Meet Our Partners

The Dauphin Island Sea Lab collaborates with a number of different organizations and programs. Learn more about our partners below.

NOAA Office for Coastal Management

NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management was founded to work with a variety of partners, from all sectors, to deliver the products, services, and programs most needed by the nation’s coastal communities.

NOAA Fisheries

NOAA Fisheries is responsible for the stewardship of the nation’s ocean resources and their habitat. They provide vital services for the nation, all backed by sound science and an ecosystem-based approach to management.

United States Fish and Wildlife Service

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the only agency in the federal government whose primary responsibility is the conservation and management of fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the American people.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration

The Food and Drug Administration is responsible for protecting the public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, and medical devices; and by ensuring the safety of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation.

Gulf of Mexico Alliance

Since 2004, the five Gulf states have been the foundation of the Gulf of Mexico Alliance, a partnership network dedicated to working on issues common to the Gulf region. The members of the Gulf of Mexico Alliance include state and federal agencies, tribal governments, communities, academic organizations, businesses, and non-governmental organizations in the region. The overarching goals of the Alliance continue to be: providing forums for collaboration, developing and modifying tools to address regional issues, enabling strategic partnerships, and tracking restoration efforts.

Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium

The National Sea Grant College Program, administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is a federal/state partnership that matches NOAA Sea Grant expertise and resources with state academic institutions. The Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium (MASGC), created in 1972, is one of 34 Sea Grant programs. Consortium members include Auburn University, Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Jackson State University, Mississippi State University, The University of Alabama, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, The University of Mississippi, The University of Southern Mississippi and the University of South Alabama.

Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is an executive and administrative department of the State of Alabama created by statute. The Commissioner, appointed by the Governor as a member of the Cabinet, advises the Governor and Legislature on the management of freshwater fish, wildlife, marine resources, state lands, state parks, and other natural resources.

Mississippi Department of Marine Resources

Mississippi Department of Marine Resources is a separate governing agency, created in 1994 by the Mississippi Legislature, with the mission to enhance, protect and conserve the state’s marine interests. MDMR manages all marine life, public trust wetlands, adjacent uplands and waterfront areas to provide optimal commercial, recreational, educational and economical uses of these resources that are consistent with environmental concerns and social changes.

The Nature Conservancy

From rare and endangered plants and animals to prairies, forests and the Gulf coast, The Nature Conservancy is working to protect Alabama for people and nature. Help us ensure a future in which people and nature can thrive.

National Association of Marine Laboratories

The mission of NAML and its three regional organizations is to promote excellence in research, education, and public outreach in the marine sciences. NAML also seeks to provide a forum for the resolution of challenges common to non-profit marine laboratories in the United States and to inform the wise use and conservation of marine and coastal resources. The Association is committed to establishing an environment of diversity, equity, and inclusion in every aspect of NAML’s research, education, and outreach enterprise.

Southern Association of Marine Laboratories

SAML includes marine laboratories from Maryland to Texas as well as Bermuda, Panama and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Organization of Biological Field Stations

The mission of the Organization of Biological Field Stations (OBFS) is to help member stations increase their effectiveness in supporting critical research, education, and outreach programs. We pursue this goal in a manner that maximizes diversity, inclusiveness, sustainability, and transparency.

Northern Gulf Coast Institute

The Northern Gulf Institute (NGI) is a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Cooperative Institute comprised of six academic institutions that are geographically distributed across the U.S. Gulf Coast states.

The six NGI member institutions are Mississippi State University (lead), the University of Southern Mississippi, Florida State University, Louisiana State University, the University of Alabama in Huntsville, and the Dauphin Island Sea Laboratory.

National Marine Education Association

National Marine Educators Association (NMEA) is a dedicated, influential member-based organization of classroom teachers, informal educators, university professors, scientists, and more from around the world working together to advance the understanding and protection of our freshwater and marine ecosystems. From scientists working in the deep sea to students studying underwater archeology in the Great Lakes, NMEA members are dedicated to making known the world of water, both fresh and salt.

Southern Association of Marine Educators

The Southern Association of Marine Educators (SAME) is a chapter of the National Marine Educators Association (NMEA). SAME is made up of colleagues from Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, northwest Florida, and (unofficially) Texas. It brings together those interested in the study and enjoyment of the world of water, both fresh and salt. SAME is a valuable resource for marine and aquatic studies.

Environmental Educators of Alabama Association

EEAA is in The Southeastern Environmental Education Alliance (SEEA) network of state affiliates, of the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) located in the southeast region of the U.S. - EPA Region 4.

Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initative

The Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative, commonly referred to as AMSTI, is the Alabama Department of Education’s initiative to improve STEM teaching statewide, including improvements in the individual, as well as the integrated, STEM subjects. Its mission is to support Alabama educators and students in learning STEM through doing STEM.

Alabama Department of Public Health Coastal Conditions Program

Alabama Public Health provides easy access to Alabama’s coastal conditions, health and environmental data, to enhance your coastal stay.

Alabama Coastal Foundation

Since 1993, the Alabama Coastal Foundation (ACF) has worked to create a healthy balance between the conservation needs of our priceless coastal resources and the inevitable pressures of economic growth. We encourage responsible citizen action and offer opportunities for individuals to play a vital role in preserving the environment and our coastal way of life.

Share the Beach was formed in 2005 by the Friends of the Bon Secour Wildlife Refuge in Gulf Shores. In 2018, the Friends Group and ACF announced that we would be the new home for Share the Beach! This program follows protocols set forth by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under the federal endangered species recovery permit. Volunteers are able to help protect the nesting sea turtles and their habitat under these guidelines.

Weeks Bay Reserve

Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve was established in 1986 and is managed by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources as part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Estuarine Research Reserve System. Weeks Bay NERR is comprised of 9,317 acres and contains upland and bottomland hardwood forests, salt and freshwater marshes, submerged aquatic vegetation and unique bog habitats.

South Alabama Land Trust

Formerly the Weeks Bay Foundation. South Alabama Land Trust protects land and promotes environmental education in coastal Alabama so current and future residents can enjoy clean water and the marine life, wildlife, and outdoor recreation that define our area.

Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

The Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) was established in 1999 and is managed by the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources as part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Estuarine Research Reserve System. The Grand Bay NERR is comprised of approximately 18,000 acres and contains pine savannas, salt marshes, salt pannes, bays and bayous as well as terrestrial habitats that are unique to the coastal zone.

Little Lagoon Preservation Society

The Little Lagoon Preservation Society, LLPS, is open to all who enjoy and appreciate Little Lagoon, including property owners, full and part-time residents, and vacationers. In 1991, a group of Lagoon Lovers joined together with the common desire to improve and maintain water quality and recreational opportunities.

Pensacola & Perdido Bays Estuary Program

Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary Program serves as a trusted source for residents, businesses, industry, and the community on issues relating to preserving, restoring, improving and maintaining the natural habitat and ecosystem of the bays, estuaries and watersheds of Pensacola and Perdido Bays.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission-Florida Manatee Program

The Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) is a native species found in many of Florida’s waterways. The Florida manatee population has grown to a minimum of 7,520 animals today and as a result, the species was reclassified from an endangered to a threatened species under the federal Endangered Species Act in May, 2017.

Mobile Bay Audubon Society

The Mobile Bay Audubon Society, founded in 1969, is a chapter of the National Audubon Society. MBAS’s belief is that the goal of conserving, protecting, and restoring habitat is best accomplished by working together with government agencies, nonprofit groups, and others to promote awareness, understanding, enjoyment and science-based stewardship of our environment.

Dog River Clearwater Revival

The Dog River Clearwater Revival mission is to create an environment where families, children, citizens, workers, and visitors work and play in a clean, safe, and accessible Dog River Watershed. They work to implement projects identified in our Watershed Management Plan, educate all citizens about their impact on the watershed and empower people to take positive action through stewardship, volunteerism, and community leadership.

Mobile Baykeeper

Mobile Baykeeper works towards real and measurable improvement in the health of the waters of Coastal Alabama.

Alabama Center for Estuarine Studies

The mission of the Alabama Center for Estuarine Studies (ACES) is to develop a mechanistic understanding of how human induced modifications singly and in concert produce changes in the structure and function of coastal ecosystems.

Town of Dauphin Island

Dauphin Island offers an authentic taste of the beautiful Gulf Coast. It is a quaint, small southern town with a strong marine culture, an eclectic mix of locally owned shops and galleries, and laid-back restaurants that serve delicious locally harvested seafood. You’ll also find miles of uncrowded, pristine beaches, excellent fishing and a historic, storied past. Dauphin Island has been designated as the “Sunset Capital of Alabama,” so you haven’t lived until you’ve experienced the approaching dusk of day from any point on the island.

Visit Mobile

Mobile has a certain magic that keeps you on your toes. Where a melting pot of people, flavors, cultures, and traditions become one voice to lead all of life’s celebrations. Join the jubilee and welcome every day with an enduring passion and a little soulful hospitality, because life is the ultimate gift. This is the spirit of living. This is what we’re born to do.