Michael Wetz, Endowed Chair, Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
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ABSTRACT
Coastal watersheds in Texas have experienced significant human population growth over the past several decades, yet there have been no comprehensive assessments of water quality trends in Texas estuaries. Here we synthesize results from analyses of several long-term water quality monitoring programs to answer the question, “How has water quality changed on the Texas coast?”. Results show localized examples of both increasing and decreasing salinity due to long-term changes in freshwater inflows, localized signatures of eutrophication in estuaries with urbanized or agricultural dominated watersheds, and regional fecal bacterial pollution at both a local and regional scale. With findings from this study, targeted studies can now be directed at the estuaries that are experiencing water quality degradation in order to elucidate drivers and identify solutions.
BIO
Mike Wetz is the Endowed Chair for Coastal Ecosystem Processes at the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. He is a broadly trained marine scientist, with expertise in phytoplankton ecology and water quality studies. While grounded in aspects of coastal ecology, Wetz also conducts applied research aimed at solving regional environmental problems. Recognizing that these problems are complex, and that solutions will often require balancing environmental as well as human needs, Wetz strives to provide a sound scientific basis for stakeholder-led restoration/management efforts that gives due consideration to both human and environmental needs. In recognition of these efforts, Wetz has received several awards from local conservation entities, including:
- Conservationist of the Year; awarded by the Coastal Conservation Association in recognition of water quality research and stakeholder-based restoration planning that Wetz led in Baffin Bay, Texas, and
- Higher Education Award, twice awarded by the Coastal Bend Bays Foundation for “dedication to conservation of Coastal Bend bays and estuaries, namely Oso and Baffin Bays, through development of programs designed to assess water quality conditions in these systems”.
Wetz led a volunteer water quality sampling program in Baffin Bay for 4 years. Results from that study are now guiding watershed restoration and protection efforts that are being coordinated by the Baffin Bay Stakeholder Group, which Wetz co-chairs.
POSTCARD
additional links
Storymap and YouTube video about his work on nutrient issues in Baffin Bay, Texas