Gulf Coast Research Laboratory

There’s no better classroom than the shoreline 🌊

During the Summer Field Program, students from the Marine Invertebrate Zoology class were out on Cat Island to get hands-on experience with seining—one of the most effective ways to sample nearshore marine life. Working together, they pulled nets through the shallow waters, uncovering a diverse mix of fish, crabs, and other coastal species.

Big congrats to Blaise Rohan on successfully defending his thesis! 🎓🦀

His research on crab fecundity—essentially the number of eggs a crab can produce—highlights an important piece of marine science, made even stronger by the collaborative effort behind it. Large collections of crabs from New York and Texas played a key role in supporting his work, showing just how far-reaching this project became.

This is a great reminder that science is built on teamwork at every level—from field collections to data analysis to final defense.

Congratulations Blaise!

This week, Summer Field Program students got to join USM Center for Fisheries Research and Development staff at the Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic to support ongoing fisheries research.

CFRD collaborates with Tournament directors to collect important biological data, including measurements, otoliths (stones found in the inner ear) for ageing, reproductive, and stomach samples from fish brought into the tournament. This longstanding partnership has allowed invaluable information on these important species in the Gulf.

An exciting guest presentation from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration scientist Eric Hoffmayer, who spoke with students in the Elasmobranchii class about his work on the whale shark research and tagging project.

He shared how researchers track whale sharks to better understand their movements and help reduce the risk of ship strikes—an important conservation effort for protecting one of the ocean’s largest and most vulnerable species. Students from the Summer Field Program got a learn about field data, tagging technology, and long-term monitoring come together to support marine conservation efforts.

Now Hiring: Property & Support Specialist
Gulf Coast Research Laboratory | The University of Southern Mississippi

Join our team and play a key role in supporting the operations behind impactful coastal and marine research!

This position is responsible for managing GCRL’s property inventory and ensuring compliance with state equipment requirements. From tracking assets and coordinating audits to overseeing vehicle records and receiving operations, this role keeps everything running efficiently behind the scenes.

One of the most rewarding days in the Summer Field Program at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory is centered on building real-world skills from the ground up.

Students in this summer’s oceanography session get to learn and practice fundamental surveying techniques. By learning how to accurately measure and map onshore, they’re laying the foundation for more advanced mapping using specialized programs and technology. 🌊📍

Congratulations Thad Cochran Marine Aquaculture Center!

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) has received support through a NOAA initiative aimed at strengthening the U.S. seafood supply chain while developing the next generation of seafood industry professionals. The project focuses on improving the resilience, efficiency, and sustainability of seafood systems from harvest to market, while also creating workforce development opportunities for students and early-career professionals.

In short, the project is about two things at once: strengthening the seafood industry and preparing students to become the future workforce that will support it.

Read more: https://ow.ly/RGwm50Z94TJ

Happy World Ocean Day!

At the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, experiential learning takes center stage aboard the Miss Peetsy B. 🌊

During these charter trips, staff from the Marine Education Center lead an engaging, hands-on experience on the water. While deckhands demonstrate trawling to collect marine life, participants take part in water quality experiments and observe the diverse species found in the Gulf up close. Throughout the trip, educators share insights about the organisms collected, their habitats, and the role they play in coastal ecosystems.

It’s an immersive way to connect research, education, and the dynamic environment of the Gulf.

SAIL and Cyamus!

North American east and west coasts regional groups of the International Association of Marine Science Libraries and Information Centers held their joint annual conference at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory on May 19-22, 2026.

Over 25 marine science librarians, graduate students, and library science faculty attended in person and via Zoom®. Professionals and practitioners from across the USA met to talk about an ocean of topics including archives, artificial intelligence, and innovative programs. Poet Librarian C.T. Salazar lead a workshop on using different styles of poetry featuring water elements such as oceans, lakes, and rivers to increase engagement with students. Videographer and Gunter Library Manager, Chris Cahill, presented her short video about symbolism and mythology of water. Director of the Thad Cochran Marine Aquaculture Center, Dr. Reg Blaylock, was a keynote speaker about the aquaculture programs at the Center and lead the group on a tour of the facility. Director of the GCRL Marine Education Center Dr. Jessica Kastler gave the attendees a warm welcome and tour of the award-winning Marine Education Center at Cedar Point. A highlight of her tour was the suspension bridge and view of the bayhead.

This is the fifth time Gunter Library at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory has hosted the SAIL regional group and the third time Cyamus has joined SAIL for education, support, and fellowship. The theme for the conference was: Connecting Oceans of Knowledge: Collaboration in Marine and Aquatic Libraries. For information about the conference, the presentations, and presenters, the virtual program guide is here https://guides.library.stanford.edu/jscac2026/home