A consortium is hereby created under the name of the Marine Environmental Sciences Consortium for the purposes set forth herein. The initial member institutions are: Alabama State University; Auburn University; Birmingham Southern College; University of North Alabama; Huntingdon College; Jacksonville State University; Livingston University; Mobile College; Samford University; Springhill College; Troy State University; Tuskegee Institute; The University of Alabama in Birmingham; The University of Alabama in Huntsville; The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa; University of Montevallo; and University of South Alabama. Institutional membership in the consortium may be increased or decreased under regulations to be established by the board of directors hereinafter provided for.