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Coastal Studies Laboratory
Facility of School of Earth, Environmental, and Marine Sciences
  • Education Services
  • Community Engagement
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    Community Engagement

    Discover the UTRGV Coastal Studies Lab’s community engagement initiatives, including aquarium and museum tours, volunteer programs, and seasonal camps. Join us in promoting marine science education and conservation in the South Texas region.

    • Tours
  • Public Service
    ▼
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    Public Service

    Learn about the UTRGV Coastal Studies Lab’s public service initiatives, including beach condition monitoring, Red Tide Rangers, and the Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network. Join our efforts in marine conservation and community outreach in the South Texas region

    • Red Tide Rangers
    • Sea Turtle Salvage Stranding Network
    • Texas Beach Watch
    • Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network
  • Research
Lionfish swimming in the tank

Coastal Studies Laboratory

Hexagons

Mission

The Coastal Studies Laboratory located on South Padre Island was established in 1973, and is dedicated to providing educational opportunities, enhancing research, engaging in public service, and providing community outreach related to coastal and marine concerns in the Gulf of Mexico with special emphasis on the South Texas region.

Public Service
Texas Coastal Naturalists
Request a Tour
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About Us/Location

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Coastal Studies Laboratory

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Coastal Studies Laboratory (CSL) is on South Padre Island in Isla Blanca Park. The CSL functions as an aquarium, museum, and research facility devoted to the rich marine habitats of the Laguna Madre and the Gulf of Mexico. Inside, you will discover live exhibits of native marine species alongside an extensive collection of hundreds of shells and other specimens found along the Gulf's shores. We welcome the public free of charge and have an on-site gift shop offering marine-themed souvenirs.

** Follow the one-way loop around the park. The Coastal Studies Lab is on the beach side before the second pavilion. **

33363 Marine Lab Drive
South Padre Island, Texas 78597
Phone: (956) 761-2644
Email: coastal@utrgv.edu

Office Hours:
Monday - Friday 8:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

Aquarium/Museum Hours:
Monday - Friday 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Coastal Studies Laboratory Building

Aquarium & Museum

Aquarium tank 1
Aquarium tank 2
Aquarium tank 1,000 gallon
Blue Marlin and Texas shells
Giftshop with marine themed souvenirs

Staff

David Hicks
David Hicks
CSL Director / Professor
Email: david.hicks@utrgv.edu

Phone: 956-882-5055
Laura George Grayson
Laura George Grayson
Program Manager
Email: laura.georgegrayson@utrgv.edu

Phone: 956-882-4076
Maria Infante
Maria Infante
Administrative Assistant II
Email: maria.infante@utrgv.edu

Phone: 956-882-4070
Jennifer Brouwen
Jennifer L. Brouwen
Research Associate I / Quality Assurance Manager- Texas Beach Watch
Email: jennifer.brouwen01@utrgv.edu

Phone: 956-882-4078
Eberto Presas
Eberto Presas
Laboratory / Field Technician - Texas Beach Watch
Email: eberto.presas@utrgv.edu

Phone: 956-882-4073
Joanne Rampersad-Ammons
Joanna Rampersad-Ammons
Associate Professor
Email: joanne.rampersadammons@utrgv.edu

Phone: 956-882-4075

Funding

The Coastal Studies Lab, with the support of HEB funding, has undergone an exhibit renovation of our museum. This project features a 360-degree mural of an underwater scene made by our local artist Mario Morales from Artistico, Inc. We are thrilled about these long-awaited updates which have transformed our space into an engaging and creative atmosphere that everyone can experience through their unique perception of art.

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Bivalve Research Group (BRG)

Current Activities

Here are some of the current activities of the BRG: Oyster Hatchery, Oyster Culture, Oyster Reef Health, Clam Culture

Bivalve Research Group (BRG)

Studies on bivalves, mussels, and oysters

Associate Professor

joanne.rampersadammons@utrgv.edu

UTRGV Coastal Studies Lab

We are at UTRGV’s Coastal Studies Laboratory (CSL) on South Padre Island off the Lower Laguna Madre (LLM).

Bivalve Research Group

UTRGV’s Bivalve Research Group (BRG) is interested in all issues related to bivalves such as oysters, clams and mussels.

Contact

You can reach us by contacting Dr. Joanne Rampersad (aka Dr. Jo)

Current Activities

Here are some of the current activities of the BRG: Oyster Hatchery, Oyster Culture, Oyster Reef Health, Clam Culture

Bivalve Research Group (BRG)

Studies on bivalves, mussels, and oysters

Associate Professor

joanne.rampersadammons@utrgv.edu

UTRGV Coastal Studies Lab

We are at UTRGV’s Coastal Studies Laboratory (CSL) on South Padre Island off the Lower Laguna Madre (LLM).

Bivalve Research Group

UTRGV’s Bivalve Research Group (BRG) is interested in all issues related to bivalves such as oysters, clams and mussels.

Contact

You can reach us by contacting Dr. Joanne Rampersad (aka Dr. Jo)

Contact Us @

UTRGV Coastal Studies Lab

33363 Marine Lab Dr.
South Padre Island, Texas 78597

Phone: (956) 761-2644
Email: coastal@utrgv.edu

HOURS

Office Hours:
Monday - Friday
8:00pm - 5:00pm.

Business Hours:
Monday - Friday
1:00pm - 4:00pm.

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