Summary
Natural and dredged material islands are utilized by many species of colonial waterbirds. Natural rookery islands are rare along the Texas coast, and where found, often suffer from erosion and habitat degradation. At the beginning of this project, a detailed comprehensive inventory of rookery islands on the Texas coast didn't exist. This study will locate, characterize, and provide detailed baseline information for monitoring of Texas waterbird rookery habitat. For decades scientists at BEG have collected, quantified, and disseminated topographic information on the dynamic Texas coast. This investigation will aid the Texas General Land Office (GLO) Oil Spill Prevention & Response Program in locating environmentally sensitive rookery islands and identifying those islands most susceptible to oil spill contamination. Accurate and comprehensive information will contribute to effective oil spill response and help determine strategies for conservation and restoration of these essential habitats.
Basics
Classification
- State