Partners in Conservation
The reserve actively partners with many government agencies, non-profit organizations and the community in order to learn about and wisely manage the coastal resources within the Grand Bay NERR and surrounding areas and to teach the public about the importance of conserving these areas for the future. These partnerships are achieved formally through memorandums of agreements or informally through joint ventures with our close associates.
The Management Board is one of the formal associations that is outlined in our Reserve Management Plan (RMP). This board is made up of representatives of our major partners as outlined in the RMP: Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Mississippi Secretary of State's Office, Mississippi State University, The University of Southern Mississippi, The Nature Conservancy and the Citizens Advisory Committee. The RMB meets at least quarterly to provide guidance and direction to the reserve staff for management, research, monitoring and educational activities.
The objectives of the RMB are:
To ensure a conducive setting for research and monitoring through long-term protection of the Grand Bay NERR,
To enhance public awareness and understanding of the Grand Bay NERR and provide public education opportunities,
To provide opportunity by which the results of research and monitoring activities at the reserve will be communicated to coastal decision-makers, and
To protect the integrity of the reserve through the implementation of the RMP.
Reserve Management Board Members' websites:
Mississippi Department of Marine Resources
U. S. F.W.S. Grand Bay NWR
Mississippi Secretary of State's Office
Mississippi State University
The University of Southern Mississippi
The Nature Conservancy