The Louis "Scott" Murray Endowed Fund
for the Conservation of Baffin Bay
Scott Murray had an unending passion for the conservation and stewardship of the places he cherished most, Baffin Bay and the Laguna Madre.
As an angler and trained biologist, Mr. Murray was a keen observer of our coastal ecosystems and the changes they are undergoing, especially in the Laguna Madre-Baffin Bay complex. As a result, he was among the first to recognize declines in the health of his beloved Baffin Bay, leading to the creation of the Baffin Bay Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Group. With Mr. Murray’s help, a dedicated group of citizen scientists gathered extensive water quality data that would eventually be invaluable to what is now the Bringing Baffin Back™ initiative, spearheaded by the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and the Coastal Bend Bays and Estuaries Program.
It was Mr. Murray’s desire that both current and future generations can enjoy Baffin Bay, which he often referred to as a “family heirloom”. His tireless conservation efforts were put on display through his service on the Governor’s Advisory Committee on Texas Coastal Zone Management, the Coastal Conservation Association State Executive Board, the Nature Conservancy Coastal Bend Advisory Board, and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Spotted Seatrout and Flounder Work Groups. Mr. Murray even shared his love, and knowledge, of Texas coastal fisheries through his forward-thinking book, World Class Texas Trout Tomorrow.
To continue Scott’s legacy of coastal conservation and stewardship, the Louis "Scott" Murray Endowed Fund for the Conservation of Baffin Bay has been established to protect and ensure the future health and productivity of the Baffin Bay-Laguna Madre complex and will provide the next generation of coastal and marine researchers opportunities to learn and grow, both personally and professionally, so the natural treasures of the Texas Coast would remain in the most capable hands.
Give now to continue Scott Murray's legacy for Baffin Bay:
Scott’s leadership was essential for bringing together likeminded conservationists as part of the Baffin Bay Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program, data from which continues to guide the Bringing Baffin Back™ initiative. His passion for Baffin Bay and desire to see it as a place that future generations can enjoy, like he and his family had, is truly admirable.
- Dr. Michael Wetz, Chair for Coastal Ecosystem Processes, Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies
In November 2024, the R/V Scott Murray, a 25-foot Haynie Magnum research vessel was generously donated by CCA Texas to the Harte Research Institute. It serves as a lasting tribute to Scott Murray’s passion for Baffin Bay. An avid angler, trained biologist, and lifelong CCA Texas member, Scott was dedicated to revitalizing the bay and restoring its natural health and balance. As a central part of the Bringing Baffin Back initiative, this vessel will play a vital role in advancing research and conservation efforts, helping to restore the bay and carry forward Scott’s vision of a vibrant, thriving Baffin Bay for generations to come.