Dr. Gordon Gunter

The NOAA Ship GORDON GUNTER is named after Dr. Gordon Gunter. Dr. Gunter's career as a marine biologist and leader in marine research and education spanned more than 60 years. Dr. Gunter was appointed director of the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory in 1955 and served as director until 1971. He continued his association with the laboratory as professor of zoology and director emeritus until his retirement from active service with the State of Mississippi in 1979 at the age of 70.

A native of Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana, Dr. Gunter earned his B.A. from Louisiana State Normal College and his M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Texas. He served as a marine biologist with the Texas Game, Fish and Oyster Commission, an instructor in physiology at the University of Texas; a research associate, research scientist, acting director and director of the University of Texas Institute of Marine Science at Port Aransas, zoologist for the Louisiana Department of Conservation, Junior Aquatic Biologist for the Corps of Engineers, visiting professor of Zoology, Marine Laboratory, University of Miami; and Senior Marine Biologist Scripps Institution of Oceanography. He also worked with the United States Bureau of Fisheries in shrimp and oyster investigations and the commercial oyster industry.

Arriving at Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (GCRL) as it began it's eighth year, Dr. Gunter moved the marine laboratory from a predominantly summer biological field program to a year-round research facility, and much of the early marine research of the northern Gulf of Mexico occurred under his leadership. Dr. Gunter began his tenure with a staff of one scientist and two part-time support personnel. By the time of his retirement, GCRL programs were conducted by approximately 100 senior scientists, technical staff and support personnel. Major laboratory buildings in use today were constructed during Dr. Gunter's tenure. In 1961 he established and served as the first editor of the Laboratory's journal, Gulf Research Reports, focusing on the marine science of the Gulf of Mexico and adjacent waters. Gulf Research Reports continues publication today.

Dr. Gunter published over 250 scientific papers, articles, reviews, and other publications on biological and conservation subjects. His scientific articles are cited in 79 scientific books printed in English, German, Spanish, French and Japanese. He also contributed to his profession through numerous appointments to regional, national, and international committees and advisory panels, edited scientific publications, and continuing memberships in a spectrum of professional scientific societies, including charter membership in the World Mariculture Society. He served as president of that and other societies and academies.

In August 1997, GCRL fisheries biologists presented the American Fisheries Society's half-century membership award to Dr. Gunter at his home. Following the ceremony, a biologist and former employee characterized Dr. Gunter as one of the great naturalists living today. He was interested in every living thing, how each species affects other species, how natural processes affect them, and how everything is connected.

On August 28, 1998, the NOAA Ship RELENTLESS, was re-commissioned as the NOAA Ship GORDON GUNTER, R-336, with Dr. Gunter, his family, the Senate Majority Leader, and the Secretary of Commerce in attendance. Dr. Gunter passed this life on December 19, 1998. His memory and scientific contributions are proudly memorialized in the name of this vessel.

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