Texas A&M University student takes on internship like a fish to water
— Doing local research on fish, ecosystemsBy Elaine Marsilio
marsilioe@caller.com 361-886-3794
Call it a summer romance, but it's no fling.
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi marine biology student Marci Durocher is in it for the long haul.
The 34-year-old plans to make fish and their conservation her life.
"I've always loved fish, and I've always loved the water," she said. "It always goes together.
"It's a fascinating field to be into."
To help jump-start her career plans, Durocher is working as an intern with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's Fisheries Division.
Durocher, who is one of seven interns in the state, can be found along the coastline in Corpus Christi skimming shores, netting species in the waterways and measuring fish brought in by boaters in an effort to help conservation.
Interns, who work through mid-August, get a chance to interact with parks and wildlife staff, different fish species and the public while also applying what they've learned in the classroom, said Faye Grubbs, ecosystem leader for the Upper Laguna Madre section.
"They are getting to know the bay systems as well," she said.
On a recent Friday, Durocher helped survey fish brought in by boaters returning to the boat ramp near Billings Bait Stand on South Padre Island Drive under the JFK Causeway.
Durocher asked the anglers if she could count fish in their catch so she could measure them. The survey requires six fish to be counted, regardless of the total number of fish. Fish and wildlife technician Amy Larimerinterviewed participants while Durocher counted.
Many boaters already knew the drill, as many forked over their coolers filled with fish and stood over Durocher's shoulder to peek as she counted.
Roger Monroe of Buda who brought in 34 speckled trout with a group of friends and family, said he appreciates the Parks And Wildlife Department's efforts in tracking species and developing databases. That research helps maintain fish populations by establishing appropriate fishing limits.
"It's all about my kids coming out and fishing, too," Monroe said.
Durocher, who is one of five Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi students interning with the program, received a $6,000 scholarship from the Mr. Big Live Fish Scholarship Tournament. Other internships were sponsored through the Coastal Conservation Association, Texas Parks and Wildlife and Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, officials said.
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GEORGE GONGORA/special to the Caller-Times Texas Parks and Wildlife Department intern, Marci Durocher, asks a fisherman if she can measure some fish he caught. She will measure, weigh and log her findings. GEORGE GONGORA/special to the Caller-Times
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Zebra mussels are an invasive species that produce millions of microscopic larvae that can hide in your boat. Adults reach 1 ½ inches and attach to your boat’s motor, hull and to other hard surfaces. Zebra mussels can seriously hamper your boat’s performance and are devastating to our native plants, fish and wildlife. They also threaten our water supply. Thanks to the following Texas Parks and Wildlife campaign partners for helping spread the word, not the zebra mussels: North Texas Municipal Water District, Tarrant Regional Water District, Trinity River Authority, City of Dallas Water Utilities Department, Sabine River Authority, Canadian River Municipal Water Authority, San Jacinto River Authority, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, and Angelina and Neches River Authority.
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