NEW ORLEANS - Tulane University has formally opened a new institute to study and protect Louisiana's waterways and coast.

The university on Thursday announced the opening of the "ByWater Institute" and a new riverfront campus in downtown New Orleans.

The Institute will oversee the new Tulane River & Coastal Center, which will support research and efforts to raise public awareness about coastal science, restoration and water management.

In a news release, Tulane says the institute will search for ways to manage threats of rising water caused by coastal erosion, natural disasters and changing environment.