Mississippi Chapter of the American Fisheries Society

Ms. Harriet Perry.

For five decades Harriet Perry has immersed herself in fisheries research, teaching and outreach. She began her career as a graduate student at the University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (USM GCRL), then as a GCRL staff biologist, followed by her faculty service as Assistant Professor in the USM Department of Coastal Sciences and directorship of the GCRL Center for Fisheries Research Development (CFRD), positions she held until retirement. Over the years, she has provided guidance and support for undergraduate and graduate students who had the good fortune to work with her on her many research projects and grants. She has an exceptional record of grantsmanship, finding success in securing support for critically important research programs and initiatives. Harriet retired from the USM GCRL in 2011 but quickly returned to continue directing research projects as a part-time member of the USM CFRD. She currently holds the positions of Senior Research Scientist and Professor Emerita.
Our Chapter knows Harriet as a long time, dedicated member who has distinguished herself throughout her highly successful and productive career in coastal and marine fisheries. Harriet has a long list of professional accomplishments and significant contributions that advanced scientific knowledge, supported effective, sustainable resource management, and informed policy development on Mississippi and Gulf of Mexico fisheries resources and critically important habitats. She has always been an outspoken proponent for conservation and wise utilization of Mississippi and Gulf-regional fisheries resources. Her research interests include, management of marine fisheries, fishery development, ecology of estuarine and marine invertebrates, invertebrate taxonomy, blue crabs, and invasive species. Ranking high among those research interests is blue crab biology, population dynamics and aquaculture. In fact, as a result of her continuous ground-breaking research on this highly valued species, Harriet is the acknowledged blue crab science expert in the Gulf of Mexico. Harriet has developed an exceptionally close working relationship with coastal fishers who deeply appreciate her advice, guidance and innovative ideas that benefit their livelihoods and the resources they depend upon for a living.
Harriet has served in numerous leadership roles within the marine fisheries scientific community as member, Chair (and co-Chair), or Team Leader on fisheries committees, workshops, task forces, and fishery management planning teams associated with the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission, Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, Gulf of Mexico Program, and others.
Harriet's publication record is impressive. She has authored or co-authored more than 100 scientific papers and journal articles. She has edited, co-edited or authored 10 book chapters and fisheries management plans of regional and national importance. She has also contributed extensively to the popular literature with such educational booklets/brochures as Sea Jellies of the Mississippi Sound, Invertebrate Invaders, The Diamondback Terrapin. Over the years, Harriet has given many scientific presentations on a variety of marine resource topics. She and her research team were awarded the Gulf Guardian Award in 2005 from the Alabama/Mississippi Rapid Assessment Program. Harriet is also a recipient of the University of Southern Mississippi Distinguished Service Award.
Harriet's years of dedicated work in support of wise use and conservation of Mississippi's coastal and marine fisheries resources stand as a guidepost for others to follow. Her support for the Mississippi Chapter is a mainstay in the history of the Chapter.

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