CCA Texas

Tuesday, September 4th, 2007

$800,000 Laboratory for Marine Larviculture to take fisheries research to unprecedented level

             Houston, TX – Officials and guests from the University of Texas Marine Science Institute (UTMSI) and Coastal Conservation Association Texas (CCA Texas) recently gathered in Port Aransas to celebrate the grand opening of the newly built 3,000-square-foot CCA Texas Laboratory for Marine Larviculture.  The lab was funded by a $700,000 gift from CCA Texas to UTMSI in 2006 and an additional $100,000 from UTMSI. The new 3,000-square-foot facility, built around several existing labs on the UTMSI campus in Port Aransas, will enhance what is already one of the most advanced marine research facilities in the world.

            Much of the research efforts conducted at UTMSI focus on the spawning and rearing of many recreationally important fish species such as snook, flounder, snapper, cobia and redfish.  The new lab will advance this important work to unprecedented levels.

            “This building will allow us to move our studies to a higher level with a novel system of tanks and environmental controls,” says Dr. Joan Holt, associate director for mariculture and professor of marine science at UTMSI.  “With the addition of new, modern laboratory space we will have unparalleled capability for critical work on Texas fisheries, with implications for fisheries nationwide.”

            UTMSI is home to some of the most advanced marine research in the world.  This new state-of-the-art facility will have a tremendous impact on existing research by increasing workspace and providing for improved technologies. Eventually, the scientific insight gained at this new facility will be used to improve the fingerling production at currently existing CCA-funded, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department hatcheries along the coast.

            “The lab is a testament to the dedication to conservation and science by all of those involved in the entire process,” said Robby Byers, executive director of CCA Texas.  “The money used to build this facility was raised through the hard-work and dedication of thousands of CCA Texas volunteers.  If not for the dedication and leadership of all of our local chapters, this project could never have happened.  This facility and the resulting science is truly a gift from this generation of conservationists to future Texans who will enjoy our coastal resources.”

             CCA Texas is a non-profit conservation organization dedicated to the conservation of Texas’ marine resources.  For more information please visit www.ccatexas.org . 

 Dr. Lee A. Fuiman, Mary Abell, President William Powers, Jr., Dr. Joan Holt
CCA Texas Representatives - Mark Ray, Robby Byers, Bill Schwarzlose, Pat Murray, Ronnie Luster, Luke Giles at the ceremonial ribbon cutting

 CCA Texas volunteers present $700,000 donation for construction
Robby Byers, Pat Murray, Bill Schwarzlose, Ronnie Luster, Dr. Lee A. Fuiman, President William Powers, Jr., Mark Ray

Photos courtesy of Patty Webb - UT Marine Science Institute