Our Mission

About Us

Tybee Island Marine Science Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation commited to cultivating a responsible stewardship of coastal Georgia’s natural resources through education, conservation, and research. Whether on the beach, in the marsh, or in our Open-Air Classroom, our programs and exhibits highlight Georgia's marine life and coastal ecology.

from humble beginnings

Our History

Thirty-five years ago, a group of local teachers began leading visitors to the surf with a seine net, sparking the vision that became the Marine Science Center. In 1990, the Tybee Island Marine Science Foundation—now the center’s governing body—incorporated the center as a tax-exempt organization.

Originally housed in a small concrete facility on the south end of Tybee Island, the center relocated to North Beach in 2021. Its new home features a stunning 3,500-square-foot exhibit gallery, sheltered undercroft classroom, and outdoor playground just steps away from the ocean.

Since its humble beginnings, the science center has engaged nearly one million participants in its mission to protect and learn from coastal Georgia and its wild creatures.

Conservation

Efforts

The Tybee Island Marine Science Center is permitted by the state of Georgia to manage five animal conservation programs:

The Tybee Sea Turtle Project
The Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network
Diamondback Terrapin Research, Rescue, and Release
Shore and Seabird Rescue
Marine Mammal Stranding Response

Additionally, we operate two community conservation initiatives on Tybee Island: The Mindful Beachcombing signage and “Lights Out” informational sea turtle materials for hotels and vacation rentals.

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Directors & Staff

Who We Are

Chantal Audran

Executive Director

Beth Palmer

Operations Director

Alli Caldwell

Programs Director

Jessica Leigh Lebos

Communications &
Marketing Director

Sarah Alley

Curator

Rachel Cantrell

Curator

Board of

Trustees

Officers

Tim Mescon

president

Jim Alexander

Vice President

Tim Arnold

Treasurer

Ruth Whitley Wilson

Secretary

Trustees

James L. Bentley, III, Esq.

Kathryn Craven, Ph.D.

Georgia Southern University

Nancy K. Daves

NOAA, retired

Jeanne M. Hutton

Retired Registered Nurse, Former City of Tybee Council Member

Harry Moses

Harry Moses Construction Co., Inc.

Mark N. Reed

Power Generation Americas at ABB, retired

Katie Frye

Root Cause Analysis

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Volunteer

Consider volunteering at Tybee Island Marine Science Center! It’s a good time. You’ll learn a lot. Become a part of promoting responsible stewardship of coastal Georgia’s marine ecosystem. Checkout our volunteer positions and their scope.

View Details

Tybee Island Marine Science Center is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) commited to cultivating a responsible stewardship of coastal Georgia’s natural resources through education, conservation, and research.

Wed - Mon 9:30AM - 5PM
Closed Tuesdays

Last admission sold at 4:30PM

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