The 2013 Drought Impact and Recovery in Texas Estuaries Workshop brought together over 50 bay and estuary scientists to share research findings on the impact of the extreme 2011 drought on Texas coastal areas and to identify and prioritize future data needs regarding the monitoring of drought impacts.
This workshop aimed to facilitate coordination of future drought-period monitoring activities and identify potential ways to use monitoring results to better inform the process for developing and refining environmental flow standards.
The morning session included presentations on existing drought-related data and research efforts, and during the afternoon, the participants divided into three breakout groups – upper, middle, and lower coast – to identify the major drought monitoring data needs and opportunities for collaboration. In addition, participants were asked to complete a survey prior to the workshop. View summary of participant surveys.
This event was sponsored by the National Wildlife Federation, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the Texas Water Development Board and the Harte Research Institute.
Agenda PDF | Speakers Bios PDF | Afternoon Breakout Session Discussion Topics PDFClick on the links below to download PDFs of the speakers’ presentations.
Welcome: Goals for the Day, Summary of Participant Surveys
Myron Hess, Texas Water Programs Manager/Counsel, National Wildlife Federation
Presentation
State Agency Drought Monitoring Efforts and Data
Carla Guthrie, Bay and Estuaries Program Team Leader, Texas Water Development Board (TWDB)
Presentation
Cindy Loeffler, Water Resources Branch Chief, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD)
Presentation
Panel Discussion: Noteworthy 2011 Drought Observations and Discussion
Benthos Sampling
Paul Montagna, Endowed Chair for Ecosystems and Modelling, Harte
Presentation
Unusual and Invasive Species
Leslie Hartman, Matagorda Bay Ecosystems Leader, TPWD
Salinities in Sabine Lake
Terry Stelly, Ecosystems Biologist, TPWD
Presentation
Panel Discussion: More Noteworthy 2011 Drought Observations and Discussion
Commerical Fishing and Oysters
Lance Robinson, Upper Coast Regional Director, TPWD
Presentation
Rangia Mortality in San Antonio Bay
Norman Johns, Water Resources Scientist, NWF
Presentation
Drought Indices in Texas Estuaries
Kenneth Dunton, Professor Department of Marine Sciences, UT Marine Science Institute
Presentation
Matagorda Bay Example and Breakout Session Overview
Bryan Cook, Water Quality Supervisor, Lower Colorado River Authority
Presentation
Drought in Texas
John Nielsen-Gammon, Texas State
Presentation
