Training

See also: Science to Decision Making, Sustainable Human Systems

Several years ago, concerned citizens from the City of Rockport approached Mission-Aransas NERR about concerns of water quality and seagrass in a small, shallow bay directly adjacent to the Reserve, called Little Bay. This beloved bay is the primary focal point and landmark for the downtown area. It is also partially surrounded by a upscale housing development that includes a large marina and numerous canals. The bay is connected to Aransas Bay through two outlets to the north and east. Little Bay also serves as the primary recipient of stormwater drainage from the town of Rockport through Tule Creek and multiple stormwater outfalls as well as runoff from the adjacent subdivision, Key Allegro. The seagrass community in Little Bay is a monoculture of Haloudle wrightii. Historically the extent of seagrass beds in the bay has fluctuated, but the seagrass abundance remained dense. In the past 15 years, seagrass abundance has been steadily declining, especially in the last five, and is now extremely sparse. The bay is a major recreational area and is home to many migratory birds and juvenile fish populations. Numerous local communities concerned about the loss of seagrass partnered to commission Mission-Aransas NERR and the University of Texas Marine Science Institute to study the possible causes of this decline. The commissioned study analyzed indicators of seagrass condition, including water quality.