tats using a special gear, an epibenthic sled, which is a proven and standard sampling device for this type of study. Additionally, we will also estimate
adult fish abundance with experimen- tal gill nets pre-opening. In addition to our own fine-scale targeted sampling design, we will assess longer-term pat- terns using the Texas Parks and Wild- life (TPWD) dataset from their routine monitoring program for juvenile (bag seine) and adult (gill nets) fish abun- dance trends during times the inlet was historically both open and closed.
HUGE POTENTIAL IMPACT This project will build on previous
work our group has performed in doc- umenting the impacts of tidal inlets on fish and crustacean abundance at other Texas inlets, such as those at Packery Channel in Corpus Bay and East Cut in Lower Laguna Madre. Both of those studies have shown very positive impacts to fishery populations and have resulted in significant advances in understanding and improving our fisheries resources. We expect, and are hoping to see, the same beneficial effects with opening Cedar Bayou. With the plentiful nursery habitats
immediately available upon entering the inlet for young recruiting fishes and the great distance from any other inlet, this Bayou has the potential to greatly elevate the fisheries production for the region. Data from this project will be made available to resource managers to better manage our fish- eries. Megan Robillard — the first CCA Texas Scholarship at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and now a full-time marine biologist, will be the lead scientist on this project. Follow our webpage for updates as
we begin this exciting new study. Dr. Greg Stunz is marine biologist who
specializes in sport-fisheries. He holds the Endowed Chair of Fisheries and Ocean Health at the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies and is a Professor of Marine Biology at Texas A&M Uni ver sity- Corpus Christi. Dr. Stunz was the first “G”CCA graduate scholarship recipient. His research program is diverse but recent- ly focuses on habitat requirement of marine fish and migration patterns of marine life using a variety of state-of-the-art electron- ic tracking devices for fish such as sharks, red snapper, and dolphin-fish. He and his group have carried out several studies on inlet dynamics along the Texas Coast. Read more about these and other projects at
harteresearchinstitute.org/fish eries.
TIDE
CCA Texas Makes Historic Contribution to Marine Science
CCA and Harte Research Institute partner to create sportfishing research center.
C
OASTAL CONSERVATION Association Texas recently pledged $500,000 toward the
creation of a sportfishing research center within the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. This unique research center holds
promise to address many of the key scientific issues facing the ecosys- tems that support Gulf of Mexico sportfishing. Dr. Greg Stunz, En - dowed Chair for Fisheries and Ocean Health at HRI, will direct the Center’s operations. Stunz has a long history in the marine sci- ence community and was CCA’s first marine science scholarship recipient. “This research center is unique in
a number of ways, and truly there is nothing like it in the western Gulf,” said Larry McKinney, executive director for HRI. “The timing for the creation of the center is perfect. With such pressing issues as the role of Gulf passes on bay ecosystems and the impact of diminishing Gulf habitat, recreational anglers need a center that can tackle these multi- decade concerns.”
www.joincca.org
CCA Texas and HRI have part-
nered on a number of ground-break- ing projects including Dr. Stunz’s spotted seatrout catch-and-release study, state-of-the-art electronic tracking programs, and efforts regarding the reopening of Cedar Bayou and Vinson Slough. “CCA and HRI are natural part-
ners in conservation,” said Mark Ray, chairman of CCA Texas. “This center and the scientific research it will create are keys in ensuring healthy marine resources for the future of recreational fisheries.” The Harte Research Support
Foundation has also pledged $300,000 for a research vessel that will be used in addressing the broad array of Gulf of Mexico re - search needs. The Center is ex - pected to attract additional support from private foundations, corpora- tions and individuals. “CCA’s policy positions have
always been based in sound sci- ence,” said Robby Byers, executive director of CCA Texas. “This part- nership with HRI will further the important impact recreational anglers bring to the conservation of coastal marine resources.”
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