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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)
How Do I...?
- Distinguish a white marlin from a spearfish
- How do I report a stranded/ beached whale, dolphin, or turtle?
- How do I report a lionfish sighting?
- Access SouthEast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR)
- How do I report for my fishing/dealer permit requirements?
- How do I report a retrieved tag?
- How do I find current fishery closures?
- How do I adopt a billfish?
- How do I register my billfish tournament?
- How do I apply for a permit?
- Visit the SEFSC library
- How do I find NOAA staff?
- How do I apply for grant funding?
- How do I request permission to use a photo found on the website?
- How do I find It? Provide Website Feedback