Founded in 1971 by the State of Alabama Legislature to maximize the marine sciences capabilities of several Alabama institutions and minimize duplication.
Research programs range from biogeochemistry and oceanography to ecosystem ecology and ecotoxicology. While much of our research focuses on the near-shore and estuarine processes of the northern Gulf of Mexico, field sites of our internationally-renowned faculty also include the Arctic, Mexico, Australia, and other countries.
Located on the eastern tip of Dauphin Island, a barrier island in the northern Gulf of Mexico, DISL is surrounded by Mobile Bay, the Mississippi Sound, and the waters of the Gulf, making it a perfect location to conduct a wide range of marine science activity.
Location
The Dauphin Island Sea Lab is located on the eastern end of Dauphin Island, a 17-mile long barrier island approximately three miles from the mainland and thirty-five miles south of Mobile, Alabama. It is surrounded by Mobile Bay, Mississippi Sound and the Gulf of Mexico. The 35-acre campus is bordered by Mobile Bay to the north and the Gulf of Mexico to the south and is a five-minute walk from the Mobile Bay Ferry and Historic Fort Gaines. The campus is a no smoking, no weapons, and no pets campus.
Mailing Address:
Facilities
Learn more about the facilities and resources available at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab including:
- Seven lecture/lab classrooms
- Three seminar rooms including two with web conferencing abilities
- Library
- Two computer centers
- Multi-stressor Lab
- Wet Lab
- Flow-through Mesocosm
- Marine Mammal Necropsy Center
- and more!
Research Vessels
The Dauphin Island Sea Lab maintains maintains two large research vessels and several small vessels to conduct research and support educational programs throughout the year.
The largest vessel, the R/V Alabama Discovery, is equipped to collect samples to show the biodiversity of Mobile Bay and the northern Gulf of Mexico.
The R/V E.O. Wilson is ideal for conducting a variety of research operations in coastal and nearshore environments.
The fleet of small vessels ensures our research staff is able to access to all of Alabama's coastal and nearshore habitats.
Vision
The Dauphin Island Sea Lab’s vision is to become a center for transformative oceanic and coastal research and education.
Mission
Serve the general public, all levels of government, and the academic community, by improving ocean literacy and providing the best available science for coastal policy, including:
- Produce and disseminate knowledge regarding world oceans, coastal zones, and watersheds.
- Train future generations of oceanic and coastal scientists.
- Enhance public understanding and stewardship of oceanic and coastal resources.
Core Values
- Excellence
- Ethics and Integrity
- Diversity
- Community Engagement
- Financial Responsibility
Contact Us
See more about Who We Are
General Questions
Dauphin Island Sea Lab101 Bienville Blvd
Dauphin Island, AL 36528 (251) 861-2141
(251) 861-4646
News and Events
University Programs
Discovery Hall Programs Outreach, K-12, Teachers
(251) 861-2141 x7515
Alabama Aquarium
Field Trips
Special Events
Executive Director's Office
(251) 861-2141 x7505
Volunteering is a proven way to increase community connections and develop social skills. Investing volunteer time at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab strengthens the lab's education and research efforts in Alabama. Volunteer opportunities include campus beautification, facility improvements, and Aquarium education.
Organizations
Complete the form to share how your business or organization wants to help.
Organization volunteer formIndividuals
If you are interested in volunteering at the Alabama Aquarium, please fill out the form below.
Individual volunteer form