MBNEP Hires Program Lead, Opens Public Comments

The Mobile Bay National Estuary Program (MBNEP) has announced the hiring of Blair Morrison as its new science and monitoring program lead. Morrison will coordinate with stakeholders on the long-term evaluation of ecosystems throughout watersheds of Mobile Bay. As a key component of this work, she will help oversee the program’s Science Advisory Committee, an interdisciplinary group of researchers and scientists experienced in the estuarine environments of South Alabama. She holds an BS in Marine Science/Biology and an MS in Marine Sciences, both from the University of South Alabama. Although her research has taken place over a variety of localities and a wide array of study organisms, Blair’s work features the central themes of estuaries, disturbance, water quality and climate change. She may be contacted at phone: 251-380-7942 or email. Additionally, MBNEP has opened the draft Dauphin Island Watershed Management Plan for public comment. The purpose of the plan is to guide watershed resource managers, policymakers, community organizations and citizens in protecting the hydrological, ecological and cultural integrity of the Dauphin Island Watershed. Comments should be directed to Christian Miller before February.