Steven Murawski and Sherryl Gilbert

Dr. Murawski is a fisheries biologist and marine ecologist involved in understanding the impacts of human activities on the sustainability of ocean ecosystems. He has developed approaches for understanding the impacts of fishing on marine fish complexes exploited in mixed-species aggregations. Additionally, his work on impacts of marine protected areas and other management options has formed the scientific basis for regulation. Such assessments can help inform investments to rebuild the Gulf of Mexico from effects of the oil spill, loss of juvenile nursery areas, nutrient enrichment, overfishing and other factors. Dr. Murawski currently serves as Director of the Center for Integrated Analysis and Modeling of Gulf Ecosystems (C-IMAGE), which is funded by a grant from the Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative. Additionally, he is applying advanced technology solutions to the next generation of marine ecosystem surveys through a joint program with the Center for Ocean Technology to develop towed video systems for fish and habitat assessments. In addition to his science activities, Dr. Murawski is a former USA Delegate and vice-president of the International Council for the Exploration of the SEA (ICES). He is was a member of the National Academy of Sciences' Ocean Studies Board, He is a recipient of the Department of Commerce Gold Medal and The federal Senior Executive Service Meritorious Senior Executive Award. He is a Fellow if the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Sherryl Gilbert is the Assistant Director of the C-IMAGE Consortium, a multi-institutional team of researchers dedicated to studying the effects of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on the Gulf of Mexico Ecosystem.