Marine Education Center to Host 2026 Hurricane Bowl, Regional Ocean Sciences Competition
Mon, 02/02/2026 - 01:11pm | By: Megan Le
The Marine Education Center, with support from the University of Southern Mississippi’s Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, will host the 2026 Hurricane Bowl — the Central Gulf Coast regional competition of the National Ocean Sciences Bowl — on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, at the Marine Education Center, 101 Sweetbay Drive, Ocean Springs. The competition will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with volunteers participating from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
High school students from Mississippi, Florida and Louisiana will compete in this fast-paced, buzzer-style academic challenge that tests their knowledge of ocean science, marine technology, policy and stewardship.
“The Hurricane Bowl is competitive, intense and, at times, intimidating — and that’s exactly what makes it so impactful,” said Lacy Lindsey, project manager for the Marine Education Center. “We see ambitious, driven students step up to the challenge, prepared to push themselves and test their understanding of ocean and environmental science. Watching these students compete reminds us that they are the future of environmental stewardship. Through the Hurricane Bowl, they’re building confidence, teamwork and critical-thinking skills that will stay with them long after the competition ends.”
The Hurricane Bowl is part of the National Ocean Sciences Bowl, a nationwide academic competition that encourages students to explore the ocean sciences and pursue careers in related fields. Teams compete head-to-head in timed rounds that challenge their understanding of oceanography, biology, chemistry, geology and human-ocean interactions.
The program is funded by the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, the Center for Ocean Leadership and the National Ocean Sciences Bowl, with additional supplemental support to be announced.
Additional Information
Volunteer registration is open through Feb. 14. Volunteers are required to attend a training session. The remaining virtual training will take place Feb. 17 at 6 p.m.
Parking is available on-site at the Marine Education Center.
About the Marine Education Center
The Marine Education Center at The University of Southern Mississippi’s Gulf Coast Research Laboratory provides immersive, field-based learning experiences that inspire ocean stewardship and strengthen public understanding of coastal and marine systems.