Scott Murray
The Gulf Podcast Baffin Bay Oral History Project
The Gulf is an oral history project and podcast that shares stories about people and nature on the Texas Gulf Coast.
Alyssa Lucas
Scott Murray was born on September 15, 1945, in Edinburg, Texas, just thirteen days after the signing of the peace treaty in World War II. His parents, Melba Murray and Louis Murray, both had rural agricultural backgrounds and a deep love for the outdoors, which they passed on to Scott at a very early age. Murray moved to Corpus Christi, Texas, when he was about three years old and attended Sam Houston Elementary, Baker Junior High, and W. B. Ray High School, graduating in 1963. He then attended Del Mar Junior College, where he met his wife, Paulette. After working for a few years, Murray decided to return to school. He attended Corpus Christi State University (now Texas A&M), where he pursued a degree in biology with an emphasis on marine biology. He was mentored by Dr. Henry Hildebrand, a renowned scientist known for his extensive knowledge of the western Gulf of Mexico. Murray's love for fishing began at a young age, and he has spent much of his life fishing in the Corpus Christi area. He has witnessed significant changes in fishing practices and equipment over the years and has expressed concern about the future of certain fish species, particularly the spotted sea trout.
Scope and Content Note
This interview with Scott Murray, conducted by Jen Brown on March 25, 2022, in Corpus Christi, Texas, provides a detailed account of Murray's life, his passion for the outdoors, and his work with Baffin Bay. Murray discusses his early life, including his upbringing in Corpus Christi, his education, and his early experiences with fishing. He also talks about the significant changes he has observed in fishing practices and equipment over the years. He expresses concern about the future of certain fish species, particularly the spotted sea trout. In addition to his personal history, Murray also discusses his involvement in environmental conservation efforts in Baffin Bay. He talks about his hopes for a water quality study and a biological study in the bay and his experiences volunteering for these efforts. He also shares stories about the challenges and rewards of conducting fieldwork in the bay and the importance of community involvement in conservation efforts. The interview concludes with Murray expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to share his experiences.
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