Environmental Literacy and Workforce Development

Camp Seaport is a five-day youth camp held at the International Seafarers’ Center, aimed at introducing students to the maritime industry and exploring related career and educational opportunities. Launched over a decade ago, the camp is a collaborative effort involving multiple partners, including the Port of Port Arthur. The Texas Sea Grant Agent contributes as an educator and assists in organizing the camp.

Experienced fishing guides along the Texas coast are often the first to notice changes in coastal ecosystems, yet their insights are rarely captured in formal data. To change this, a project launched in 2021 began with partnerships within the recreational fishing industry. What started with seven has grown to twelve fishing guide captains as of 2023. These twelve captains now report environmental changes across Texas bays, from Galveston to the Lower Laguna Madre.

Texas Sea Grant offers hands-on support to the commercial shrimp industry, including free gear inspections (BRDs and TEDs) with NOAA, net shop outreach, gear construction guidance, and training for TPWD game wardens. We also help organize vital safety courses like Man Overboard and Drill Conductor Certification. Our work boosts compliance, enhances safety, and supports the sustainability of the fishery and the communities that depend on it.

The Gulf Commercial Fisherman Program is a hands-on, week-long, training initiative designed to introduce the skills, knowledge, and professional connections needed for a participant to develop successful career in commercial fishing in the Gulf of America.

The Texas Academy for Marine Policy Webinar Series grants current graduate students an educational opportunity within the state of Texas to gain a better understanding of the role of science in local and federal government.

Cultivated oyster mariculture is a growing aquaculture industry in Texas, offering sustainable, year-round opportunities to farm eastern oysters. With strong market demand, it’s an ideal venture for coastal landowners and entrepreneurs. Texas Sea Grant provides expert support for starting and managing oyster farms along the coast.

Drill Conductor courses are hands-on marine safety trainings accepted by the U.S. Coast Guard. Designed for captains and crew of commercial vessels, these courses cover survival equipment and emergency drill procedures—often including in-water practice sessions.

Recreational fishing guides play a key role in the Texas coastal economy, providing access to coastal waters and delivering unique ecological and educational experiences. To support this growing sector, Texas Sea Grant conducted a needs assessment and created tailored resources and workshops focused on business best practices, safety, environmental stewardship, and fisheries engagement.

Weighmasters play a critical role in sportfishing tournaments, ensuring accurate fish measurements and smooth weigh-in operations. With numerous tournaments across Texas, there’s a growing need for skilled, well-trained weighmasters throughout coastal communities.

The YMCA Environmental Summer Camp in Calhoun and Matagorda Counties offers meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that connect students with the natural world. Through outdoor, place-based activities, the program promotes environmental literacy and nurtures early interest in STEM fields, natural resources, and conservation.

The Dolphin Challenge is a regional ocean science competition in Galveston that brings Texas high school teams together for a fast-paced quiz bowl. Focused on marine science and ocean literacy, the event inspires students to explore careers in marine and environmental fields, with winners advancing to the national NOSB.

Texas Sea Grant and the Texas Master Naturalist Program are partnering to strengthen conservation and environmental education statewide. By supporting volunteers with training and resources, the collaboration boosts local outreach, habitat restoration, and stewardship efforts.

The Red Tide Rangers, a dedicated volunteer group formed and trained by Texas Sea Grant, monitor Texas coastal waters for the presence of harmful algal blooms (HABs), such as the red tide caused by the dinoflagellate Karenia brevis.

Plan-It Marsh and Plan-It Dunes are student-driven habitat restoration projects along the Texas coast that build STEM skills while restoring marsh and dune ecosystems. By planting native vegetation, students help create resilient shorelines and lasting educational sites for coastal communities.

Texas Sea Grant may receive special project funding mid-year through an omnibus amendment, allowing rapid response to emerging coastal challenges. This additional support helps expand efforts—like coastal resilience projects and student internships—without affecting ongoing work.

Texas’s oyster industry has struggled with harvest closures, impacting coastal communities. The Cultivated Oyster Mariculture Program offers a sustainable solution—training harvesters in oyster farming, supporting new businesses, and revitalizing the local seafood economy.