Work

Introduction: History of Inflow Studies in Texas

Year: 2025

Type: book-chapter

Abstract: Interest in developing freshwater inflow needs or standards for Texas estuaries occurred in three eras over a 50-year period. In 1967, the concept that water is needed for preservation of bays and estuaries was first proposed. In 1975, the first law was enacted to study effects of freshwater inflow on estuaries. In the 1980s, the first detailed freshwater inflow needs studies were completed for all bays based on hydrology, salinity, and fisheries harvest. In 1994, three Texas state agencies cooperated to synthesize all the studies performed in the 1980s into one volume describing the state methodology and recommending new standards. Following major legislative changes in 2007, science and stakeholder teams were formed to recommend inflow regimes for each of the seven bay systems, and by 2014, inflow standards were adopted for all bay systems. Over time, the laws and standards evolved from a species management approach to an ecosystem-based management approach.

Source: Estuaries of the world

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-70882-4_1

Authors: Paul A. Montagna, William L. Longley, Elizabeth Gomaa, Jen Corrinne Brown

Institutions: Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies, Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi, Texas Water Development Board, Federal Emergency Management Agency

Language: English

Topic: Marine and fisheries research

Subfield: Global and Planetary Change

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: hybrid

Funders: U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration