CCA Texas

Monday, November 21st, 2005

Thanks to the hard work of thousands of volunteers, CCA Texas had one of its strongest years in project funding for the future of our coastal resources in 2005.  Among a number of far-reaching coastal conservation projects, CCA Texas funded $60,000 for the Bahia Grande wetlands restoration project, which is one of the largest marsh-restoration projects in the United States.  CCA also continued its rich tradition of seeking the best science possible for conservation management, including $25,000 for a DNA-based red drum study and $17,000 for a flounder spawning research project.

Now, in what can only be considered truly spectacular news for the resource, CCA Texas is pleased to announce the funding of a $600,000 for a free-standing, permanent, 3,016 square foot research facility at the University of Texas Marine Science Institute (UTMSI) in Port Aransas.

UTMSI is home to the most advanced marine fisheries research in the world.  Among its many important projects, UTMSI is currently pursuing spawning and rearing research on a number of critically important recreational species.  The new lab will have a tremendous impact on existing research by creating more workspace and state-of-the-art technology for scientists.  This facility will play a critical role in properly growing-out lab reared species and finding the necessary scientific insight into what it will take for full-scale production at CCA/TPWD hatcheries.  The lab will be a very welcome addition to the UTMSI campus.  “This building will allow us to move our studies up to a higher level with a novel system of tanks and environmental controls.  With the addition of new modern laboratory space we will have an unparalleled capability for critical work on Texas fisheries, with implication for fisheries nationwide”, said Dr. Joan Holt Associate Director of Fisheries and Mariculture at UTMSI.

The activities in this research facility will also create new science to positively impact many hatchery and larval-study-related activities.  Included in the studies will be advanced work in flounder, tarpon, and snook production.  Also, studies will be conducted to increase hatchery success and production of existing hatchery produced species as well as increasing the number of species that can be effectively reared in hatcheries.  The project on the whole bodes well for the future of saltwater fish and the research needed to better understand and manage them.

“UTMSI has a proven track record and are world leaders in the field of fisheries related studies.  This facility will be key in advancing the insight needed for effective fisheries management through gaining a better understanding of the life-cycles of key recreational species”, said CCA Texas Executive Director Pat Murray.

CCA Texas is proud and excited to be a part of this tremendous project.  The great reward for all of this effort will be the increased production of high-quality research on marine fish larvae that is essential to ensure healthy populations of fish for the future.  Increased scientific research concentrated on Gulf of Mexico marine fish will continue to expand the knowledge base needed for conservation of these resources.