USM Estuarine and Movement Ecology Lab

Huge congratulations to Josh Perry for successfully defending his master's thesis on June 5!

His thesis, "Mind the Gap: Addressing Deficiencies for Two Data-Limited Fishery Species in the Gulf of Mexico" examined Grey Snapper and Tripletail movements in the northern Gulf using acoustic telemetry and investigated the age, growth, and maturity of Grey Snapper to help address data gaps for these species.

We're excited to celebrate this accomplishment and can't wait to see what's next. Congratulations, Josh!

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Last weekend, our team joined anglers at the Ocean Springs Marine Mart Fishing Tournament to collect biological samples from Cobia and Tripletail as part of a Gulf-wide research project funded by Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission.

These samples will help us better understand the age, genetics, diet, reproduction, and movement of these important species.

Thank you to Ocean Springs Marine Mart for hosting us and to the anglers who allowed us to sample their fish! We're excited to see this project get underway and look forward to sharing updates as we work with collaborators and begin acoustic tagging efforts to track Cobia and Tripletail movements throughout the Gulf.

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Last week, we said farewell to our undergraduate intern, Olivia, as she prepares to begin her next adventure as a master's student at the University of British Colombia.

Over the past two years, we've had the privilege of watching Olivia grow both personally and professionally. Her hard work, enthusiasm, and dedication have made a huge impact on our team, and we're incredibly proud of all she's accomplished.

While we're sad to see her go, we're excited to see where this next chapter takes her. We have no doubt she'll do great things, and we can't wait to follow along on her journey.

Congratulations, Olivia, and best of luck at UNBC!

(P.S. swipe to the last slide to see how we really feel about Olivia leaving us)

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Earlier this week, our team completed sediment and infaunal sampling at 168 sites across the Pascagoula and St. Louis Bay systems in collaboration with U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) and Sedimentary, Environmental Radiochemical Research Lab- SER2L.

This marks our second and final post-construction sampling effort following oyster reef installation in 2024, building on three baseline surveys conducted prior to restoration.

By monitoring changes in sediment composition and benthic infaunal communities over time, we aim to better understand the ecological impacts of oyster reef restoration. These data will also be integrated with acoustic telemetry to examine how fish use restored habitats.

Infaunal samples will be analyzed by Gulf Benthic Taxonomy Assessment, LLC, while sediment samples will be processed by SER2L.

Thank you to our collaborators for helping make this work possible!

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Earlier this month, members of our team worked alongside USM Center for Fisheries Research and Development to collect biological samples from cobia at Gorenflo’s 40th Annual Cobia Tournament.

The data collected will help advance our understanding of this important Gulf species and support ongoing research. Thank you to the anglers who allowed us to sample their fish and to Gorenflos Tackle. Point Cadet Marina Biloxi, Ms for making this work possible!

Big congratulations to Olivia and Alyssa on their USM College of Arts & Sciences awards!

Olivia received the Golden Eagle Undergraduate Research Award and Alyssa was named Outstanding Master’s Student — two well-deserved recognitions.

We’re so proud of you both!

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On Saturday, our interns presented at the USM Undergraduate Research Symposium in Hattiesburg.

Alexis shared her MAR490 research project, and Olivia presented some of her honors thesis work—earning 2nd place in her category!

Amazing work all around. We're so proud of you both!

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Yesterday we lost one of the most influential Gulf fisheries biologists in Jim Franks. As a young fisheries scientist, Jim was an excellent advocate… even when I was hard-headed and didn’t fully listen. Jim always took time for science communication and connection. No one will be able to replace his charisma, approachability, and ability to put most at ease. The connections to fishers from around the region that he curated through simply caring, being able to joke, and taking the time to understand their connection to the fishes they target. Jim was instrumental in ensuring that USM and the Gulf Coast Research Lab could be trusted sources of information to the public. Jim has made our jobs easier by simply being who he was, a good human. I have always connected with the Lorax, “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better”… Jim was someone that cared a whole awful lot and I believe inspired others to as well. The night before he passed, I was at a Gulf-wide conference where his name came up many times from colleagues and collaborators remarking how their connection to many coastal migratory species was facilitated by Jim. From just chatting about fish, sampling at the Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic, dressing up for the Fishmas run, or grabbing a beer at Hops; Jim will certainly be missed.

- Mike

What an honor to have known and worked with Jim. He was truly one of a kind — so kind, deeply knowledgeable, and always a pleasure to be around. He touched so many hearts and minds and we're so grateful for our time with him.

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.

Wishing Caleb all the best as he moves on to his next adventure! Since 2023, he’s been an incredible part of both EMEL and CFRD, always ready to help wherever needed. He’s worn many hats across both labs, and his humor kept all of us going on even the toughest days. Best of luck in what's ahead!

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