Bo Kratz is a seasoned fisherman with a rich history in the sport, dating back to his childhood in the Midwest. Born and raised in Burlington, Iowa, a small town located on the southeastern corner of the state, Kratz was introduced to fishing at a very young age by his father, a passionate fly fisherman. His early fishing experiences were centered around the Mississippi River, where he and his father would wake up early in the morning to fish for bluegill, crappie, and bass.

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.

Reese Hunt, born in 1947, is a lifelong resident of Corpus Christi, Texas, and an avid fisherman with a deep connection to Baffin Bay and the Laguna Madre. His passion for fishing was inherited from his father, who was introduced to the sport by family members after moving to Corpus Christi from Mexia, Texas, following his service in World War II. Hunt began fishing in the Laguna Madre at a young age, around ten to twelve years old, when his father and a group of friends built a fishing cabin at Marker 69-A.

Ray Allen is a dedicated environmentalist with a deep understanding of the importance of freshwater to bays and estuaries. He has been instrumental in the Coastal Bend Bays and Estuaries Program, where he has worked tirelessly to ensure that educational programs are tailored to meet the specific teaching requirements of students and teachers. Allen's work has not only been focused on the scientific aspects of the environment but also on the historical and artistic elements, providing a holistic learning experience for students.

Phil Blackmar is a former professional golfer and an avid fisherman with a deep-rooted passion for both sports. Born into a family with a strong affinity for fishing and golfing, Blackmar's father, a Navy officer and a skilled golfer, introduced him to both sports at a young age. Blackmar's early life was characterized by frequent travels due to his father's naval career. However, since 1973, he has been a resident of Corpus Christi, Texas. His fishing journey began in Southern California, where he engaged in bass fishing as a child.

Dr. Paul Montagna is a renowned marine biologist with a particular focus on freshwater inflow. Born and raised in New York City, he pursued his undergraduate studies at Stony Brook on Long Island before earning his Master's degree at Northeastern University in Boston. He later completed his Ph.D. at the University of South Carolina. Dr. Montagna's journey into the field of science was somewhat accidental. Initially, he aspired to be a high school biology teacher, but after a student teaching course, he realized that he was more drawn to the scientific aspects of biology.

Mike Blackwood is a native of Corpus Christi, Texas, with a deep-rooted passion for fishing and hunting. He attended Ray High School and later graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in microbiology, specializing in viral studies. Blackwood's love for the outdoors, particularly fishing and hunting, was nurtured from a young age. He spent a significant part of his life on the water, fishing, and hunting ducks. He also enjoyed bird hunting and bow hunting for elk in Colorado.

This is an oral history recording of Pat Suter and her son Hal Suter interviewed by Jen Brown. Pat Suter discusses her work locally as an environmentalist, her role in local conservation organizations, and teaching chemistry at Del Mar College. They both discuss local and state politics; their experiences in Hurricane Celia; family camping trips; the creation of Padre Island National Seashore; the protection of Oso Bay; and OPUS, Organization for the Preservation of an Unblemished Shoreline.

Dr. Pamela T. Plotkin is a renowned wildlife biologist and conservationist with a focus on marine life, particularly sea turtles. Born and raised in New York City, Dr. Plotkin's early fascination with wildlife was nurtured through television shows like Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom and Tarzan, which offered her a glimpse into the natural world she yearned to explore. In her teenage years, her family moved to New Jersey, providing her with closer access to natural environments. This exposure further fueled her interest in wildlife and conservation.

This is an oral history recording of Nick Jimenez interviewed by David Blanke. Mr. Jimenez shared an overview of his early life in San Antonio, Texas; his professional education and development in college and as a young reporter; brief comments about his time serving in the Army in Vietnam; his arrival in Corpus Christi in the 1970s; and key issues surrounding its social and economic development such as Cisneros v. Corpus Christi Independent School District, Dr. Hector P. García, Selena, the Port of Corpus Christi, and environmentalism.