USM Center for Fisheries Research and Development

Our work on with The Billfish Foundation was recently highlighted in TBF's magazine. This project aims to better understand Blue Marlin movement and habitat utilization in the Gulf by deploying pop-off satellite archival tags.

Jim Franks was recently remembered in The Billfish Foundation's Magazine. Jim's dedication to billfish research helped build a lasting partnership between CFRD and The Billfish Foundation. We are honored to continue his legacy research and collaboration with TBF.

Over the summer, CFRD hosted 4 incredible students through GCRL Summer Field Program Research Internships. Rachel, Lexi, Sam, and Wade were able to assist in field work learning invaluable skills in addition to investigating bull shark diet, age, and growth. We are proud of their work and can’t wait to see what they accomplish next!

Come see us this weekend at the Mississippi Aquarium!

The heart of the CFRD . . .

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of James “Jim” Franks, Senior Research Scientist with GCRL’s Center for Fisheries Research and Development.

Jim first joined GCRL as a student in the summer of 1963 and remained its longest-serving employee until his retirement in 2024. His name is woven into the history, science, and community of GCRL, and his contributions to fisheries research will continue to impact scientists, students, and the public for generations to come.

Jim was a friend and source of inspiration to many in our extended community. In the weeks ahead, we will honor his life by sharing stories that reflect the many ways he touched lives, shaped minds, and left his mark on the waters of the Gulf and Caribbean.

We are profoundly grateful that Jim spent his career with GCRL. His legacy is enduring, and his impact will be felt for years to come.