Institute for Marine Mammal Studies Celebrates Moving Forward with Center for Marine Education and Research

New Center Design Click for larger view.

The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies, a non-profit organization based in Gulfport, MS, is steadily moving forward with plans to build their Center for Marine Education and Research on the Industrial Seaway in Gulfport.  The architectural plans have been completed and the group plans to start construction in the next few weeks.

“This center will be a catalyst for marine science researchers in this region,” said Dr. Moby Solangi, president of the non-profit organization.  “It will be a place where universities will be able to collaborate.”
 
The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies (IMMS) is a non-profit organization founded in 1984. It has been a part of the National Stranding Network since its inception. IMMS is the only marine mammal organization on the Mississippi-Louisiana-Alabama sub-region that has the capability and expertise to care for sick and injured marine mammals. The mission of IMMS is to support innovative and critical research on marine mammals and their environments, and to better understand the role and responsibility humans have in the management of marine mammals both in captivity and in the wild. This collaborative effort combines the resources of IMMS along with universities, state and federal agencies to provide funding for projects that directly impact marine animals. The Institute is dedicated to the understanding of marine life through research, education, conservation and innovation.

The Center will be operated by the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies that received a $3 million grant from the National Marine Fisheries Service for this project. The Center for Marine Education and Research will be located on a twelve acre site in the Bernard Bayou Industrial District. The land was donated by the Harrison County Development Commission and the Board of Supervisors. The Center will include a combination of single story buildings that will be used to provide wet and dry laboratories, veterinary care facilities, observation and classroom areas, a museum, and administrative support areas. In addition, several pools with associated life support systems (pumps, filters, and water testing equipment) will be provided to care for marine mammals.

IMMS expects that the Center for Marine Education and Research will be completed near the end of this year (2006).  In addition, a rehabilitation and critical care area for stranded marine mammals will likely be functional within 6 months.  The Center will host educational group tours, field trips, internships and classes.  School and community outreach programs as well as conservation work will also be conducted.