Texas is a coastal state and a rather important one, too. Hosting a variety of commercial fisheries, plenty of recreational fishermen, and flourishing aquaculture facilities- the Lone Star State has more than beef and oil to offer! From fresh seafood to harsh hurricanes, the coast of Texas is a vibrant and exciting place to reside.
The Texas coast is abundant in invaluable natural resources and vital habitat. Whether you live up in Hereford or down in Palacios, the coastal and marine resources of our state should be protected by every Texan. Marine agents with AgriLife Extension are also dual-appointed with Texas Sea Grant and strive to educate Texans about various marine-related topics and issues- including marine policy, fisheries, aquaculture, seafood safety, and environmental quality. Each coastal community has different needs and interests; below are some ways our agents are working to address the specific and unique needs of their respective counties.
RJ Shelly
County Extension Agent- Coastal & Marine Resources
Calhoun County
Email: ralph.shelly@ag.tamu.edu
Phone: 361-552-9747
Amy Nowlin
County Extension Agent- Coastal & Marine Resources
Matagorda County
Email: amy.nowlin@ag.tamu.edu
Phone: 979-245-4100, Ext. 146
Pat Cruz
County Extension Agent- Coastal & Marine Resources
Aransas County
Email: pat.cruz@ag.tamu.edu
Phone: 361-790-0103
Sustainable Fisheries
This area relates to help Texans understand where their seafood comes from, how to make more informed decisions about buying seafood, and why it is important to buy locally sourced products. This program area is also geared towards the commercial industry and helping them understand new regulations, research, and techniques as it pertains to commercial fisheries. Texas is home to many types of fisheries, including bay & gulf shrimping, fish & shrimp farms, oyster harvesting, recreational fishing, for-hire fishing, and soon oyster mariculture.
Education and Resilient Communities
The work we do cannot continue and thrive without the next generation picking up the torch; in this area, we provide formal and informal education for P-12 and undergraduate & graduate students about current marine issues, careers in STEM, and help keep them competitive as they enter the workforce. We work closely with our coastal communities and we hope to help keep them resilient in the wake of natural disasters and man-made hazards. On the coast, we know the value and power of water, but we hope to increase awareness about our watersheds and how to implement water resource management practices.
Healthy Coastal Ecosystems
Texans and visitors need to understand the essential resources and habitats found along our coastline. In this program area, agents look to partner with local conservation and education groups to help bring to light what we all can do to preserve and protect Texas’ marine resources. This could mean cleaning up a beach, placing shell to create a reef, planting coastal plants to protect habitats, recycling fishing line, or picking up abandoned crab traps in the bay. Our natural resources must be sustained to continue to support industries that depend on them and the coastal communities that rely on their presence. We help our constituents keep informed about best practices in terms of resources and ecosystem management.
Texas Sea Grant Crab Trap Cleanup Project