Tybee Island Marine Science Center
The TIMSC staff would like to hear from you! Please send us your comments, suggestions, and questions by phone, fax, mail, email, or stop in.

The Tybee Island Marine Science Center
PO Box 1879, 1510 Strand Avenue
Tybee Island, Georgia 31328

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

Tybee Island Marine Science Center

History of TIMSC
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.


Tybee Island Sea Turtle Project
In addition to being a great place to enjoy the sun and surf, Tybee Island beaches are important nesting areas for endangered sea turtles. They return each year to nest from May 1 to October 31. If you are here during these months, we hope you will help us protect these magnificent creatures by remembering a few simple things:

* It is against the law to touch or disturb nesting sea turtles, hatchlings, or their nests. Sea turtles are protected by the Endangered Species Act.

* Avoid using flashlights or flash photography while on the beach at night.

* Turn off outside patio lights and shield indoor lights from shining directly onto the beach at 9 pm during the nesting season, May through October. Lights disturb nesting turtles and hatchlings.

* Dispose of garbage and recyclables properly. Pollution can severely harm marine life.

* If you see any sea turtle activity, please call the Tybee Island Marine Science Center at (912) 786-5917 or (912) 695-6922.


SEA TURTLES DIG THE DARK!
Turn off beach front lighting at 9 pm.
May 1 - October 31