Impact/Purpose:

Freshwater is a critical factor in the health of estuarine systems and the demand for freshwater throughout the Gulf is having a critical impact on the quantity of freshwater inflow as well as the timing of that inflow that is available for Gulf coastal ecosystems. TIming of flow is critical as many fish species depend on specific salinite regimes for reproduction, often because the larval young can only tolerate a certain range of salinities in the estuarine areas where they live. Similarly, oysters and many types submerged and emergent vegetation can only survive within certain salinity regimes in the Gulf's bays and estuaries. The workshop will provide information to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department who is responsible for the health of much of the Texas coastal flora and fauna and so must be knowledgeable in the potential impacts from freshwater inflow. In additon, freshwater issues have long been a key concern for Texas because much of the state receives very little rainfall and therefore must carefully control the use of its freshwater resources.

Description:

The grantee will hold an interstate workshop on Freshwater Inflow issues in the Gulf of Mexico coastal region. The conference will identify water management questions to be addressed regarding providing freshwater inflows to estuaries, update participants on the current scientific knowledge regarding the role of freshwater inflows in protecting estuaries, and identify management approaches and scientific work that the Gulf States should undertake to address the relevant water managment questions.

Record Details: