Program areas at DISL
University Programs-support both graduate and undergraduate degrees of the 22 member institutions. Students utilize resources at MESC as an integral part of their education (300 students per year)
Research-faculty conduct research in disciplines ranging from biochemistry to paleobiology. Mobile Bay is the overwhelmingly dominant natural feature of the Alabama coast and MESC has concentrated its efforts on the Bay - although research is carried out as far as Antarctica (100 projects)
Discovery Hall Program-Intended to increase understanding and appreciation for science and the marine environment by directly involving participants in the environment with dynamic, hands on activities, k-12 students, teacher training and enhancement programs (10,000 students per year).
Education, General/Other, The Estuarium Public Aquarium-Exciting visual displays and engaging interactive exhibits present an unforgettable educational experience. Focuses on the four main ecosystems of Mobile Bay, includes and exhibit hall, weather station and living marsh boardwalk. (70,000 visitors per year)
Natural Resources Conservation & Protection. Mobile Bay National Estuary Program - to provide and maintain stewardship of the water quality characteristics and wise stewardship of the living resources of the Mobile Bay Estuary System (565,000 people)