ays and estuaries, the life source of coastal communities, can suffer from too much human interest. So attractive is the quality-of-life in this sub-tropical paradise that its population is anticipated to double within 60 years.

Human activities can dramatically alter the physical and biological dynamics of barrier islands and inland bays. Improperly dredged channels increase shore erosion by trapping deposits usually transported by currents; dams decrease water flow and river sediment loadings; seawalls, jetties, and pilings interfere with water circulation patterns and alter sand distribution; and critical marine habitat is lost as wetlands are filled and channelized for waterfront development.

A decline in fish and shellfish populations, reduced freshwater inflows, occasional red tides and chronic brown tides, oil and chemical spills, toxins in coastal marshes, dramatic loss of wetlands, growing numbers of endangered species, mysterious dolphin and sea turtle deaths -- all have led to recognizing that the region’s resources need our attention.

Businesses can flourish without degrading the environment. With careful planning, the region’s productive estuaries will be maintained and enhanced to ensure their vitality for the next 25, 50, or 100 years. Today, man-made and natural stresses place the estuarine ecosystem of the Coastal Bend at risk. The CCBNEP is conducting scientific research on the bay’s most pressing issues, including the following:

• Loss of wetlands, habitat and aquatic life
• Degradation of water and sediment quality
• Changing circulation patterns
• Bay debris
• Alteration of freshwater inflows
• Public health issues

Working together through the CCBNEP, representatives of business, industry, agriculture, and resource agencies, are preparing a comprehensive bay resource management plan for the Coastal Bend.

These diverse groups share a common interest in a healthy bay system as the cornerstone of a productive and prosperous region.

While Coastal Bend estuaries may never be restored to their pristine state of centuries ago, individual actions, coupled with a network of partnerships, will make a difference in protecting, restoring and enhancing the myriad marvels of the bountiful Coastal Bend.

As pressures associated with this region’s fast-paced growth remain, new environmental challenges are emerging. Controlling pollution and eliminating potential problems before they happen, through common sense and cost effective solutions, are crucial for the bay’s future. This can be accomplished by the efforts of citizens and leaders who understand that a healthy bay is in everyone’s best interest.