The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (GCRL) is now registering for marine biology college field courses to be offered at the GCRL this summer. "Students will have the opportunity to explore the northern Gulf -- from sharks, dolphins and whales to marine ecology," said Dr. Jeffrey Lotz, chair of coastal sciences, the Southern Miss department that is headquartered at the GCRL and coordinates the academic program. "The GCRL Summer Field Program is alive and well, and we are accepting registrations now for summer 2007." Courses offered May 29-June 20 are marine biology, marine mammals, shark biology and marine ichthyology. June 21-July 13 courses are oceanography, marine invertebrate zoology, marine ecology and marine biology for teachers. Students who attend both terms can earn up to 12 semester hours of science credit. Options are also available for upperclassmen to conduct independent research under the direction of a GCRL scientist. Research areas with a marine focus include aquaculture, biodiversity, ecology, education, fisheries, pathology and toxicology. For information, contact (228) 872-4200, gcrl@usm.edu, or www.usm.edu/gcrl/ <http://www.usm.edu/gcrl/> <http://www.usm.edu/gcrl/> . Chris Snyder, Education & Media Specialist J.L., Scott Marine Education Center (MEC) Gulf Coast Research Laboratory University of Southern Mississippi Mailing address: P.O. Box 7000, Ocean Springs, MS 39566-7000 Physical address: 703 East Beach, Ocean Springs, MS Phone: 228-818-8883 Fax: 228-818-8894 http://www.aquarium.usm.edu Sam Clardy, Research Associate Gulf Coast Research Laboratory J.L. Scott Marine Education Center 703 East Beach Drive Ocean Springs, MS 39564 Phone: 228-818-8885 Fax: 228-818-8894 email: samuel.clardy@usm.edu Please visit our website: www.usm.edu/marineeducation Sarah Wilson Ocean Institute Manager, Cooperation in Research and Education (949) 496-2274 ext. 337 www.ocean-institute.org