When Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) received permits to resume gillnet sampling in Texas bays, the authorization came with an important requirement — TPWD crews needed detailed training in responding to dolphin entanglement. When TPWD turned to Dr. Dara Orbach, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Associate Professor of Marine Biology, to design and lead the […] Read More

The Oceans and Wildlife Institute (OWI) is pleased to announce the promotion of Jennifer Vela to Executive Vice President and Chief External Affairs Officer of OWI and the Texas State Aquarium (TSA). In this expanded role, Vela will provide executive leadership and organizational strategy across government affairs, public affairs, communications, development, marketing, and branding. She […] Read More

Leaders from across the Gulf Coast are coming together to launch the Gulf Response Alliance (GRA) and host an inaugural event, September 28-30 in Austin, Texas as a growing coalition dedicated to protecting the Gulf of America, its bays, estuaries, coastal habitats, and waterways through stronger emergency preparedness, coordinated response, and environmental stewardship. Emergency response […] Read More

The Oceans and Wildlife Institute (OWI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jackson Walker LLP as its special legal counsel, effective immediately. Jackson Walker will provide comprehensive legal guidance to support OWI’s expanding initiatives, including governance, regulatory compliance, contracts, risk management, and strategic partnerships. OWI is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2025 […] Read More

The Oceans and Wildlife Institute (OWI) applauds the U.S. Senate’s passage of the Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act of 2025, a critical step forward in strengthening the nation’s capacity to respond to sea turtle strandings, rehabilitation, and conservation efforts. The legislation, originally sponsored by U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) alongside Senator Ed Markey […] Read More