In 2008, sediment from Hurricane Ike destroyed up to 60 percent of the oyster reefs in Galveston Bay. In 2017, Hurricane Harvey’s large influx of fresh water caused oyster mortality rates in the bay ranging from 50 to 100 percent. Galveston’s East Bay was particularly badly affected by Hurricane Harvey. This project will result in on-the-ground restoration of up to 400 acres of oyster reef in Galveston Bay. This project would build off of a NRDA study identifying the best locations and sizes for reef restoration as well as a small-scale ‘source and sink’ project funded by NFWF.

Project Status:
Conceptual > Feasibility & Planning > Engineering & Design > Under Construction > Completed

The Mad Island Marsh Preserve has experienced high erosion rates of 5 to 10 feet per year since the construction of the Gulf Coast Intracoastal Waterway. The goal of the project is to install 2.3 miles of a nearshore breakwater to reduce persistent erosion at the Mad Island Marsh Preserve. Slowing shoreline loss is critical in maintaining the salinity gradient in this estuarine system and protecting marsh integrity within the Mad Island Wildlife Management Area, in order to benefit nursery habitat for many species. This project supports part of an larger ongoing effort to protect over 6,000 acres of coastal prairie and marsh habitat at Mad Island Marsh Preserve.

Project Status:
Conceptual > Feasibility & Planning > Engineering & Design > Under Construction > Completed