As a marine laboratory the DISL’s mission encompasses marine science education, marine science research, coastal zone management policy and educating the general public through the Estuarium, DISL’s public aquarium. Founded in 1971 by the State Legislature, the Dauphin Island Sea Lab (DISL) is Alabama’s marine science education and research laboratory. Located on the eastern tip of Dauphin Island, a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico, the DISL is surrounded by Mobile Bay, Mississippi Sound and the waters of the Gulf, making it perfectly situated for a wide range of marine science activity.

The Marine Environmental Sciences Consortium (MESC) was formed in 1971 by the Alabama Legislature as a result  of the decision by the presidents of Alabama's largest  colleges and universities to limit duplication of facilities and programs related to marine sciences. The MESC, now composed of twenty-one colleges and universities, is commonly referred to as the Dauphin Island Sea Lab (DISL), and is recognized regionally and nationally as a marine sciences institution of growing academic and research distinction.

At the DISL, year-round undergraduate and graduate education and basic and applied research are carried out through the University Programs, while K-12 education, teacher training and educational outreach activities are

directed through the Discovery Hall Programs. This brochure provides an overview of the undergraduate and graduate summer program at the DISL with information on course offerings and enrollment procedures for our 2010 Summer Program.