Abstract
The Mississippi Based RESTORE Act Center of Excellence (MBRACE) was designated as Mississippi’s Center of Excellence in September 2016. MBRACE is a consortium of Mississippi’s four research universities (Jackson State University [JSU], Mississippi State University [MSU], University of Mississippi [UM], and The University of Southern Mississippi [USM]), with USM serving as the lead institution. The mission of MBRACE is to seek sound comprehensive science-and technology-based understanding of the chronic and acute stressors on the dynamic and productive waters and ecosystems of the northern Gulf of Mexico and to facilitate sustainable use of the Gulf’s important resources. Since its designation as Mississippi’s Center of Excellence in 2016, MBRACE has funded research projects totaling over $5M. Four projects were funded in Fall 2017 under the Core Research Program (Core 1) that examined how ecological conditions relevant to oysters vary over time and between restored and unrestored oyster reefs in Mississippi Sound. In Spring 2020, MBRACE funded three new projects through the Competitive Research Program, focused on water quality and oyster sustainability in Mississippi, as well as a second round of the Core Research Program (Core 2) to support the original four projects for continued work. Research funded by MBRACE contributes to scientific discovery within the Gulf of Mexico and, through the Center’s close partnership with state managers, provides science-based guidance for state restoration and management priorities. This presentation will provide information and updates on MBRACE and MBRACE-funded research activities, including new projects, products, and other developments.
