Research

The research unit of the University of Texas at Austin Marine Science Institute emphasizes both basic and applied research aimed at understanding the biological, chemical and physical processes governing the coastal zone ecosystem.  Our research is conducted under the ethical guidelines developed by our research staff.

Research emphases: 

Biogeochemistry

Fish Physiology and Ecology

Ecosystem Dynamics

Research support:

Seminars	Schweppe Public Lecture Series
Analytical Services Offered	Research Experiences for Undergraduates

Biogeochemistry

• Nutrient uptake dynamics and primary production in phytoplankton.
• Microbial degradation of organic matter and recycling of nutrients in marine food webs.
• Determination of nutrient fluxes using in situ benthic chamber systems
• Analysis of marine organic matter using state-of-the art Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) techniques.

Fish Physiology and Ecology  (more information)

• Studies on physiology and environmental toxicology, encompassing reproductive biology of marine finfish, ecological performance of fish larvae, and genetics of zooplankton.
• Investigations on recruitment and predator/prey dynamics of marine zooplankton and larval fishes using video/computer analysis equipment.
• Evaluation of nutrition in natural and mariculture systems, including the use of stable isotope tracer methods.

Mariculture research involving chemical and temperature/photoperiod spawning of finfishes , development of intensive raceway cultures foryear-round production of shrimp and fish, and the establishment of physio-chemical limits in larval fish growth and survival. 

Ecosystem Dynamics

• Trophic dynamics in benthic organisms including bacteria, meiofauna and macrofauna.
• Mulitdisciplinary research on marine ecosystems involving impact of freshwater inflow on estuarine systems, nutrient cycling, and mechanisms coupling estuaries and lagoons with the inshore continental shelf.