Texas Coastal Naturalist

Texas Coastal Naturalists are trained first responders for coastal natural emergencies.

Coastal Naturalists may also serve as interpretive guides and assistants for the CSL’s marine science educational programs.

Certification as a Texas Coastal Naturalist requires training in 3 areas approved by the program, two of which are required to be emergency responses:

• harmful algal blooms such as red tides
• marine mammal strandings
• sea turtle nest monitoring and cold stun events
• oiled wildlife

Additional training courses may be offered:  beach ecology, fish printing, weighmaster training and other advanced courses as deemed applicable.

The Texas Coastal Naturalist Program is sponsored by Texas Sea Grant at Texas A&M University, Texas AgriLife Extension Service, and the Rio Grande Chapter Texas Master Naturalists, in partnership with The University Texas Rio Grande Valley Coastal Studies Laboratory, Gladys Porter Zoo, and Sea Turtle, Inc. The Coastal Studies Lab at South Padre Island is the venue for most of the classes taught for certification in the program.  The fee for most classes is $15.

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