provided the means to implement study results in the form of legislation and the formation of 
advisory councils, one for each of the major estuaries, to develop management priority and policy. 
Once again, Galveston Bay is an important focus of these studies. These studies represent a significant 
commitment in both effort and fiscal resources to provide some important answers, not only for 
Galveston Bay, but for all seven of the state's major estuaries. 
New Opportunities 
In addition to the programs and activities just discussed, three recent actions could have 
significant impact on management of this estuaiy. It is also interesting to note that these actions 
originated from federal and state officials and a group of concerned citizens. It is these three entities 
and the actions they have taken that are key to the development of any progressive management 
within the estuary. 
Comprehensive Study of Cumulative Impacts 
Because of the number and scope of development projects, especially federal navigation and 
reservoir projects in and around the estuary, state and federal resource agencies have become 
increasingly alarmed about the future of Galveston Bay. The number of reservoirs above the estuaiy 
could be doubled, from three to six. Changes because of reservoirs, either by diversions, alterations 
of historic seasonal flows, or in the quality or release point of return flows could become a significant 
concern. The bay bottom impacted by navigation channels and spoil disposal could be increased by 
more than 80 percent. Potentially, one in every 10 acres of bay bottom will have been dredged or have 
disposed spoils if current planning is fulfilled. 
As a result of growing concern, the state's major resource agencies — TPWD, TWC and GLO — 
have called for a comprehensive study of the cumulative impacts of all of these activities on the 
estuary. This request was supported by federal resource agencies — USFWS and National Marine 
Fisheries Service (NMFS) — and by conservation groups, such as the Gulf Coast Conservation 
Association (GCCA), the Sierra Club, Audubon Society and Sportsmen's Clubs of Texas (SCOT), and 
by resource organizations, such as the Texas Shrimp Association (TSA), Gulf Coast Fisheries Council 
and others. Perhaps for the first time, these many and diverse entities have joined in a common 
purpose: A concern for the future of Galveston Bay. 
Galveston Bay — An Estuary of National Significance 
Passage of the Water Quality Act of 1987 amended, and extended, the Federal Water Pollution 
Control Act of 1972 and its 1977 amendments, known as the Clean Water Act. The Water Quality Act 
formally established the National Estuary Program. A part of the Act also names Galveston Bay, 
along with several others, as estuaries of national significance. Texas' governor has already made the 
initial request to establish the required management conference. The lead agency, Texas Water 
Commission, with the support of TPWD, GLO and other resource agencies and academic institu¬ 
tions, is preparing the necessary documentation to enable the state to take full advantage of the 
program. This action has received widespread support from other state and federal agencies and 
conservation groups. 
Galveston Bay Foundation 
A group of prominent individuals from diverse backgrounds met in the Fall of 1987 to form an 
organization centered on the state's single most valuable natural resource — Galveston Bay. The 
Galveston Bay Foundation has quickly become a focal point for citizens concerned about the fate of 
this estuary. In addition, the Foundation is funding studies to answer questions about competing 
uses of the bay's resources. It is this type of citizen concern and active participation that is key to 
providing management and policy direction to those governmental agencies responsible for the 
estuary's resources. 
Summary 
The opportunity exists in the Galveston Bay system to manage its resources for multiple uses, yet 
not allow the system to degrade and eventually be forced into a costly recovery program as has been 
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