The Mississippi Sound is home to the most critically endangered sea turtle in the world, the Kemp’s ridley, along with other endangered or threatened sea turtle species. The Sound is also home to the nation’s largest bay, sound, and estuarine population of common bottlenose dolphins and serves as a nursery ground for newborn dolphin calves in the spring and summer months while providing vital foraging for dolphins year-round. This habitat, and the animals that call it home, are critical for the health of the ecosystem and contribute greatly to the state of Mississippi and the region.
Veterinary Care
Our team performs cause of death investigations on sea turtles and marine mammals and health assessments for sea turtles. Once rehabilitated sea turtles are fully recovered, GCAHFS personnel stationed on the Mississippi coast release them into the ocean. These activities provide hands-on learning opportunities for veterinary and veterinary technician students, training the next generation of aquatic veterinary professionals.
Research
We perform research focused on investigating the interrelationships among viruses, microorganisms, and aquatic animals, which significantly impact global biogeochemical cycles, aquatic animal health, coastal communities, water quality, and ocean health. This research provides solutions to keep our environment safe and the many animals that call the Mississippi Sound home healthy.
Funding
Activities and accomplishments of the Gulf Coast Aquatic Health Lab have been generously supported by those listed below.
Global Center for Aquatic Health and Food Security
Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality
- Lawrence, M. L., S. Reichley, T. Morgan, D. Moore, and W. Epperson. 2017-2023. Mississippi Marine Mammal and Turtle Conservation, Recovery, and Monitoring Program. Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality Agreement No. 18-00081 (National Fish and Wildlife Foundation)
- Lawrence, M.L., Reichley, S.R., Peterman, Ann E. (Beth), Moore, D.P., McNulty, K.C., Lee, A.M. 2023-2026. Maintaining Enhanced Sea Turtle Stranding Network Capacity and Diagnostic Capabilities. Mississippi State University and the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies. Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (Natural Resource Damage Assessment)
- Lawrence, M.L., Reichley, S.R., Peterman, Ann E. (Beth), Moore, D.P., McNulty, K.C. 2023-2026. Maintaining Enhanced Marine Mammal Stranding Network Capacity and Diagnostic Capabilities. Mississippi State University and the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies. Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (Natural Resource Damage Assessment)
Mississippi Department of Marine Resources
- M. L. Lawrence, S. Reichley, D. Moore, D. Peterson, T. Morgan, A. Karsi, and W. Epperson. 2020-2021. Evaluation and Monitoring of Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Abundance, Population Health, Habitat Delineation, and Restoration Resulting from the Opening of the Bonnet Carré Spillway. Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act)
- M. L. Lawrence, S. Reichley, D. Moore, D. Peterson, T. Morgan, A. Karsi, and W. Epperson. 2021-2023. Evaluation and monitoring of marine mammal and sea turtle abundance, population health, habitat delineation, and restoration resulting from the opening of the Bonnet Carré Spillway. Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act)
Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- Reichley, S.R., Peterman, A.E., Lawrence, M.L., Venugopalan, A. 2023-2026. Establishing the Mississippi State University Gulf Coast Aquatic Health Laboratory. National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)