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History

The Panama City Laboratory was originally established as the Eastern Gulf Marine Laboratory of the U.S. Bureau of Sportfisheries and Wildlife, U.S. Dept. of Interior in 1966. It was housed in rental buildings near the St. Andrews Marina in Panama City. In 1970, the Laboratory was assimilated into the new U.S. Department of Commerce, National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service. Also in 1970, construction began on the new Laboratory, on land donated by the Panama City Chamber of Commerce. The new building was occupied in May 1972. Former research programs included benthic studies of invertebrate populations, artificial reefs, fishing gear selectivity, sea turtle conservation, and non-indigenous species.

The laboratory directors have been:

• Norman G. Vick (1966-1970)
• Eugene L. Nakamura (1970-1993)
• Dr. Churchill Grimes (1993-1998)
• Dr. Herb Kumpf (1998-2002)
• William Fable (acting, 2002)
• Dr. Pete Sheridan (2002-2008)
• Dr. Theo Brainerd (acting, 2008)
• Dr. Terry Henwood (acting, 2009)
• Guy Davenport (2009-Present)