CICESE, a marine research institution in Mexico is conducting a project led by UTMSI alumni Dr. Sharon Herzka that neHerzka driftersScientists are on the lookout for these bright orange drifters that may wash ashore on our beaches. Photo credit: Sharon Herzka.eds your help. The oceanographers deployed Microstar drifter buoys in the Gulf of Mexico this past June and in October. The drifters are part of a research project to help determine dispersal and current patterns in surface and deep waters off the northwestern coast of Mexico in the Tamaulipas region. These orange drifters have an integrated global positioning system or GPS. The oceanographers have already recovered some of the drifters on Padre and Mustang Island, as well as further north. If you happen to spot a drifter washed up on the shore, please contact Sally Palmer at The University of Texas Marine Science Institute (361-728-1025 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

Herzka drifters 2Locations of some of the drifters that have already been found. Map credit: Sharon Herzka.