Dauphin Island Sea Lab – Dauphin Island, Alabama
Focused on educating the public, doing marine science research, coastal zone management policy and marine science education this facility reaches deeply into the concerns and future of the waterways of the Gulf Coast Region. The facility was founded in 1971 by the State Legislature and is Alabama’s marine science education and research laboratory. The island is situated in the Gulf of Mexico and is surrounded by Mobile Bay, Mississippi Sound and the waters of the Gulf. With this location it is a perfect location for a wide range of marine science activity.
As an educational facility it works with the 21 four-year colleges and universities of Alabama through its college summer courses and graduate programs. They also work with K-12 on field programs, teacher-training, and public outreach through the Discovery Hall Program.DHP also includes the Estuarium, the public aquarium of the DISL, which focuses solely on the Mobile-Tensaw Estuary System.
The research programs of the DISL range from biogeochemistry to oceanography to paleoecology. Although most research focuses on the near-shore and estuarine processes of Mobile Bay, field sites of their internationally-renowned faculty include Antarctica, Panama, Belize and other countries.
There are different exhibits that you can enjoy while visiting the Lab. There is the Living Marsh Boardwalk which is on the north side of the parking lot and takes you out through a salt marsh. There are panels along the way that will assist you in identifying the grasses and wildlife common to the area. There is also "Mr. Sand" which will help students learn about a grain of sand. The cartoon character tells the story of the evolution and dynamics of barrier islands which will enthrall kids of all ages.
The Mobile-Tensaw River Delta is the states largest wetland and provides a vital habitat for many different plants and animals. Rich soil is deposited into the shallow bay areas by the Coosa, Tallapoosa, Black Warrior, Tombrigbee and Alabama Rivers which built the Delta.
10 miles wide and 40 miles long the Delta includes 250,000 acres of marsh, cypress-tupelo swamp and bottomland hardwoods. It is the second largest delta in the US.
Mobile Bay encompasses 413 square miles. It is approximately 31 miles long and has a maximum width of 24 miles at the southern end averaging 10 feet in depth. Discharging 62,000 cubic feet of water per second, Mobile Bay is the fourth largest estuary in the United States.
The Barrier Islands are parallel to the coastline and serve to protect the mainland from the wind and wave energy associated with storms. The size, shape and location of a barrier island is constantly changing due to waves and currents. Barrier Island habitats include sandy beaches, dune systems and maritime forests. Aquaria in this gallery include saltwater tanks and terrestrial aquaria. Saltwater tanks include animals such as: shrimp, clams and hermit crabs.
Inside the Estuarium you will find a room of exciting, interactive activities! As you step into The Billy Goat Hole Gallery, you will find a replica of an old French sailing vessel called the Discovery Ship, full of interesting treasures for students to explore. There are many interactive, interdisciplinary, hands-on activities for students to enjoy.
The Gulf of Mexico is the ninth largest body of water in North America with approximately 3,000 miles of shoreline and encompassing a total area of 600,000 square miles. The Gulf of Mexico averages 5,000 feet deep, with it’s deepest point being Sigsbee Deep at 12,425 feet. Two-thirds of the fresh water from the United States, part of Canada via the Mississippi River, half of Mexico and a portion of Guatemala drains into the Gulf of Mexico.
There are "Touch Tanks" to give hands-on experience with aquatic animals. There are specimens available for you to explore and touch.
Dauphin Island Sea Lab is also an active weather station.
Directions: The main Interstate nearest to the Dauphin Island Sea Lab is Interstate 10, which runs East-West. From I-10, take Exit 17A to Dauphin Island. This will take you onto Route 193 South, also known as “Rangeline Road.” Follow Rt. 193 South all the way down to Dauphin Island. Once you’re on the island, take a left at the Water Tower on to Bienville Boulevard. The Sea Lab is located two miles from there.
Admission: Prices are subject to change without notice. Adults: $7, Children 5-18 or Students with ID $4, seniors $6. Group rates are available. Call Sara Johnson at 251-861-7511.
Dress Code: Shorts and shoes required, no bikini tops.
Hours: Summer Hours: March 1 – August 31 Monday to sAturday 9 to 6. Sunday 12 to 6.
Winter Hours: September 1 – February 28/29, Monday to Saturday 9 – 5 and Sunday 1 – 5.
Closed on New Year’s Eve and Day, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Day and New Year’s Eve Day.
Contact: Dauphin Island Sea Lab
101 Bienville Blvd
Dauphin Island, AL 36528
Phone: 251-861-2141
Fax: 251-861-4646
Email: langelo@disl.org
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