In partnership with Harte Research Institute, program seeks to assist future leaders in conservation-based marine science
Shimano and Coastal Conservation Association have announced a partnership to fund four scholarships dedicated to students furthering their marine science education at the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies (HRI) at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.
“Science has long been a cornerstone for our corporate fish conservation initiatives,” said Phil Morlock, vice president of Government Affairs /Advocacy for Shimano. “We are proud to expand our partnership with CCA and HRI to encourage college student anglers to enter the profession of marine fishery sciences.”
CCA and HRI have a long history of joint efforts designed to improve understanding of the marine environment and enhance the role that recreational anglers can play as stewards of our shared marine resources. Those efforts include creation of the Center for Sportfish Science and Conservation housed within HRI. Under the direction of Dr. Greg Stunz, the mission of CSSC is to advance knowledge of marine sportfish and promote conservation through science-based fisheries management.
“Our long history with HRI combined with the leadership role Shimano has taken in the conservation arena make this an inspiring partnership,” said Patrick Murray, president of CCA. “We’ve had tremendous success collaborating with marine science institutes like HRI and others in the past, and this scholarship program will create continued opportunities in the future. Science is at the core of formulating all our policy decisions, so helping to ensure the best and brightest of the next generation have everything they need to continue their education is a win for marine resources and for anglers.”
“As a recipient of a CCA scholarship, I know the value this kind of support can provide students striving to reach their full potential in this challenging field,” Dr. Stunz said. “It is truly inspiring to partner with CCA and Shimano in a program that is designed as an investment in the future. The need for robust science to serve as the key underpinning to fisheries management is only going to increase in the future, and the students of today will be the ones to develop it.”
The application process for the Shimano-CCA Marine Science Scholarship program will open May 1, 2018. For more information, contact HRI@TAMUCC.EDU.
