RESEARCH AND MONITORING

Mission-Aransas National Estuarine Research Reserve, Texas

Research Coordinator: Dr. Ed Buskey

Professor, Department of Marine Science

Evaluation and Coordination Procedures

Research projects initiated by the Reserve must be submitted for evaluation and written approval before the project can be initiated. Project proposals, plans, etc., submitted to the Reserve by researchers and scientists outside the NERR program will be evaluated and coordinated by the Research and Education Coordinators and the Reserve Manager prior to project initiation. All projects will be evaluated for consistency with the Reserve's research and education programs' goals, policies and priorities, and to ensure that the proposed research will not unduly interfere with other research or activities at the Reserve. Projects must demonstrate sound scientific inquiry and a sensitivity to protecting and preserving the environment during data collection efforts. Abstracts and copies of final reports of all research projects within the Reserve will be provided to the Research Coordinator and ERD for inclusion in the Reserve database and/or library.

Appropriate permits and authorizations from state and/or federal agencies must be obtained prior to the conduct of research activities that may affect threatened or endangered species or archeological resources. The Reserve has a blanket scientific lease for any research activities conducted on lands and waters owned by Texas GLO, however should permission be required from a local government, or property owner they must be obtained prior to the research activity commencing. 

Program Goals and Objectives

Goal 1: Improve understanding of Texas coastal zone ecosystems structure and function

Objective 1-7: Improve understanding of short and long-term changes within Texas coastal ecosystems

Action 1: Build and operate the System-Wide Monitoring Program

Action 2: Initiate a biological monitoring program with partners

Action 3: Initiate a freshwater inflow and groundwater program with partners

Action 4: Assist in the development of the site profile

Objective 1-8: Increase understanding of effects of anthropogenic activities on coastal ecosystems

Action 1: Initiate a program on oil and gas activities with partners

Action 2: Initiate a climate change research program with partners

Objective 1-9: Increase graduate student participation in Reserve research and monitoring programs

Action 1: Graduate student fellowships

Goal 2: Increase understanding of coastal ecosystems by diverse audiences

Objective 2-9: Disseminate research results to lay public

Action 1: Develop a website and other forms of media

Objective 2-11: Inform researchers and decision-makers of research results

Action 1: Develop an on-site resource center

Goal 3: Promote public appreciation and support for stewardship of coastal resources

Objective 3-12: Promote public participation in research and monitoring programs

Action 1: Develop a key species monitoring program

Objective 3-13: Increase public understanding of ecological values

Action 1: Develop a social science program to determine the economic valuation of estuaries and their habitats

Objective 3-13: Increase public understanding of ecological values

Action 1: Develop a social science program to determine the economic valuation of estuaries and their habitats

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