Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi – Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies
The Harte Research Institute (HRI) for Gulf of Mexico Studies at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi seeks to find science-driven solutions for Gulf of Mexico problems in order to advance its long-term sustainable use and conservation.
The mission of the Coastal Ecosystem Processes lab at HRI is to provide a sound scientific basis for stakeholder-led efforts aimed at solving coastal water quality challenges.
They have actively engaged with local volunteers to collect rigorous water quality data in Baffin Bay and have conducted analyses to better understand the drivers of water quality degradation. This group played a critical advisory role in data assessment and content development for the WPP. Following completion of the WPP, HRI hired a dedicated watershed coordinator who facilitates implementation and coordinates efforts to protect Baffin Bay and its watershed.
Bringing Baffin BackTM is a collaboration between the Harte Research Institute, the Coastal Bend Bays and Estuaries Program, and the Baffin Bay Stakeholder Group. This collaboration unites efforts to protect Baffin Bay and its watershed under one initiative. Learn more at: http://bringingbaffinback.org/
The Coastal Ecosystem Processes research program overview is available at: https://www.harteresearchinstitute.org/research/coastal-ecosystem-processes
Coastal Bend Bays and Estuaries Program
The Coastal Bend Bays and Estuaries Program (CBBEP) is a local, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to researching, restoring, and protecting the bays and estuaries of the Texas Coastal Bend, while supporting continued economic growth and public use of the bays.
CBBEP currently co-facilitates the Baffin Bay Stakeholder Group with the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies. Their efforts initiated activity that ultimately led to the development of a WPP for Baffin Bay and they continue to be key participants in WPP implementation. To learn more about CBBEP and their work in the Baffin Bay watershed, visit: https://www.cbbep.org/baffin-bay/
Nueces River Authority
The Nueces River Authority (NRA) was created in 1935 to manage, develop and protect the water resources of the Nueces River Basin. In this role, they serve as a Texas Clean Rivers Program partner and conduct water quality monitoring activities across their service area. They also extend this monitoring into adjacent basins including Baffin Bay. NRA currently monitors several sites in the Baffin Bay watershed and conducts other special project monitoring as funding allows.
To learn more about the NRA and their monitoring program, visit: http://www.nueces-ra.org/
Texas Sea Grant
The Texas Sea Grant College Program is a collaboration of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the State of Texas and universities across the state. They are headquartered at Texas A&M University in College Station, but their extension agents are stationed in communities all along the Texas coast. Their mission is to improve the understanding, wise use, and stewardship of Texas coastal and marine resources.
Learn more about Texas Sea Grant’s efforts at:
https://texasseagrant.org/programs/baffin-bay-early-phase-wpp/index.html
