Dr. Greg Stunz

Stunz first joined HRI in September 2007 as one of the founding chairs. In addition to his role as Senior Executive Director, Stunz is HRI’s Chair for Fisheries and Ocean Health, Director of the Center for Sportfish Science and Conservation at HRI, and a Texas A&M University System Regents Professor.

Stunz is the fourth Senior Executive Director of HRI since its inception in 2000. Previous directors included Drs. David Yoskowitz, Larry McKinney, and Robert Furgason.

Stunz came to TAMU-CC in 2002 as a marine biology professor after holding positions in academia and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). With his experience in both research and management, he recognizes the value of science-driven solutions to address real-world problems. Additionally, Stunz brings an understanding that people are a key part of the equation, and managing for both a healthy environment and economy is vital for the Gulf of Mexico.

Stunz has conducted extensive field research. Whether getting “hands-on” with sharks, examining how artificial reefs enhance the marine environment, or gathering data to develop sound sportfishing regulations, Stunz’s research provides an objective foundation for wise management that helps build sound policy.

He is often sought out to address governmental, academic, and private sector groups on topics ranging from projections of Red Snapper population recovery to the future of sportfishing in the Gulf of Mexico. Stunz lends his experience to multiple local and national boards and committees including Chairman of the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, the Texas Sea Grant Advisory Committee, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Coastal Resources Advisory Committee, among others.

Dr. Stunz looks forward to continuing to further the Institute’s mission while also developing the next generation of natural resources managers and Gulf leaders.

Bringing Baffin Back: Restoring and Protecting a Texas Treasure, an initiative led by Dr. Michael Wetz, Chair for Coastal Ecosystem Processes, in partnership with the Coastal Bend Bays and Estuaries Program (CBBEP), represents a sustained commitment to dramatically improve the health of Baffin Bay and the economy of local communities that it supports through partnerships between scientists, citizen groups, landowners, philanthropies, policy makers, local municipalities, state officials, non-governmental

Bringing Baffin Back was one of only four projects selected as a 2022 Texan by Nature Conservation Wrangler. Conservation Wrangler is an accelerator program of Texan by Nature, a conservation nonprofit founded by former First Lady Laura Bush. The program catalyzes the very best Texan-led conservation projects occurring in the state. Selected projects are science-based and demonstrate a positive return on conservation

In November, HRI was represented at the Texan by Nature Conservation Summit by Wetz and former Development Officer, Katie Iverson. The summit, held in Dallas, featured the 2022 Conservation Wranglers and brought together businesses and organizations that have the common goal of making a positive impact for Texas communities, the economy, and natural resources. Wetz introduced the Bringing Baffin Back initiative to attendees during his presentation at the summit and served on a panel

Bringing Baffin Back also garnered the attention of the Texas Water Foundation’s Water, Texas Film Festival in late 2022 thanks to a video produced by HRI’s Graphic Design and Video Project Manager, Juan Canchola. HRI’s film about Bringing Baffin Back was chosen as the winner in the “Film About an Organization” category. Winners of the Water, Texas Film Festival are chosen by legendary filmmaker, Richard Linklater.