Story and Mission
T
he Dauphin Island Sea Lab is the state of Alabama’s
marine science education and research institution
giving all ages access to learning about our oceans.
Everyone can find something new in their adventures to
the Dauphin Island Sea Lab whether visiting with a school
group, for summer programs, a professional workshop, or
to visit our public aquarium, the Estuarium.
“The mission of the Dauphin Island Sea Lab is to educate
our citizens how extraordinarily valuable the Gulf of
Mexico is to the state of Alabama. That value manifests
itself in our cultural history, economic sustainability, and
the quality of life which we enjoy on a daily basis. All
of this tied to a clean environment and a clean Gulf of
Mexico,” DISL Executive Director John Valentine said.
Hands-on learning is at the core of that mission. During a
field trip, a summer camp, college courses, or on the road
with the BayMobile, there’s a chance to get up close to
our marine environment.
Do Some Good
VOLUNTEER: For people who enjoy meeting a
wide range of visitors, and who love to share their
enthusiasm for the environment, the Estuarium
provides a wonderful opportunity to get involved.
Volunteers show eager students and visitors how
ticklish horseshoe crabs are, talk to the public
about important marine problems, guide school
groups around exhibits, and much more. Volunteers
will receive extensive training, numerous benefits,
and the chance to meet and greet visitors from
right down the street to across the country.
To become an Estuarium docent volunteer, contact
Jamelle Roy at (251) 861-2141 x7545 or email:
volunteer@disl.org.
Our Upcoming Events
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Saturday, April 4: Discovery Day
Thursday, May 7: Cocktails with the Critters
Monday, June 8: World Oceans Day
Friday, September 25: Forks and Corks
Seafood and Science Culinary Gala
“Our education philosophy is one of ‘do’,” Dr. Tina-Miller-
Way of Discovery Hall Programs said. “Giving our visitors
a true hands-on experience in field, the salt marsh, on the
boat, collecting and analyzing data. It’s these experiences
that give all of our visitors a better understanding of our
ocean.”
The public aquarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab,
the Estuarium, gives visitors a broader understanding
of the interactions that take place in Mobile Bay, the
fourth largest estuary system in the United States. You’ll
journey through coastal Alabama
learning about the Mobile-Tensaw
River Delta, Mobile Bay, the
Barrier Islands, and the northern
Gulf of Mexico. Displays feature
rarely seen marine animals
native to these ecosystems.
With more than 31 aquariums,
you’ll get up close with polka-
dot batfish, seahorses, octopus,
diamondback turtles, hidden cup
corals, and more.
Contact Us
251-861-2141
www.disl.org
102 Bienville Blvd. Dauphin Island, AL 36528
visit www.themobilerundown.com | Text “Rundown” to 33222 11