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.

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

Staff

David Hicks
David Hicks
CSL Director / Professor
Email:

Phone: 956-882-5055
Laura George Grayson
Laura George Grayson
Program Manager
Email:

Phone: 956-882-4076
Maria Infante
Maria Infante
Administrative Assistant II
Email:

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

Phone: 956-882-4078
Eberto Presas
Eberto Presas
Laboratory / Field Technician - Texas Beach Watch
Email:

Phone: 956-882-4073
Joanne Rampersad-Ammons
Joanna Rampersad-Ammons
Associate Professor
Email:

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.

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)