Species Benefiting From Restoration:
Brown Shrimp (Farfantepenaeus aztecus)
Pink Shrimp (F. duroraum)
White Shrimp (Litopenaeus setiferus)
Black Drum (Pogonias cromis)
Southern Flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma)
Sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus)
Eastern Oysters (Crassostrea virginica)
Blue Crab (Callinectes sapidus)
Red Drum (Sciaenops occellatus)
Spotted Sea Trout (Cynoscion nebulous)
Mullet (Mugil sp.)
Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus)
Acres of Habitat To be Restored:
The project will create/restore approximately 2 acres of
wetland.
Project Summary:
This project will restore critical habitat in West Galveston
Bay that is essential for fisheries utilization. It will
create/restore approximately two acres of wetlands and
protect an additional two acres of existing fringe marsh
located on the shoreline. This area of the Bay has lost
approximately 60 acres of seagrass area and salt marsh
between 1956 and 1995 and recent hurricanes have only
increased the erosion rates. Native vegetation will be
planted by volunteers from the community upon completion.
This should result in a benefit to the local resources and
their populations.Engineering Blueprint for Restoration
Design at Terramar.
Project Objectives:
Project objectives include the establishment of two new acres
of wetlands, as well as the protection of existing wetlands,
thus doubling the current size of this intertidal marsh area.
70% coverage of vegetation is also an expected objective which
is necessary in protection from erosion and in creating an
area for spawning, foraging, and nesting for indigenous
species of wildlife. This should also improve the water
quality in the immediate area and increase the fishing and
birding populations. Finally, educating the community on the
importance of this type of project is crucial in future
projects to protect and enhance our coastal areas. Signage
will be placed on site for education purposes (after
completion). The County eventually plans to open this Park to
the public as a nature reserve.
On-The-Ground Activities:
Create a barrier on the northwest corner of the Park using
construction techniques, including a temporary marsh
protection terrace, to protect a two acre marsh pad that will
be placed and shaped according to final design using the
material from the Terramar Beach channel. Silt fences to
minimize water turbidity and signage for boater safety will
also be employed.
Community Involvement:
The community has also been involved in fundraising activities to try to complete the project.
Other volunteers from neighboring subdivision, the Artist Boat, and Galveston County middle school children
have been asked to volunteer for the initial planting of spartina and for any additional planting that may be
needed to achieve our goal of 70% coverage of seagrass. Many volunteers (150 250) are expected to participate
in some portion of this project. Most of this participation will be hands on involvement in planting the
smooth cordgrass which fosters a sense of environmental stewardship.
