Jackson State University (JSU) and the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (GCRL), which is part of the University of Southern Mississippi, plan to develop a strong five.year, collaborative program to increase the number of minority students pursuing marine science degrees and professional careers. The primary objectives are: increasing the number of minority students entering the field of marine science; enhancing the marine science program at JSU; strengthening the minority recruitment program at GCRL; and increasing the exposure of pre.college and high school teachers to marine science. Pilot studies and other activities which will lead to long term increases of minority students pursuing graduate careers in marine sciences will be pursued.