Phone: (912) 786-5917
Fax: (912) 786-8959

Brief History
Marine education programs on Tybee Island began in 1987 with beach walks and seining. These classes were offered as an outreach program from the University of Georgia Marine Extension Service. After tremendous response, the outreach program merited a location of its own. In May 1988, only a year later, the Tybee Island Marine Science Center opened its doors.

The initial sponsors of the Center were the City of Tybee Island and the University of Georgia, Marine Extension Service. These two groups were joined in 1990 by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary. The formation of the Tybee Island Marine Science Foundation in 1990 established another major sponsor.

Currently, the Center is co-sponsored by the Tybee Island Marine Science Foundation, the City of Tybee Island, and NOAA Gray?s Reef National Marine Sanctuary. The Foundation is the primary sponsor and provides fundraising support and a Board of Directors.

Volunteers and interns continue to be an integral part of the operation of the Center. Their assistance contributes greatly to the success of the facility.

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