The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies (“IMMS”) is a non-profit organization established in 1984 for the purpose of public education, conservation, and research on marine mammals. Located in Gulfport, MS, IMMS has been an active in the National Stranding Network since its inception. IMMS is the premier stranding organization in the Mississippi-Louisiana-Alabama region of the Gulf Coast with the capability and expertise to care for sick and injured marine mammals. IMMS serves as an important educational outlet for the Mississippi Gulf Coast, incorporating programs for conservation, education and research of marine mammals and their environment.
IMMS believes education and outreach are components of its mission in conservation and research of marine mammals and sea turtles in the wild and under human care. This is partly because education touches so many people in countless ways and has the potential to produce great results that may affect our society and environment. 
Visitors to IMMS can explore the interactive museum, encounter sea creatures in the touch pools and experience the Dolphin Presentation.
