Abstract Increased development of research, education and outreach partnerships with the Marine Environmental Science Consortium-Dauphin Island Sea Lab (DISL) will greatly contribute to FDA's mission. The DISL is one of Alabama's most valuable assets. DISL was recently designated as the Alabama Center of Excellence and adds immeasurably to the quality of life in the state and beyond. The DISL network includes well-recognized scientists affiliated with 23 state- sponsored institutions that enroll students worldwide in degree programs in classrooms, laboratories, and education centers. The DISL, which houses nationally recognized education programs, leading-edge research collaborations, innovative business partnerships and environmental policy makers, seeks to maintain its diverse multidisciplinary exchanges with FDA as part of its vibrant and productive research network. This collaboration increases the intellectual capital and outreach opportunities of DISL and FDA research throughout the Gulf of Mexico. The goals of the proposed project include: Increased scientific exchanges between university faculty and staff and FDA scientists and staff; Increased educational opportunities for qualified students (graduate), staff members and faculty members in the Parties' laboratories, classroom and offices; Facilitation of joint meetings for education and research; Increased research collaborations between university faculty and staff and FDA scientists and staff; Increased research product outputs, including peer-reviewed publications, protocol development, and scientific presentations; Development of cooperative international activities including outreach; and Sharing of unique facilities and equipment for increased cost efficiencies for scientific endeavors. The project also will develop joint efforts to obtain grants and other extramural funds to support collaborative research and training as permitted under appropriate statutory authority, promote the adoption of ecologically relevant science in the development of resource restoration programs, and promote the importance of science in the everyday lives of the citizens of the Gulf of Mexico coast. To date, the program has graduated 4 PhD students and 2 MS students. Two additional PhD and MS students are participating in ongoing projects. In addition, several interns have received research experiences on projects through the training program. Products from the program during the last 4 years have included more than 58 presentations, 5 peer-reviewed publications, 1 funded derivative research proposal.