The Big Picture: The Alabama Aquarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab has reopened with renovated exhibits, providing visitors with a unique and inspiring experience to care for and protect the ocean and its creatures. With educational programs for all ages and ongoing research initiatives, the DISL is dedicated to marine science education and research in the Gulf Coast region.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to whisk your family away to Dauphin Island and dive into the awe-inspiring wonders of the newly revamped Alabama Aquarium.

On Monday, July 10, the Alabama Aquarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab welcomed the public once again, showcasing its newly renovated facility and exhibits.

DISL Executive Director Dr. John Valentine said, “We are thrilled to reopen our doors and welcome visitors back to the Alabama Aquarium. Our goal has always been to provide an unparalleled experience that inspires visitors to care for and protect the ocean and its creatures, and we believe that the improvements we’ve made will help us achieve that goal.”

The DISL and the Alabama Aquarium can provide people with not only a fun experience but also an interactive educational experience.

Visitors can purchase tickets online or at the door. The aquarium is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to book their tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line.

DISL provides unmatched quality of education and research for the Gulf Coast region, providing analysis of the marine life in our area and educating the next generation of marine scientists.

Education

Why it matters: The Dauphin Island Sea Lab provides educational opportunities for a wide range of ages, including K4-12th grade and extends to graduate-level students.

The K-12 programming provides children with a hands-on, practical experience.

The K-12 programs range from:

• Field Classes
• STEM Programs
• Summer Camps
• Residential Marine Science Class
• Science Friday
• Workshops
• Internships

For undergraduate students, the DISL has 22 partner schools that comprise the Marine Environmental Sciences Consortium (MESC). The MESC includes both public and private schools, all located in Alabama.

Undergraduate programs include:

• NSF-REU
• Summer Programs
• Courses
• Internships

For graduate-level students, the DISL offers students educational experiences and opportunities in research studies such as:

• Research Assistantships
• Fellowships
• Summer Programs
• And more

Does your whole family want to learn more about our ocean environment? The DISL also offers educational experiences that the entire family can take part in, such as

• Boardwalk Talks
• Excursions
• Family Camp
• Sea Stars Camp
• Summer Camp
• Merit Badge Programs
• BayMobile

Research

The DISL website states, “Research at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab focuses on the ocean, coastal zones and watersheds. This research serves as the best available science for coastal policy and stakeholders.”

A few of the lab’s research projects and initiatives include:

·      Alabama Center of Excellence

·      Marine Mammal Research Program

·      Fisheries Ecology Research

·      Our Wastewater Footprint

·      CAMEO Citizen Science Program

·      Data Management Center

·      Alabama’s Real-Time Coastal Observing System (ARCOS)

Go Deeper: To get more involved or learn how the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and the Alabama Aquarium have contributed to the Gulf Coast community, visit disl.edu.