Contact: Bob Ratliff
For six Mississippi State University students, a recent week spent pulling fish from the Gulf of Mexico was more than just a fishing trip.
The wildlife and fisheries majors joined the crew of Oregon II, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's research vessel, to work on a collaborative project with the National Marine Fisheries Service. Through trawl surveys from the coasts of Alabama to Texas, they gathered data on the marine fisheries resources and the undersea environment.
The group included Corey D. Clouse of Colbert, Okla.; Justin M. Hart of Salina, Kan.; Ekaterina Kovalenko of Yaroslavl, Russia; James L. Parrish of Water Valley; Samuel J. Seal of Demopolis, Ala.; and Bradley P. Segrest of Covington, La. Clouse, Hart and Kovalenko are graduate students, while Parrish, Seal and Segrest are seniors.
"They gained experience in sampling techniques, fish handling and identification, and collection of environmental data, among other topics," said program director Don Jackson. "They also learned the disciplines of living and working at sea on a research vessel."
Jackson, MSU professor of wildlife and fisheries, said this is the third year the hands-on training has been offered to College of Forest Resources students. In addition to personal experiences that may benefit them in future careers, the students receive academic credit in a fisheries science and management course.
A division of NOAA, marine service provides support for international fisheries management operations, trade and industry assistance, and conservation operations and enforcement, among other areas.