Coastal Assessment

HRI's Dr. Paul Montagna explains coastal wetlands information during a public meeting.
(click photo to enlarge)
HRI to assess Texas' coastal resources
to find changes, establish strategies
The Texas General Land Office (GLO) asked the Harte Research Institute to complete the Texas State Coastal Program Assessment and Strategies Report for 2011-2015.
   Every five years the federal government requires Texas to assess the current status of coastal resources and to note substantial changes that have occurred. In addition, the report determines gaps in knowledge and management processes and establishes priorities and strategies to address those needs.
   Co-authors of the report include HRI researchers Dr. Paul Montagna (wetlands), Dr. Larry McKinney (public access), Dr. James Gibeaut (coastal hazards), Dr. Richard McLaughlin (cumulative and secondary impacts), Dr. David Yoskowitz (energy and government facility siting), Dr. Wes Tunnell (marine debris), Dr. Thomas Shirley (ocean resources) and Dr. Greg Stunz (aquaculture).
   Public comment sessions were held at HRI on April 29 and at Texas A&M University Galveston on May 5 in order to receive input on the draft.
   The assessment portion of the report will be completed soon and work will begin on development of the strategies portion during the summer. A final report is scheduled to be submitted to the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration for its approval in February 2011.
   For more information about the project contact Project Coordinator Barrett Fines at barrett.fines@tamucc.edu or (361) 825-8032.

Protecting the Gulf
Workshop to help U.S., Mexico overcome obstacles to protecting Gulf of Mexico
HRI will host an event called, "Workshop on Overcoming International Obstacles to Creating Marine Protected Areas in the Gulf of Mexico," June 20-26, 2010.
   The event is sponsored in partnership with the Large Marine Ecosystem Project led by  the University of Veracruz and SEMARNAT, Mexico's environment and natural resources authority.
   Graduate students from the U.S. and Mexico will join professionals from the two nations and Cuba to improve harmonization of policy and science as they relate to establishing marine protected areas in the Gulf of Mexico region.
   The workshop will generate information that will be incorporated into the governance section of the Gulf of Mexico Large Marine Ecosystem Project, as well as provide training for future environmental leaders from both countries. It will also establish a foundation for additional international efforts to improve the long-term sustainability and environmental health of the Gulf of Mexico.
   Participation at the workshop is by invitation only, however, outcomes and results from the meeting will be published and made available on HRI's website.

Schmidt research group at HRI

Post-doctorate students during the Schmidt Research Vessel Institute meeting held at HRI.
(click photo to enlarge)
Schmidt Research Vessel Institute meets at HRI to discuss projects, cruises
The Science Advisory Board (SAB) of the Schmidt Research Vessel Institute and the Marine Science and Technology Foundation held a meeting at HRI March 27-29.
   During the opening session, HRI Executive Director Dr. Larry McKinney welcomed everyone to the Institute. HRI Advisory Council Chair Dr. Sylvia Earle chaired the meeting and HRI Endowed Chair Dr. Thomas Shirley acted as host.
   In addition to those present, Foundation officers in California, Postdoctoral Fellows in California and Spain, and a Research Fellow in Hawaii participated in the meeting via a WebEx communications link.
   The meeting's purpose was to discuss research activities of the five Postdoctoral Fellows and two Research Fellows, to provide the current status of the Schmidt research vessels, and to discuss planning of research cruises.