Down the Stretch of 2022…

Much like we witnessed in 2021, CCA Texas staff and local chapter volunteers started off 2022 wondering what the year might hold. We all know how 2020 unfolded, and 2021 had its challenges as well as the year moved along. The one thing that remained constant through 2020, 2021, and through the first eight months of 2022 was an unyielding commitment to the organization by volunteers, supporters, and businesses in local chapter communities across the state. Through thirty-nine chapter banquets, it appears CCA Texas could be on track for another record-setting year. Local chapter events continue to be sold out, and local communities continue to strongly support the chapters. This support is the direct result of the belief in the organization by chapter volunteers that ultimately bridges the commitment of the local communities. CCA Texas is proud of its volunteers and supporters, and these local community efforts are truly making a difference in the health our Texas’s coastal resources.

CCA Texas now has 60 chapters across the state, stretching from the Golden Triangle to Houston-Galveston, down the coast to South Padre Island, and inland to Laredo, Midland, Dallas – Ft. Worth and all communities in between. Interest in the organization has peaked to an all-time membership high of over 80,000. Three new chapters have been started and advocacy and habitat efforts continue to grow. Active and interested membership is the key to the success and continued growth of the organization.

The newest chapters include Saltgrass (Winnie area), Bastrop County, and the Come and Catch It chapter in Gonzales. The Saltgrass chapter held their first event in May and it was a great success that left the chapter with much enthusiasm for 2023. Bastrop County held their event on July 28 and the result was amazing. With a strong board in place, the banquet attendance was more than 500 conservation-minded men and women, and set fundraising efforts never even approached for a first time local chapter event. The energy was strong, the atmosphere was amazing and the local chapter volunteers are already talking about next year. The Bastrop County event is truly a testament to what strong community support means. The Come and Catch It chapter in Gonzales is making final preparations for their August event as this is written, and it is shaping up to be another great first-time event. The recipe is simple and proven… strong local events are successful because of a strong belief in CCA Texas by local chapter boards and strong community support.

The amazing support goes way beyond the successful chapter events. These successful events lead to strong advocacy efforts and recognition in battles to conserve Texas’s coastal resources, and in the continued growing efforts for habitat restoration and creation. On the advocacy level, the management of the oyster fishery continues to hold razor sharp focus by CCA Texas. Although the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Commission (TPWD Commission) tabled proposals in March to close critically important oyster habitat to oyster fishing in the Mesquite Bay complex, policy and restoration workgroups were formed through the selection of members by TPWD. The task of these workgroups is to discuss solutions to insure this critically important part of the coastal eco-systems is managed appropriately for their value to the overall eco-systems. These workgroups are represented by the oyster industry, academics, and non-governmental organizations such as CCA Texas. CCA Texas is represented on both work groups and will continue to advocate for a management system that will benefit the resource for generations to come.

Habitat restoration and creation efforts continue to grow for the organization as well. Nearshore reefing efforts continue to be strong along the entire coast and in particular in the Upper and Lower regions. Friends of RGV Reefs (FRGVR) continues to be a stalwart organization leading the way to restoration efforts off of South Padre Island. Through relentless efforts, FRGVR is paving the way to reefing efforts that are both effective and economical. On the Upper Coast, Friends of Sabine Reefs (FSR) continues to work tirelessly in the efforts to work with TPWD to expand and permit new areas. FSR continues to work with local industry partners to raise funds, identify staging and holding areas for materials, and bring suitable materials in for new deployment efforts. Oyster reef restoration and creation is a focus that will continue to grow as new policies and guidelines are put in place. These investments must be protected and allowed to flourish before being placed back in any public fishery. CCA Texas believes strongly in the creation of conservation reefs and the expansion of Certificate of Location reefs, but there has to be strong protection, and reasonable opportunities in place for the investors in the conservation and industry arenas. Marsh restoration and living shoreline efforts are another area that is growing as well. CCA Texas is committed to these types of efforts as well and has several projects currently up for consideration.

As it has been since the inception of CCA in 1977, strong community belief and support continues to be the driving force behind the success of the organization. Without you, the member, CCA Texas would not be the organization it is today. Whether you are a casual member or highly involved, take the time to visit www.ccatexas.org to see what issues and news are current and evolving. Don’t miss the Advocacy + News tab on the menu to see what is happening in News; how to Take Action; listen in on the Coastal Advocacy Adventures Pod Cast; or read the latest edition of Currents. The information is there, just take the time to read, educate yourself, and ask yourself…. “What can I do”?

Lastly, part of the community support also lies with publications that believe in CCA Texas. Everett and Pam Johnson have been staunch supporters of CCA Texas as long as they have been on the Texas Coast. Thank you Everett and Pam for providing Texas Saltwater Fishing Magazine as an outlet for CCA Texas to spread the efforts to conserve Texas’s Coastal Resources for the enjoyment of present and future generations.