The Port Mansfield Channel, has historically provided water exchange between the Gulf of Mexico and the Lower Laguna Madre, but is slowly closing due to siltation. “There has been a great deal of concern regarding the dramatic siltation of the Port Mansfield Channel and the possible effects it could have on the ecosystem and recreational fishing,” said CCA Texas Executive Director Robby Byers. “CCA Texas understands and shares many of these concerns and has stepped to the plate financially in order to get hard, science-based facts on the subject.”

The life cycles of most species sought by recreational anglers in the Gulf of Mexico are directly tied to Gulf passes. The Port Mansfield Channel provides both an entrance point for many species to access vital nursery habitat as well as a quick exit to the Gulf in the event of critical environmental situations, such as a major freezes. It stands to reason that the closing of the channel could have a detrimental effect on many fish species, but to date there is limited information on fisheries abundance, migration patterns and nursery habitat use in the area.

Dr. Stunz will assess the potential impact of the closure of the Port Mansfield Channel on recreational fisheries by examining usage patterns for both swimming micro-organisms and adult fish in the channel’s general vicinity. The study will use various methods to gather the information and should be complete in December of 2008.

“This is a very important and much-needed study. Dr. Stunz and the team at TAMUCC have a tremendous track record when it comes to marine fisheries studies,” continued Byers. “The information gathered by Dr. Stunz and his team will go a long way in determining the role the channel plays in our fisheries. This study could play a role in better understanding the ecological significance of passes along the entire Texas coast.”

For more information, contact Luke Giles (800) 626-4222