A TREASURE TEXAS

The innovative Bringing Baffin Back™: Restoring and Protecting a Texas Treasure initiative, led by Dr. Michael Wetz, Chair for Coastal Ecosystem Processes, set a standard for its leadership and science in helping to restore one of Texas’ unique coastal areas.

It’s one of three key initiatives the team has been leading that are vital to the sustainability of the Texas coast, centered around Baffin Bay, coastal ecosystem health, and harmful algal blooms.

Bringing Baffin Back™, which is done in partnership with the Coastal Bend Bays and Estuaries Program, brings together research and monitoring by a dedicated group of scientists and community volunteers to address sources of pollution, restore the watershed and bay habitat, and improve the health of the surrounding economy. Along with on-the-ground conservation efforts are community outreach initiatives that include the first “Exploring Baffin Bay” day camp in partnership with Texas Brigades which fosters stewardship among the next generation of coastal residents for children ages 9-17.

The Texas Coast Ecosystem Health Report Card is a data and stakeholder-informed effort to assess the health of the Texas Coast and its bays in support of local and regional management and conservation efforts. The team identified important vulnerabilities and data gaps for various indicators of ecosystem health such as water quality and quantity, habitat, fish, and birds and provided an opportunity for stakeholders to address those challenges in various ways.

Harmful algal blooms pose significant threats to ecosystems, human health, and the economy of Texas’ coastal communities. To safeguard beachgoers, anglers, and all who enjoy coastal waters, the team is in collaboration with stakeholders to create a comprehensive monitoring plan for harmful algal blooms, also known as “red tide” and “brown tide.” They are beginning to deploy real-time detection sensors at key locations along the Texas coast. These proactive efforts will help the state and its communities respond to algal blooms more effectively and proactively, minimizing potential negative impacts.