The Harte Research Institute for Gulf Studies (HRI) was established in 2005 to support and advance the long-term sustainable use and conservation of the world's ninth-largest body of water. The institute encourages a tri-national responsibility and approach to understanding the gulf's ecosystem between the U.S., Mexico, and Cuba. The HRI is the leading organization in Texas One Gulf, a RESTORE Center of Excellence that is researching the gulf with funding from the penalties assessed from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
HRI also is home to the Center for Sportfish Science and Conservation, the first research center for the study of sportfish in the Western Gulf.
At the HRI, students can study alongside researchers from around the globe whose work includes the world's most extensive collection of data on the effects of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, shark migration habits, reef restoration, and the impact of rising sea levels.
Researchers here also are examining the genetic makeup of marine organisms to better understand the food supply chain and keep oceans healthy.