Department of Biology

College of Arts and Sciences

Center for Coastal and Marine Studies

Center for Coastal and Marine Studies on Pleasure Island - Lamar University

Lamar University is located in Beaumont, Texas, and the Center for Coastal and Marine Studies (CCMS) is located 35 km southeast of campus on Pleasure Island, situated between the Sabine-Neches River Estuary which flows directly into the Gulf of Mexico. 

This location offers students a unique opportunity to work in a wide variety of aquatic ecosystems, including marsh, riverine, estuarine, and marine habitats, all of which are in close proximity to the Center for Coastal and Marine Studies. The Sabine-Neches River Estuary is unique in having the highest freshwater input of all Texas estuaries.

The nearby McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge, Sea Rim State Park, and Keith Lake marsh system provide >16,000 acres of wetlands, seagrass beds, and marshes. Facilities at the CCMS include 12,000 sq. ft. of classroom/laboratory space and research vessels.
Lamar University students at the Center for Coastal and Marine Studies Two Lamar University students at the Center for Coastal and Marine Studies Center of Coastal and Marine Studies
Additional space and equipment is available in the Hayes Biology Building located on the main campus. The Mary and John Gray Library allows access to more than 800,000 volumes including most of the marine-related journals.