Sign in

The University of Texas Marine Science Institute

@utmsi.bsky.social
46 followers 18 following 60 posts

The University of Texas at Austin Marine Science Institute (UTMSI) advances the knowledge of coastal and blue water oceans with exceptional research, innovative teaching, and diverse public outreach programs.

PostsRepliesMedia
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute @utmsi.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
UTMSI, UTIG, and the Jackson School of Geosciences recently gathered in Port A to generate innovative research ideas and future partnerships. We were pleased to welcome Gregg Robertson, whose support through the Marsha and Gregg Robertson Research Endowment helped make the workshop possible. 🌊🔬🤘
marinescience.utexas.edu
Where Marine Science Meets Geoscience
Where Marine Science Meets Geoscience
010
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute @utmsi.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
🎨🌊 We’re pleased to welcome acclaimed interdisciplinary artist Ebony Noelle Golden as the inaugural artist-in-residence for UTMSI’s new COAST Lab, a program connecting art, science, and community to explore the future of Gulf Coast communities. utmsi.utexas.edu/coast-golden/ #PlanetTexas2050
utmsi.utexas.edu
UTMSI Welcomes Ebony Noelle Golden as the First Artist-in-Residence - Marine Science Institute. The University of Texas at Austin.
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute (UTMSI) is proud to welcome acclaimed interdisciplinary artist Ebony Noelle Golden as the inaugural artist-in-residence for the newly established…
010
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute @utmsi.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
🌊 UTMSI's new offshore buoy network is now delivering real-time data on waves, weather, water quality, and ocean conditions along the Texas coast. Learn more: utmsi.utexas.edu/utmsi-adds-n... @HEB #HEBHelpingHere #UTMSI #TexasCoast #OceanData #MarineScience #TexasScience
utmsi.utexas.edu
UTMSI Adds New Offshore Buoy Network - Marine Science Institute. The University of Texas at Austin.
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute (UTMSI) has expanded its coastal observing network with the deployment of a suite of offshore monitoring buoys that provide real-time environmental…
010
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute @utmsi.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
🌊 Why does some carbon in the ocean remain locked away for thousands of years while other carbon cycles quickly back into the environment? A new study led by UT offers a fresh theory marinescience.utexas.edu/news/researc... #OceanScience #Climate #CarbonCycle #MarineScience #UTMSI #texasscience
marinescience.utexas.edu
Going in the Flow: New Theory on Why Some Carbon in the Ocean Sticks Around for Millennia
Bonded water in refractory oceanic dissolved organic matter pool as a new theory
000
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute @utmsi.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Microplastics are everywhere, but what do they mean for human health? A new UT News feature explores research seeking answers, including perspectives from UTMSI's Dr. Zhanfei Liu. 🔗 Read the story: news.utexas.edu/2026/08/20/t...
news.utexas.edu
The Microplastics Inside Us: Understanding Their Effects on the Human Body - UT Austin News
Researchers from The University of Texas at Austin and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center are partnering to trace the journey of microplastic particles through the human body and their…
000
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute @utmsi.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
🦪 Join the Future of Oyster Aquaculture in Texas. Seeking a Shellfish Aquaculture Research Manager to lead the development of a new oyster aquaculture facility in Port A 👉 Apply here: utaustin.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/UTstaf...
utaustin.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com
Shellfish Aquaculture Research Manager
Job Posting Title: Shellfish Aquaculture Research Manager ---- Hiring Department: Department of Marine Science ---- Position Open To: All Applicants ---- Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40 ---- FLSA Status:…
002
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute @utmsi.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Like Google Earth, science creates amazing imagery — our grad student Kyra Jean Cipolla is also using 3D photogrammetry to examine coral reef structure and understand how the nooks and crannies in the reef influence the fish that live there. #Coral #reef #UTMSI #TexasScience
000
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute @utmsi.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Technology changes. Scientists don't. 💡 This throwback photo captures former Director Pat Parker (center) talking with Robbie Moore and Don Gibson about plans for a coring platform. The equipment is different, but big ideas and bold science never go out of style. 📷 D Parker
000
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute @utmsi.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
A new study finds that invasive rats on tropical islands can reshape entire coral reef food webs. 🔗 marinescience.utexas.edu/news/researc... #CoralReefs #MarineScience #Ecology #Conservation #TexasScience #UTMSI gobyone.bsky.social See less
utmsi.utexas.edu
How invasive rats rewire coral reef food webs creating winners and losers - Marine Science Institute. The University of Texas at Austin.
Invasive rats on tropical islands are creating winners and losers among the tiny underwater animals that inhabit surrounding coral reefs. And scientists in a study released recently in Ecology say […]
000
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute @utmsi.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
🎉 Congratulations to Amanda Jacoby, recipient of the CNS Staff Excellence Award! Amanda’s creativity, organization, and dedication help make UTMSI’s events, outreach, and communications a success. Well deserved! 👏🌊 #UTMSI #TexasScience #StaffExcellence #HookEm
020
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute @utmsi.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
Microbes are all around us...and they may be doing far more than we realize. At #UTMSI, researchers (Prasad & Lever) are uncovering how tiny microbes interact with detrital particles by isolating living microbial cells — allowing them to watch these interactions in real time.
032
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute @utmsi.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
🎉 Congrats grad student Lauren Bomer - selected as a GCAN Fellow! She represented Texas at the NOAA Ocean Acidification Program meeting, where she shared research, built connections, and helped shape future Gulf coastal science. gcoos.org/gcan-fellows/ #UTMSI #TexasScience
000
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute @utmsi.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
#UTMSI is researching how microplastics affect human health — the Liu Lab recently attended the UT MD Anderson–UT Austin Collaborative Research Summit, where they connected across campuses to tackle complex environmental and health challenges. 🧪🌊 🤘
011
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute @utmsi.bsky.social · 21/03/2026
Construction is underway on our new, state‑of‑the‑art research vessel for UT Marine Science Institute—built to power discovery across the Texas coast and the Gulf. 👉
utmsi.utexas.edu
031
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute @utmsi.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
New research from UTMSI shows that sunlight causes ocean plastics to release dissolved chemical compounds—not just smaller plastic particles—reshaping how we understand plastic pollution. 🔬 #UTMSI #TexasScience #Plastic #Ocean #Microplastics #nurdle #MarineDebris
utmsi.utexas.edu
New Study Clarifies What Plastics Become as They Weather in the Ocean - Marine Science Institute. The University of Texas at Austin.
As many people in South Texas are aware, plastic, like the cushions on outdoor furniture, can dramatically break down when exposed to the sun. The same process is happening to […]
022
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute @utmsi.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
Providing hands-on education and experience is what we do every day. #TexasScience #UTMSI
021
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute @utmsi.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
Thankful for support from the Texas General Land Office Coastal Management Program for projects at UTMSI, including ARK operations, Chinese tallow removal, and seagrass habitat research to guide restoration—plus matching support from UT, private donors & Fennessey Ranch. 🌊🌱
020
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute @utmsi.bsky.social · 16/02/2026
How do you study ocean environments that are nearly impossible for humans to reach? By building the technology to go there. 🌊⚙️ In this Q&A, UT alum Chip Breier shares how he's designing autonomous tools that collect critical data. 🔗 Read the full interview:
cns.utexas.edu
Building Better Tech for Marine Science: A Q&A with Chip Breier
Chip Breier (Ph,.D. '06) is a marine biogeochemist and engineer at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.
011
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute @utmsi.bsky.social · 14/02/2026
You know what we DON’T love this Valentine’s Day? 💔 Microplastics on the beach. 🏖️ Fortunately, our colleagues on the main campus, Carlos Baiz and team are working on a solution 💘 Read the story: cns.utexas.edu/news/feature... #UTMSI #Microplastics #TexasScience #Robotics
cns.utexas.edu
Microplastics in the Sand: Beach Combing Goes High Tech
A UT chemist says it is now time to develop tests for microplastics, similar to tests for other toxic threats.
021
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute @utmsi.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
Even though the temperature feels like summer, our UTMSI Winter 2025 Newsletter is here! ❄️ Check out our 36th issue. 👉 indd.adobe.com/view/c80f982...
indd.adobe.com
Publish Online
A newsletter from The University of Texas Marine Science Institute in Texas, Issue 26.
011
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute @utmsi.bsky.social · 31/01/2026
Texas scientists are teaming up to protect our changing Texas coast by synthesizing decades of TPWD data on storms, drought, freezes, and fisheries. UTMSI’s Dr. Zhanfei Liu co‑leads this NOAA‑funded effort 👉
restoreactscienceprogram.noaa.gov
From Santa Barbara to the Gulf: Scientists synthesize decades of data to protect a changing Texas coast - NOAA RESTORE Science Program
Trapped inside on a cool, sunny day in Santa Barbara, California, a group of scientists are deep in discussion. It’s November 2023, and the group is at the National Center for Ecological Analysis and…
021
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute @utmsi.bsky.social · 21/11/2025
New e-book written by @ingridbunholi.bsky.social and colleagues. Fast, practical techniques for species ID 🦈 using DNA/eDNA. “From Sample to Rapid DNA and eDNA Identification – An Easy Step-by-Step Guide” Download here: pt.scribd.com/document/952... #MarineScience #DNA #TexasScience #UTMSI
marinescience.utexas.edu
Fast Solutions for an Urgent Problem: Genetic Identification for the Protection of Sharks and Rays
A new scientific paper involving a University of Texas marine scientist shows protecting shark and ray populations can begin with DNA analysis.
014
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute @utmsi.bsky.social · 13/11/2025
🌊 Our UTMSI scientists are at the Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation 2025 Conference, sharing research on coastal ecosystems. We’re proud to be part of this global conversation—and even more excited that Dr. Sharon Herzka, CERF President-Elect, is leading the way!
031
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute @utmsi.bsky.social · 07/11/2025
Stars Over Port A – Benefit for the ARK 🌌 Tomorrow, Nov. 8, 5–7:30 p.m. at the Sip Yard Port Aransas! Enjoy live music, great food (Wok On, Vibe Tacos, Slicee’s), and two drinks with your ticket—all supporting the ARK. Tickets: $60. RSVP: (361) 332-6361 #StarsOverPortA #ARK
010
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute @utmsi.bsky.social · 29/10/2025
We’re Hiring! Small Boat Operator – Port Aransas, TX 🌊🚤 The Small Boat Operator will safely operate and maintain small vessels used in scientific fieldwork—transporting personnel, equipment, and assisting with sampling. Apply now: tinyurl.com/4nkz6crh
utaustin.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com
021
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute @utmsi.bsky.social · 27/10/2025
You may have noticed a surge in jellyfish lately. While populations appear to be rising, their gelatinous bodies and drifting nature make them notoriously difficult to track. That’s where science steps in. A new instrument on the UTMSI research pier can record smaller stages of jellyfish. 📷 Herzka
001
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute @utmsi.bsky.social · 24/10/2025
Big news! Since 1974, we've been educating K–12 students & visitors. Now, with SEA, we’re expanding our reach with a mobile classroom—bringing ocean learning directly to Coastal Bend schools and festivals. Thank you, SEA, for your continued support and congrats on 25 yrs!
010
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute @utmsi.bsky.social · 29/09/2025
🦈 Fast Solutions for an Urgent Problem - PhD student Ingrid Bunholi's new paper on the use of rapid genetic testing in shark & ray conservation. An e-book is coming soon 👉 utmsi.utexas.edu/fast-solutio... 📷 Erika Beux #Shark #TexasScience #eDNA #UTMSI #Genetics #CaseyLab
utmsi.utexas.edu
Fast Solutions for an Urgent Problem - Marine Science Institute. The University of Texas at Austin.
Genetic Identification for the Protection of Sharks and Rays Rapid genetic testing is emerging as a powerful ally in monitoring and protecting shark and ray populations from the black-market wildlife…
041
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute @utmsi.bsky.social · 25/09/2025
In honor of National Campus Safety Awareness Month, we thank the Port Aransas Police, EMS & Fire Dept. for joining us, and Jim Moreno for leading the program. Together, we strengthened campus safety & preparedness. #CampusSafety #CommunityPartners #PortAransas
000
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute @utmsi.bsky.social · 23/09/2025
Bob and Kevin are back in action! Yesterday, a 2nd Sofar buoy "Kevin" was deployed at West Flower Garden Bank by FGBNMS scientists. The Hu Lab will use the data from both Kevin and Bob to monitor the environmental health of the coral reefs.🔹 Meet Kevin: spotters.sofarocean.com/historical/S... #UTMSI
021
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute @utmsi.bsky.social · 19/09/2025
Join researchers from #UTMSI as they capture stunning high-res imagery of plankton using an advanced shadowgraph-based system that continuously collects images of fish larvae, jellies, amphipods, and other planktonic organisms in their natural environment.
youtu.be
In with the tide | UTMSI Sunrise fieldwork
Join researchers from the University of Texas Marine Science Institute (UTMSI) as they capture stunning high-resolution imagery of plankton using the In-Situ Ichthyoplankton Imaging System Deep-Focus…
011
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute @utmsi.bsky.social · 02/09/2025
🐟🌊 Less than 1% of baby fish survive past the larval stage. PhD student Juan Pablo Lozano-Peña is studying how rock pools at the Port Aransas jetty help them find shelter on their journey to estuaries. Read more: www.portasouthjetty.com/articles/the...
portasouthjetty.com
The long journey to an estuary - Port Aransas South Jetty
When parents are looking for infant daycare or primary school for their kids, it must be as perfect as possible. However, there needs to be a reconciliation between perfection and reality when it…
011
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute @utmsi.bsky.social · 28/08/2025
🌟 Staff Spotlight: Caitlin Neill 🌟 Research Tech in the Nielsen Lab, “Drip Master” of Solid Phase Extraction, and lifelong learner. Outside the lab, she enjoys sewing, crocheting, music & softball. If she were a marine organism? A Christmas Tree Worm! 📷: Izzy Nelson #UTMSI #StaffSpotlight
010
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute @utmsi.bsky.social · 25/08/2025
On Aug 22, the GSA hosted the 1st MSI Graduate Student Symposium at the Patton Center with 9 presenters from Integrative Biology & Chemistry. Thanks to the College of Natural Sciences , MSI Director Sharon Herzka, UTMSI GSA & Student Services Budget Committee for support!
021
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute @utmsi.bsky.social · 19/08/2025
In the past year, ARK at UTMSI cared for 1,204 animals — including 574 sea turtles, hundreds of birds, and a few freshwater turtles. 🦅🐢 Sea Turtle Hotline: 1-866-TURTLE5 Bird Hotline: (361) 749-6793 📷 Big Kahunas, a loggerhead sea turtle, released Oct.
030
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute @utmsi.bsky.social · 15/08/2025
Institute Insights: Gaining insight through entrails 🐟🔬 David Malcolm dissects fish guts to study estuarine food webs, revealing how environmental shifts ripple through the food chain—like modern-day haruspicy. www.portasouthjetty.com/articles/gai... 📷: David Malcolm #UTMSI #InstituteInsights
portasouthjetty.com
Gaining insight through entrails - Port Aransas South Jetty
Deep in the collections of the Museo Gregoria-no Etrusco of Vatican City hangs a bronze mirror that, through my work in our Texas estuaries, has taken on a new personal meaning. The mirror was cast…
011
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute @utmsi.bsky.social · 14/08/2025
🎓 Big congrats to our newest Master's grad, Kody Barone! His research explored how mangrove dieback from the 2021 freeze impacts blue carbon storage in South Texas marshes—highlighting the resilience of soil carbon in coastal wetlands. #UTMSI #BlueCarbon #Mangroves #TexasScience
000
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute @utmsi.bsky.social · 07/08/2025
Being a scientist has its benefits, especially when it’s 100F+ in Texas. The Nielsen Lab and USGS colleagues are enjoying cooler weather while sampling at Grewingk Glacier in Alaska to learn about the sources, export, fate, and bioavailability of #mercury released by rapidly retreating glaciers.
010
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute @utmsi.bsky.social · 07/08/2025
Science and the Sea: When Hanging Out Takes Work 🐠 Hovering in place isn’t easy—fish can burn twice the energy staying still midwater vs. resting on the bottom! utmsi.utexas.edu/science-and-... 📷 Philippe Bourjon, CC BY-SA 4.0 #ScienceAndTheSea #UTMSI #FishFacts #TexasScience
utmsi.utexas.edu
When Hanging Out Takes Work - Marine Science Institute. The University of Texas at Austin.
Often, scientific research confirms what scientists already suspected, but other times, science reveals a twist that no one saw coming. That’s the kind of study that recently showed how much […]
011
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute @utmsi.bsky.social · 28/07/2025
🎬 Just days away! Join us Friday, Aug 1 | 2–3:30 PM at the Patton Center for a free screening of Our Texas, Our Future, an @HEB docuseries celebrating Texas’ natural beauty. 🌿 Info: utmsi.utexas.edu/event/h-e-b-... #OurTexasOurFuture #HEB #UTMSI #TexasScience
utmsi.utexas.edu
H-E-B Our Texas, Our Future Film Screening Celebration! @Port Aransas - Marine Science Institute. The University of Texas at Austin.
Join us for a special screening of the H-E-B original docuseries, Our Texas, Our Future, a powerful five-part film celebrating the natural beauty of Texas—from its iconic State Parks to […]
000
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute @utmsi.bsky.social · 24/07/2025
Kelly Dorgan will join UT's cohort for the 2025-2026 Research Leaders Academy. Congrats Kelly! research.utexas.edu/news/new-coh...
000
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute @utmsi.bsky.social · 17/07/2025
❄️ Institute Insights: Arctic lagoons through snow, ice & t-shirt weather? Mathea Kurtz-Shaw shares what it’s like to do fieldwork across 3 extreme Arctic seasons. Read more: www.portasouthjetty.com/articles/bad... #InstituteInsights #UTMSI #ArcticResearch #TexasScience
portasouthjetty.com
Bad weather or bad clothing? - Port Aransas South Jetty
I hold firmly to the Scandinavian belief that (barring extreme weather events) “there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.” I often find myself employing this saying when justifying to…
011
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute @utmsi.bsky.social · 15/07/2025
🎣 Caught a Freckled Guitarfish in the Gulf? Help science! Report your catch & support research on this unique species. Learn how ➡️ utmsi.utexas.edu/assist-scien... #FreckledGuitarfish #UTMSI #CommunityScience #TexasScience
utmsi.utexas.edu
Assist Scientists in Understanding More About the Elusive Freckled Guitarfish - Marine Science Institute. The University of Texas at Austin.
The Freckled Guitarfish (Pseudobatos lentiginosus) is a small, bottom-dwelling ray native to the Gulf and western North Atlantic. Listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN, we still know very little about […]
011
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute @utmsi.bsky.social · 10/07/2025
The latest edition of our newsletter is here! 🤿 Dive into updates, behind-the-scenes stories, research discoveries, and the exciting work happening at the UT Marine Science Institute 🔗 indd.adobe.com/view/33a38a8... #Newsletter #MarineScience #TexasScience #UTMSI
000
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute @utmsi.bsky.social · 10/07/2025
From Classroom to Coastline! 🌊🌱Thirteen educators explored coastal science at the July 7–9 TOTE Workshop in Port Aransas, hosted by Mission-Aransas NERR. Hands-on fieldwork and NOAA resources will help them bring estuary science to their classrooms. #TOTEWorkshop #MissionAransasNERR #UTMSI
000
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute @utmsi.bsky.social · 09/07/2025
Science and the Sea: The Not-So-Rare Giant Crustacean 🦐 At over 13", Alicella gigantea is the largest amphipod on Earth—and possibly not as rare as once thought. utmsi.utexas.edu/science-and-... 📷 Alan Jamieson, CC BY-SA 4.0 #ScienceAndTheSea #UTMSI #AlicellaGigantea #TexasScience #DeepSea
utmsi.utexas.edu
The Not-So-Rare Giant Crustacean - Marine Science Institute. The University of Texas at Austin.
Sometimes we consider a species rare because it truly is, whether because it’s endangered or simply because it naturally has sparse populations. But other times, a species may only appear […]
000
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute @utmsi.bsky.social · 03/07/2025
Post-Fourth of July Beach Cleanup at Port Aransas South Jetty, July 12, 9 AM–12 PM. Stop by anytime to help keep our coast clean. Supplies provided. Hosted by the Mission-Aransas National Estuarine Research Reserve & UTMSI. Details: www.utmsi.utexas.edu/event/post-fourth-of-july-beach-cleanup/
utmsi.utexas.edu
Post-Fourth of July Beach Cleanup @Port Aransas - Marine Science Institute. The University of Texas at Austin.
Help us keep our coastline clean and healthy by participating in a community beach cleanup on Saturday, July 12, at the Port Aransas South Jetty. Stop by anytime between 9:00 […]
000
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute @utmsi.bsky.social · 02/07/2025
Congratulations to Ph.D. student Hannah Rempel on receiving a grant from the International Women's Fishing Association Scholarship Trust in support of her research on the impact of pollutants on reef fishes. 🐠 #Congratulations #IWFA #UTMSI #TexasScience
000
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute @utmsi.bsky.social · 01/07/2025
🎬 Join us for Our Texas, Our Future—a free H-E-B docuseries screening celebrating Texas' beauty & conservation heroes! utmsi.utexas.edu/event/h-e-b-... #OurTexasOurFuture #HEB #UTMSI #TexasScience
utmsi.utexas.edu
H-E-B Our Texas, Our Future Film Screening Celebration! @Port Aransas - Marine Science Institute. The University of Texas at Austin.
Join us for a special screening of the H-E-B original docuseries, Our Texas, Our Future, a powerful five-part film celebrating the natural beauty of Texas—from its iconic State Parks to […]
000
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute @utmsi.bsky.social · 30/06/2025
The campus, including the Patton Center, is closed on Friday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day. We’ll resume normal hours on Saturday, July 5 (10 a.m.–4 p.m.). Have a safe and happy Fourth! 🇺🇸 #UTMSI #FourthOfJuly #IndependenceDay #PortAransas
000