News & Events

CCA files lawsuit to stop sector separation

Legal challenge follows Commerce approval of controversial
red snapper management scheme

Coastal Conservation Association announced today that it has filed a lawsuit against implementation of Amendment 40 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico. Also known as “sector separation,” the amendment is a highly controversial management plan for red snapper that takes a significant percentage of the recreational quota and reserves it solely for use by the charter/for-hire industry.

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Texas Outdoor Writers Association (TOWA) Communication Awards

A big congratulations to CCA Staffers who seized top honors at this year’s TOWA communication awards!

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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

$250,000 Grant to Fund Ground-Breaking Marine Research Projects

HOUSTON, TX (11-18-14) – Coastal Conservation Association Texas deepened its commitment to marine resource science with a $250,000 grant to the Center for Sportfish Science and Conservation (CSSC) that will fund ongoing research into many of the key scientific issues facing the ecosystems that support Gulf of Mexico sportfishing. The CSSC is housed within the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and was founded in 2012, in part with a $500,000 commitment from CCA Texas.

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Center for Sportfish Science and Conservation

NEEDS YOU!

The Center for Sportfish Science and Conservation has surgically implanted several redfish with tracking technology as part of the Cedar Bayou study. Each of these fish is marked with a green external dart tag. Please release these fish if caught and call the phone number on the tag to let researchers know where you caught the fish and to add valuable movement information to their study! If you decide to keep a tagged fish or if the fish dies in the process of being caught, please keep the black cylindrical acoustic tag implanted in the fish and call (361) 825-2028. This research is heavily dependent on the cooperation of local anglers, and your support is greatly appreciated!

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Iconic Pass Now Open After Years of Planning and Fundraising Efforts

Aransas County, Texas –Cedar Bayou and Vinson Slough were opened on September 25, 2014, after having been sealed in the 1970s and enduring decades of negative impacts from siltation and low water flows. Local media were invited to view the ribbon-cutting ceremony and opening last Thursday.

Cedar Bayou is a natural pass that separates San Jose Island from Matagorda Island. Dredging efforts date back to the 1930s, but partial efforts, siltation, and misplacement of spoil materials eventually led to the pass and adjacent Vinson Slough being sealed. The restoration of Cedar Bayou and Vinson Slough has created the vital connection from Mesquite and Aransas Bays to the Gulf of Mexico.

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$1.6 Million Dollars Given Toward Multimillion Dollar Project

Rockport, Texas – On May 21, 2014, Coastal Conservation Association Texas (CCA Texas) presented Aransas County with a check for $1.6M to help fund the restoration of Cedar Bayou in Rockport, Texas. After being sealed in the 1970s and decades of negative impacts from siltation and low water flows, a $9.4M construction project is underway to open Cedar Bayou and Vinson Slough.

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Sixty STAR quality redfish have been released!

Texas Gulf Coast — Sixty specially tagged redfish are the STAR attraction in the 25th Anniversary CCA Texas State of Texas Anglers’ Rodeo (STAR) sponsored by the Texas Ford Dealers, Tilson Home Corporation and Capital Farm Credit.  The tournament kicks-off this Saturday!  CCA Texas STAR officials have released 60 redfish ranging from 20 ½ to 25 ½ inches in length.  These tagged redfish have been released throughout 600 miles of Texas coastal waters, from Sabine Lake to South Padre Island.

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 Multi-million dollar project poised to begin

Aransas County, Texas – After being sealed in the 1970s and decades of negative impacts from siltation and low water flows, an estimated $9.4M effort will be required to open Cedar Bayou and Vinson Slough. This historic effort, which is slated to start on April 15, will create the vital connection from Mesquite and Aransas Bays to the Gulf of Mexico. With Aransas County kicking off the campaign in 2009, Coastal Conservation Association Texas initiated a new effort in 2012 with a $500,000 matching grant to help open these iconic and environmentally significant passes.

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The Building Conservation Trust, the national marine habitat program of the Coastal Conservation Association, is proud to announce country superstar Kenny Chesney will serve as an honorary board member. Founded in 2010 to enable people who love and enjoy the oceans, the Trust supports projects that revitalize critical habitat and establish a vibrant foundation for the marine ecosystem.

“Very few people have captured the essence of what draws us to the oceans as well as Kenny Chesney has over his incredible career,” said Patrick Murray, president of the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA). “The most passionate stewards of our marine environment are the ones drawn to the water for sport, relaxation and reflection. Through his music and life, Kenny has inspired an entire generation to engage in ocean conservation and stewardship, and we are very proud to have him on the board of the Trust.”

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