COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Pat Cruz joins Texas Sea Grant as Aransas County’s Marine Extension Agent—the first in 20 years. He is jointly appointed with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.
Extension agents deliver innovative science-based solutions and education in their counties. Cruz will implement, plan and evaluate educational programs and activities throughout Aransas County related to the marine and coastal environment.
Cruz spent the last 30 years working as an environmental specialist with the Texas Department of State Health Services—Seafood and Aquatic Life Group. There, he was responsible for the classification of bays for the harvesting of molluscan shellfish and routine inspections of shellfish and crab picking processing plants from Port Lavaca to Brownsville.
Cruz has a Bachelor of Science in biology from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. In his spare time, he enjoys fishing, kayaking, shore bird photography and freshwater aquaria.
“I am hoping that I can use my experience to make a positive difference in Aransas County,” said Cruz.
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Texas Sea Grant is a unique partnership that unites the resources of the federal government, the State of Texas and universities across the state to create knowledge, tools, products and services that benefit the economy, the environment and the citizens of Texas. It is administered through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and is one of 34 university-based Sea Grant Programs around the country. Texas Sea Grant is a non-academic research center at Texas A&M University. The program’s mission is to improve the understanding, wise use and stewardship of Texas coastal and marine resources.