Letter from the Editor

Have you noticed something different about The Sandbar? The April issue marks several changes to the National Sea Grant Law Center’s legal reporter.

First, we have designated the issue as a special “Katrina edition” to cover some of the most significant cases stemming from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. From the class action lawsuit against State Farm in Mississippi to the litigation surrounding the levee breaches in Louisiana, our research associates have provided a look at the wide range of legal issues surrounding Katrina and its aftermath. Additionally, Waurene Roberson, our publication designer, has compiled pictures that help tell the story of Hurricane Katrina.

On a lighter note, the issue recognizes the 40th anniversary of the law that created the Sea Grant program. Michael J. Thomas, an attorney in New Mexico, provides a brief history of the creation of the program and forecasts what might be on the horizon for Sea Grant.

Finally, I have enjoyed writing and acting as assistant editor for several previous issues, and I am excited and honored to now serve as editor of The SandBar. I will continue to work diligently to keep the Sea Grant community informed of important legal developments through the publication of The SandBar. In upcoming issues, we plan to include more special features and guest authors to highlight emerging legal issues.

And, as always, we welcome any thoughts and comments that you might have. We are here to serve you, so please let us know how we are doing. Enjoy the issue!