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  • Climate in the Gulf • The Report • For Teachers  • Overview • Slow the Change • Speed our Response  • Overview • Water Resources • Sea-Level Change • Human Perspectives |
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Texas
In the bays and estuaries behind the barrier islands separating the Texas mainland from the Gulf of Mexico, fresh and salt water combine to create the environment that shrimp and oysters need to live and flourish. The state's aquaculture industry is 11th in the nation in producing food fish, baitfish, ornamental fish, shrimp, crawfish and oysters. This industry is also particularly sensitive to adequate amounts of freshwater and increases in salinity.
If freshwater inflow increases, the oxygen-poor "dead zone" off the coast of Texas may expand. Shrimp yield would decline as a result. More on Texas: Introduction | Climate Projections | Freshwater Resources | Human Health | Coastal Development | Fisheries | Agriculture & Forestry | Tourism & Recreation | TX Resources & Links Photo Credits: Bluebonnet - www.actnowgraphics.com, A. Funke Taylor. Shrimp trawler - NOAA Photo library, W. Folsom. |
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If freshwater flow into lagoons and bays permanently declines, then higher salt concentrations, less nutrient input, and less frequent flushing would result in lower water quality overall. The water may become too salty for many species to survive causing changes in the food web and possibly a reduction in fish productivity.