Center for Gulf Studies created

The need for a comprehensive understanding of the waters and resources of the Gulf of Mexico has prompted the University of Southern Mississippi to take the lead in formation of the new Center for Gulf Studies (CGS). The center is a partnership between Southern Miss, Mississippi State University, the University of Mississippi and Jackson State University. Administered through the Southern Miss Department of Marine Science at Stennis Space Center, CGS seeks to serve Mississippi and the region with a scientifically-based understanding of ecosystem status and trends with special emphasis on improved forecasting abilities to ensure sustainable coastal and ocean ecosystems of the Gulf of Mexico. "The BP oil spill highlighted our need for a better understanding of the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem," said Southern Miss Provost Dr. Denis Wiesenburg. "As the designated marine science university for Mississippi, this new center will enable Southern Miss to focus resources on the ocean in our back yard." Dr. Monty Graham, chair of the Department of Marine Science at Southern Miss, is the acting director of the center. (Source: University of Southern Mississippi, 01/16/13)