Senate Concurrent Resolution 577

(As Adopted by Senate and House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND COMMENDING GULF STATES MARINE FISHERIES COMMISSION 30-YEAR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR LARRY B. SIMPSON ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RECEIPT OF THE PRESTIGIOUS CHARLES H. LYLES AWARD.

WHEREAS, Larry B. Simpson has an effective record of achievement after an exemplary 30-year tenure as Executive Director of the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission and a total of 35 years of dedicated employment with the commission; and

WHEREAS, Larry's latest recognition in his field is the Charles H. Lyles Award which is given annually to a person or agency for outstanding contributions to the marine resources of the Gulf of Mexico. Those offerings can be for research, management, enforcement, or legal and legislative action; and

WHEREAS, Larry B. Simpson's accomplishments include:

· Earned B.S. Degree from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1970;

· Earned Master's Degree from the University of South Alabama in 1978;

· Key player in the development, coordination and administration of many regional cooperative programs: Southeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program (SEAMAP), Marine Fisheries Initiative (MARFIN), Interjurisdictional Fisheries Program (IFJ), Sportfish Restoration Program, Fisheries Information Network (GulfFIN), Emergency Disaster Recovery Program (EDRP I and II),

Fisheries Economics Program, and Oil Disaster Recovery Program (ODRP);

· Provided testimony to Congress regarding fisheries management, data collection and management, stock assessment and other critical fisheries issues;

· Developed a strong relationship with the State and Federal partners and facilitated cooperation and coordination among those partners;

· Received Distinguished Service Award from the Gulf and South Atlantic Fisheries Foundation in appreciation for many years of outstanding service to the seafood community;

· Received Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) Kemp's Ridley Award in recognition of his vital support of the binational Kemp's Ridley sea turtle population restoration project;

· Member of the following professional organizations and associations: American Fisheries Society, International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Department of Commerce Marine Advisory Committee (MAFAC), MARFIN Board, and Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council. Larry Simpson is the longest-standing member of any of the 8 Regional Fishery Management Councils and Chairman of Ad Hoc Restoration Committee and a member of Artificial Reef, Data Collection, Law Enforcement, Red Drum, Shrimp, and Spiny Lobster Committees; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we note the accomplishments of this dedicated Mississippi public administrator who leaves a record of achievement and leadership in his field:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby recognize and commend Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission 30-year Executive Director Larry B. Simpson on the occasion of his receipt of the prestigious Charles H. Lyles Award, and extend to Larry and his family our best wishes for future success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Larry Simpson, forwarded to the offices of the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.