Marine Education Center
About Us
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As the education and outreach arm of The University of 51逗奶 Mississippi鈥檚 Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, the MEC works to inform visitors and the public about our coastal ecosystems, current research, and conservation efforts in an effort to produce well informed and knowledgeable stewards of the marine environment.
The MEC encompasses 28,000 square feet in six major structures, all connected by outdoor walkways, trails, and the Bayhead Suspension Bridge.
Education yesterday, today and tomorrow
In 2005, Hurricane Katrina destroyed the former home of the MEC, the J. L. Scott Marine
Education Center and Aquarium in Biloxi. Rebuilding presented a unique opportunity
to recast the experience the MEC team wanted participants to have. The focus was placed
on maximizing the environment as the primary teaching tool.
Award-winning architecture frames the reimagined facility against a beautiful coastal
backdrop where participants have fun, immersive STEM-focused experiences. The 100-acre
site features trails that guide visitors through different coastal habitats, outdoor
and floating classrooms, and a pedestrian suspension bridge. The buildings at the
MEC are tucked into the environment and house public exhibits, laboratories, and beautiful
meeting spaces.
The real beauty of the MEC is how well it is designed to perform its primary function:
educating students and the public about Mississippi鈥檚 valuable and productive marine
and coastal resources. Thousands of students, visitors and coastal residents visit
the MEC to learn science-based information to help them be active stewards of the
marine environment.