"Working Together on the Texas Mid-Coast."

Our coastal cleanup, conducted each fall, is entering its fourth year. SABP cleans up bay shorelines and estuaries, which are accessible only by boat. Significant trash, especially plastics, is being deposited along the coastal waters. Of the 8 tons SABP has removed and documented over three cleanup events, over 9000 plastic bottles were retrieved, which is the most significant debris. 

These abandoned crab traps are a significant source of mortality for marine organisms, many of which are recreationally or commercially important. For example, blue crabs, Gulf stone crabs, hardhead catfish, black drum, Atlantic croaker, and even Texas diamondback terrapins have been found in abandoned traps in different regions.

 We believe educating the next generation to understand and care about our estuaries is critical to ensuring a healthy coast and marine environment. We partner with the Texas Floating Classroom to provide field trips on the Bay to take the classroom to the Bay. The marine outings are designed to educate the kids and the public to raise awareness of the importance of our estuaries along the Texas Mid-Coast, and to help them understand the scientific principles and practices of a healthy coast and marine environment.

  SABP has long advocated for the protection of freshwater inflows adequate to support the ecosystems in Texas’ Mid-Coast bays and estuaries -- particularly during drought periods -- and is currently working on developing new freshwater inflow projects with partners Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries Program, the International Crane Foundation, and Texas Water Trade. SABP understands that the quantity and timing of freshwater inflow is key for maintaining the natural salinity, nutrient, and sediment loading regimes that create environments supporting estuarine-dependent species, including the endangered Whooping Crane, which winters on the Texas Mid-Coast. 

Changing weather and current patterns and coastal erosion have become significant problems. 

The Texas coast and associated marine environments are now more susceptible to extreme storm damage and habitat loss. 

This past year, our volunteers have bagged oyster shells to return to the bay to restore a small reef segment. Once restored, the reef can better protect adjacent habitats. 

San Antonio Bay Partnership has rescued over 483 sea turtles on the Texas Coast!

  During Winter Storm Uri in February 2021, over 500 turtles perished in mid-coast bays. This event provided the impetus to start the Mid-Coast Sea Turtle Rescue program – now fully incorporated into SABP. Since its inception, the program has responded to 3 cold stunning events, mobilizing volunteer boats and crews to search the bays and ground teams to transport the turtles to rehab facilities in Port Aransas. Handling the turtles requires annual training from USFWS for the volunteers to be included in appropriate permits. SABP recruits volunteers, coordinates the searches,  and addresses training needs.