Gulf Coast Research Laboratory

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Gulf Coast Research Laboratory The University of Southern Mississippi’s Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (GCRL) is one of the largest marine laboratories in the southeastern United States.

🌿 Research Spotlight: Frank DriscollGCRL Ph.D. student Frank Driscoll from Dr. Songjie He’s Coastal Ecosystem Biogeochem...
10/13/2026

🌿 Research Spotlight: Frank Driscoll

GCRL Ph.D. student Frank Driscoll from Dr. Songjie He’s Coastal Ecosystem Biogeochemistry Lab, is studying how carbon is exchanged, transformed, and stored in coastal Mississippi's salt marshes.

His project, “Net Ecosystem Carbon Balance in Two Mississippi Salt Marshes with Distinct Hydrologic Characteristics,” examines marshes and adjacent tidal creeks, including research in the Pascagoula River Estuary. This specific field trip focused on examining vertical gas exchange between the marsh and the atmosphere through the use of automatic flux chambers.

Studying carbon exchange that is influenced by multiple factors, including water level, temperature, and salinity, helps better understand the important role coastal wetlands play in the carbon cycle.

And fieldwork is alwasy best with a charming white ibis as our research companion.

Another successful GCRL Open House is in the books! 🎉A huge thank you to the incredible faculty, staff, students and vol...
10/12/2026

Another successful GCRL Open House is in the books! 🎉

A huge thank you to the incredible faculty, staff, students and volunteers who worked together to make this year’s Open House a success. It was amazing to learn from each research exhibit and demonstration while welcoming and engaging with visitors throughout the day.

We’re grateful to everyone who gave their time and energy to make the day possible. Job well done, GCRL team!👏💙

NOTICE: Boat Launch Closed This WeekendDue to Hurricane Isaias, the boat launch at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory's ...
10/09/2026

NOTICE: Boat Launch Closed This Weekend

Due to Hurricane Isaias, the boat launch at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory's Halstead campus will be closed October 9-11.

10/08/2026

EAGLE ALERT [Thursday, Oct. 8, 2:30 p.m.]

Due to the potential impact of Hurricane Isaias, The University of Southern Mississippi will close all research and teaching sites along the Gulf Coast, including the Gulf Park campus, on Friday, Oct. 9.

NOTICE: Boat Launch Closed This WeekendDue to Hurricane Isaias, the boat launch at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory's ...
10/08/2026

NOTICE: Boat Launch Closed This Weekend

Due to Hurricane Isaias, the boat launch at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory's Halstead campus will be CLOSED October 9-11.

Earlier this Fall semester, Dr. Kim de Mutsert’s Diversity of Fishes undergraduate class stepped aboard the R/V Jim Fran...
10/08/2026

Earlier this Fall semester, Dr. Kim de Mutsert’s Diversity of Fishes undergraduate class stepped aboard the R/V Jim Franks for a hands-on field day at Cat Island.

Students collected water quality data and trawled, getting firsthand experience observing and identifying fishes and other organisms in their natural habitat. The trip gave students the chance to put concepts from class into practice while learning how coastal scientists collect and interpret field data.

On Saturday, September 26, the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory welcomed more than 600 members of the community for our an...
10/07/2026

On Saturday, September 26, the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory welcomed more than 600 members of the community for our annual Open House—a tradition that has brought people together to learn about the research, education, and conservation taking place along Mississippi’s Gulf Coast.

The Open House offered opportunities to learn from our faculty, staff, and students about their research and projects, making GCRL a hub for coastal science. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with our neighbors, share the importance of our coastal resources, and celebrate the longstanding relationship between GCRL and the community.

Once again, thank you for joining us!

Crushing Glass is happening this week!Join the Ocean Springs Environmental Alliance on Thursday, October 8 at the Mary C...
10/06/2026

Crushing Glass is happening this week!

Join the Ocean Springs Environmental Alliance on Thursday, October 8 at the Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Arts Center for an afternoon and evening focused on glass recycling and its environmental benefits.

Bring your own unused glass beginning at 4 p.m. to see the crushing and recycling process in action. Afterward, enjoy a w**e and cheese reception at 6 p.m., followed by a presentation at 6:30 p.m. to learn more about glass recycling and its environmental impact.

📍Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Arts Center - 1600 Government Street, Ocean Springs, MS 39564

On Saturday, September 26, the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory welcomed more than 600 members of the community for our an...
10/05/2026

On Saturday, September 26, the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory welcomed more than 600 members of the community for our annual Open House—a tradition that has brought people together to learn about the research, education, and conservation taking place along Mississippi’s Gulf Coast.

The Open House offered opportunities to learn from our faculty, staff, and students about their research and projects, making GCRL a hub for coastal science. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with our neighbors, share the importance of our coastal resources, and celebrate the longstanding relationship between GCRL and the community.

Thank you for joining us!

Acknowledging Climate Resiliency Week!During Climate Resiliency Week, we're highlighting how Gunter Library at Gulf Coas...
10/02/2026

Acknowledging Climate Resiliency Week!

During Climate Resiliency Week, we're highlighting how Gunter Library at Gulf Coast Research Lab helps our community stay informed about the challenges facing our changing climate.

Gunter Library has a special display featuring “hot” topics, including books about global warming, climate change and related issues. With more than 50 books on climate change and climate-related topics in its collection, the library provides a valuable resource for learning more about our changing environment and the ways communities can prepare for the future.

Gunter Library is also designated as a CREW (Communities Responding to Extreme Weather) Hub, supporting access to information and resources that can help communities respond to extreme weather.

Address

703 E Beach Drive
Ocean Springs, MS
39564

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