Mission Statement

To advance knowledge and learning in estuarine, coastal, and wetland ecosystems through research, education, student training, and community outreach programs and to disseminate such knowledge to the scientific community, government agencies, and the general public.

Goals:

• Foster and encourage cooperative efforts within and between the Nekton Research Laboratory and other components of the University of New Orleans, federal, state, and local agencies, and scientists at other academic institutions and international organizations.
• Recruit, retain, and support the highest quality staff and students and provide an organization that nurtures creativity and innovation.
• Increase student involvement in applied estuarine and environmental research and outreach projects to prepare students to solve environmental problems using scientific, technical, and analytical skills and to educate students who will pursue rewarding career pathways in aquatic sciences.
• Promote the development and use of advanced instrumentation and systems (including research vessels, sampling equipment, and laboratory instruments) to conduct successful research in both the field and in the laboratory.
• Effectively address environmental problems unique to Southeast Louisiana where the social, economic, and political well-being relies on healthy and sustainable natural resources.
• Inform the general public of local and regional issues addressed by projects within the Nekton Research Laboratory and the value of this information to enhancing the quality of life in Southeast Louisiana.

Approach:

Utilize resources available within the University of New Orleans and from local and federal sources and foster partnerships within the University, between academic institutions, national and international organizations and government agencies to support the development of estuarine and environmental research, education, and outreach.