, generous and committed group serving The University of Texas in this outstanding facility, the Marine Science Institute. If you would like more information about us, please contact Georgia Neblett, Director of Development at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  or (361) 749-6839.

-- J. Oscar Robinson
Chairman, 2009-2011