Texas A&M University at Galveston’s Sea Life Facility welcomes the addition of Aglantis, the 300-gallon saltwater aquarium that has resided on the lower floor of the Texas A&M University Memorial Student Center (MSC) since 2013. Aglantis–and its residents–join a number of educational displays and aquaria at the Sea Life Facility that educate Texas A&M University-Galveston students and community members.
Aglantis originated as a gift from Texas Sea Grant to Texas A&M University and the Brazos Valley for Earth Day. The tank houses many species of fish and invertebrates from the Gulf of Mexico and connected waters, which serve as ambassadors promoting ocean awareness and preservation.
“We are thrilled to have Aglantis join the Sea Life Facility,” said Katie St. Clair, Sea Life Facility manager. “This tank is a wonderful educational resource for visitors from the student body and Galveston community alike.”
This fall, Aglantis will be the focus for a Hullabaloo U course that helps Texas A&M’s first-year students transition to the university and equip them with resources to achieve their professional and academic goals. According to St. Clair, the aquatic community found in Aglantis is a great metaphor for the dynamic and diverse community and experiences that students can find at Texas A&M.
The Sea Life Facility provides a range of services and infrastructure in support of research and education on the Galveston Campus. The student staff provides husbandry, water quality, and life support system services for faculty, graduate, and undergraduate student engineer projects involving marine and aquatic organisms. Emphasis on practical skills, problem-solving, technical expertise, and leadership ensures students are well prepared to enter careers in research, aquaculture, and aquarium science.
Beyond Aglantis, the Sea Life Facility has been making other additions to expand research and outreach opportunities, including Rev’s Reef, a touch tank showcasing fish and invertebrate species from Galveston Bay. Further additions are set to be unveiled this fall.
Prior to gifting Aglantis to the Sea Life Facility, Texas Sea Grant provided regular maintenance to the tank and cared for its residents.
“I am so happy Aglantis found a new home at the Galveston Campus’ Sea Life Facility!” said Chloe Dannenfelser, former Texas Sea Grant program assistant and caretaker of Aglantis. “Katie and her team were so great to work with, and I loved seeing how excited the students were to have the fish so close by. I can’t wait for the incoming students and community to see their new aquarium!”
Learn more about the history of Aglantis and how its residents are cared for at https://stories.texasseagrant.org/all-about-aglantis/index.html.
Media Contacts:
Sara Carney, communications manager, Texas Sea Grant, 713-435-9585, scarney@tamu.edu
Andréa Bolt, social media & communications manager, Texas A&M University at Galveston, 409-740-4929, a_bolt@tamug.edu
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Texas Sea Grant is a unique partnership that unites the resources of the federal government, the State of Texas and universities across the state to create knowledge, tools, products and services that benefit the economy, the environment and the citizens of Texas. It is administered through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and is one of 34 university-based Sea Grant Programs around the country. Texas Sea Grant is a non-academic research center at Texas A&M University. The program’s mission is to improve the understanding, wise use and stewardship of Texas coastal and marine resources.
Texas A&M University at Galveston is the marine and maritime branch campus of Texas A&M University which educates nearly 2,300 undergraduate and graduate students in science, business, engineering, liberal arts and transportation. It is driving the development of the blue economy in the Gulf Coast Region and is a critical contributor to Texas A&M’s rare land-, sea-, space-grant mission with nearly $10 million in research expenditures.
Texas A&M-Galveston is also home to the Texas A&M Maritime Academy, one of six state maritime academies and the only one in the southern United States, which trains over 400 cadets annually for maritime service and employment around the world.
Texas A&M-Galveston is located in Galveston, Texas on the Gulf Coast where it is surrounded by industry, environment and programs essential to fulfilling its special-purpose mission. Aggies are known for their deep commitment to the success of each other and their strong desire to serve.