FISHING & FAMILY

The memories are what Kirk Murray cherishes the most about Baffin Bay. The memories of fishing trips and other excursions with his late father, Scott, are part of a deep affection for this unique body of water along the Gulf Coast of Texas.

Scott Murray also wanted to protect Baffin Bay as he saw its health decline over time. Baffin Bay is one of the few hypersaline bays in the world and is a key economic and natural resource for South Texas. That affection was a key reason he helped create the Baffin Bay Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Group where a dedicated group of citizen scientists help gather extensive water quality data that is invaluable for the Bringing Baffin Back™ initiative.

In 2024, the establishment of The Louis “Scott” Murray Endowed Fund for the Conservation of Baffin Bay helps to keep that deep connection and Scott’s legacy secured well into the future. It also helps scientists and researchers at HRI continue the work to sustain Baffin Bay, what many consider a “Texas Treasure.”

“Dad’s love of Baffin Bay has been passed on to me, his grandchildren, and hopefully their grandchildren,” Kirk said. “We want to make sure future generations will enjoy the same beautiful green water and remote shorelines that we have enjoyed for many decades. I hope that scientists at HRI will be able to grow their knowledge about the Gulf of Mexico and Baffin Bay so that marine life can continue to thrive. Scientific research is at the base of sustainability.”