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GALVESTON, TEXAS — Galveston Bay Foundation (GBF) announces the acquisition of 1,483 acres in East Galveston Bay, which will permanently protect vital wetlands, wildlife, and fisheries habitat, and create new opportunities for habitat restoration. Located on the north side of Bolivar Peninsula and directly across East Bay from Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge, Goat Island consists primarily of tidal salt marshes, which are regularly flooded coastal wetlands dominated by salt-tolerant vegetation that support a wide variety of wildlife, including migratory waterfowl, wading birds, shorebirds, and recreationally and commercially important fisheries species. The acquisition stems from a conservation partnership with Ducks Unlimited, which received the property in 2022 as a donation with the understanding that GBF would ultimately serve as the long-term steward of the property. "This landscape provides critical habitat for wildlife, supports the productivity of our coastal fisheries, and helps protect the water quality of East Galveston Bay,” said GBF Director of Conservation, Matt Singer. "Conserving these wetlands ensures they will continue to provide these benefits for generations to come." The property is strategically located among a network of protected conservation lands, including other GBF preserves, as well as Houston Audubon Society's High Island Bird Sanctuaries and Bolivar Flats, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Jocelyn Nungaray and McFaddin National Wildlife Refuges. Together, these properties form an interconnected mosaic of habitats that are essential to the ecological health of the upper Texas coast. While much of the property remains healthy coastal marsh, Goat Island has experienced significant erosion, subsidence, and habitat loss over time. As the long-term steward of the property, GBF will pursue large scale restoration projects that could include shoreline protection measures, beneficial use of dredged material, and marsh creation efforts designed to increase resilience to sea level rise and ongoing coastal change. About Galveston Bay Foundation Galveston Bay Foundation is a nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing Galveston Bay. Since 1987, GBF has worked to protect the Bay through habitat restoration, land conservation, water protection, education, advocacy, and research. Learn more at www.galvbay.org. Media Contact: Kimberly Meza, Communications and Marketing Manager, Galveston Bay Foundation Phone: 281-923-3278 Email: kmeza@galvbay.org Website: www.galvbay.org

Galveston Bay Foundation (GBF) continues to advance its advocacy efforts to protect the health and resilience of Galveston Bay through active engagement in key regulatory and local development decisions. Galveston Bay Foundations Government Affairs and Public Policy Manager, Jacob Hupp, recently returned from his trip to Washington, D.C., where he attended the Land Trust Alliance Advocacy Days with the Texas Land Trust Council alongside Texas member groups. Attendes met with congressional offices to seek support for increased funding for land conservation and passage of the Farm Bill. He shares insights below on local issues to watch in the coming weeks. Monitoring the Bayshore Desalination Permit GBF is currently engaged in the permitting process for the proposed Bayshore desalination facility, with a focus on protecting the ecological integrity of Galveston Bay and its watershed. The Foundation is submitting comments that express opposition to the intake of bay water and discharge of hypersaline brine proposed for Galveston Bay. GBF’s concern is not limited to general project design. The proposed intake and discharge would introduce direct impacts to the Bay and could affect water quality, aquatic habitat, and the broader watershed systems ability to flush in a way that supports the Bay’s long-term health. For that reason, GBF is urging decision-makers to reject the project as currently proposed. The draft permit is expected to be released for final review later this month or in early July. Once issued, that will trigger a 30-day public comment period, giving the public and stakeholders an opportunity to weigh in before any final permitting decision is made. You can view the permit application here and submit comments here. Discovery Sands Development Concerns GBF is also actively engaged in the ongoing debate surrounding the proposed Discovery Sands development on Galveston Island. The Foundation has raised concerns about the project’s potential to affect sensitive coastal wetlands, including the possibility of increased nonpoint source runoff from impervious surfaces, stormwater conveyance, and associated pollutant loading. Nonpoint source runoff is especially concerning because it can carry sediment, nutrients, petroleum products, and other contaminants into nearby waterways without a single identifiable discharge point. In a coastal setting like Galveston Island, those impacts can degrade wetland function, reduce water quality, and place additional pressure on already vulnerable habitat. GBF’s opposition also reflects concerns that the project could undermine previous restoration efforts in Jumbile Cove. Protecting these restoration investments is essential to preserving habitat value, stormwater buffering, and the broader ecological function of the area. The Galveston City Council is scheduled to consider the project at a public meeting on June 25 at Galveston City Hall. GBF encourages the community to stay informed and engaged as the discussion moves forward.

HOUSTON, TX — Galveston Bay Foundation (GBF) is pleased to announce the installation of two trash traps in Houston-area waterways: Greens Bayou and Kuhlman Gully. This project was made possible by a 2024 award from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Marine Debris Program, along with support from the Gulf of America Alliance’s Gulf Star Program. This funding allows for addressing critical trash and marine debris issues in the Houston area. These trash traps, known as litter booms, are designed to capture trash and debris before it can travel downstream into Galveston Bay and eventually the Gulf. Installation locations were selected based on high volumes of urban trash and stormwater runoff entering local waterways. By removing trash further up in the watershed, the impacts of pollution can be reduced in urban areas, as well as in the Bay. Protecting these water resources through increased trash removal efforts will help reduce animal entanglements, water quality issues, and flooding challenges. Project partner Osprey Initiative designed the litter booms to effectively capture and contain litter while allowing water to continue flowing freely. The booms provide a passive catchment system that requires no electricity, minimal infrastructure, and no negative impact on the surrounding habitats. This technology has been successfully implemented in waterways across the country, and GBF is excited to expand the approach in Houston-area waterways. “This project has been many years in the making. Having these booms installed is an exciting step to reduce the flow of trash into Galveston Bay waters and work with local partners and community members on debris issues closer to their homes. Trash remediation helps all who live, work, and play in the Bayou City and Galveston Bay,” says Water Protection Manager, Natasha Zarnstorff. The litter booms will be regularly monitored and maintained to ensure proper operation. In addition, data on the types and volume of debris collected will help inform ongoing research by GBF and project partners to better understand trash movement throughout the Houston watershed and identify strategies to reduce waste entering local waterways. Through collaboration with community groups, partner organizations, volunteers, and local stakeholders, GBF hopes to maximize the effectiveness of the project while raising awareness about the importance of marine debris prevention and watershed stewardship. GBF and partner organizations will host clean-up events near the litter boom sites as well as at other locations within the watershed to further amplify the impact of the booms. To volunteer or join an event, keep an eye on Galveston Bay Foundation’s website. About Galveston Bay Foundation: Galveston Bay Foundation is a conservation nonprofit that has served as guardian of Galveston Bay since 1987. Our mission is to preserve and enhance Galveston Bay as a healthy and productive place for generations to come. We work to facilitate a true cross-section of Bay interests through creative, inclusive, and forward-thinking solutions to the challenges confronting Galveston Bay. We envision a future Bay that is brimming with vitality, connected to people, and contributing to the community in every possible way. About the Gulf of America Alliance: The Gulf of America Alliance is the Regional Ocean Partnership for the Gulf of America. It focuses on enhancing the environmental and economic health of the region through increased collaboration. It includes a network of over 165 participating organizations that work to strengthen community resilience, increase regional data sharing, and improve management of coastal habitats and wildlife species. About Osprey Initiative, LLC: Osprey is an environmental consulting company based in Mobile, Alabama that specializes in customized solutions for litter and recycling issues. They provide a full suite of litter interception devices that have proven successful in waterways throughout 30 states and three other countries. They also provide tailored waste diversion and event sustainability oversight and operations guidance. Find out more at www.osprey.world. Media Contact: Kimberly Meza, Communications and Marketing Manager, Galveston Bay Foundation Phone: 281-923-3278 Email: kmeza@galvbay.org Website: www.galvbay.org

KEMAH, TEXAS — During a routine dolphin boat survey in September 2022, researchers with the Galveston Bay Dolphin Research Program (GDRP) encountered an extraordinary sight: a common bottlenose dolphin swimming through Galveston Bay without tail flukes — the two lobes that make up the flat, paddle-like end of a dolphin’s tail. For dolphins, the tail is their primary source of power and movement, helping them swim, dive, hunt, and keep up with their group. Seeing a dolphin survive without this critical body part is exceptionally rare. The sighting has since become the focus of a newly published scientific note and conference presentation exploring how the dolphin has adapted to life without a tail, what may have caused the injury, and what this rare case can teach us about the growing challenges marine mammals face in human-impacted environments. Nicknamed “Dino” by the research team, the dolphin moved differently than a typical dolphin, using modified body motions to navigate the water. Despite the loss of its tail, Dino showed no signs of immediate distress or a recent injury and appeared to be in relatively good body condition. Researchers say the dolphin’s survival is a remarkable example of resilience and adaptation in the wild. “Survival of a flukeless dolphin in the wild is extremely rare,” said Vanessa Mintzer, Ph.D., Director of Dolphin Research and Conservation at Galveston Bay Foundation. “Only a handful of similar cases have been documented worldwide, making Dino’s sighting very special. Researchers believe entanglement in fishing gear is the most likely cause of the missing flukes, though other possibilities include a vessel propeller strike, attempted shark predation, or a congenital condition. Experts in aquatic medicine and marine mammal biology who reviewed the case noted that Dino appears to have adapted physiologically and behaviorally, including modified locomotion and possible enhanced foraging near fisheries. The dolphin was documented within the primary GDRP study area in Galveston Bay. Photo-identification efforts found no matches in the GDRP catalog of more than 1,000 known dolphins, other Texas dolphin catalogs, or the Gulf of Mexico Dolphin Identification System (GoMDIS), suggesting Dino may be transient to the area. While Dino’s current body condition suggests reasonable health, researchers caution that future challenges remain. Muscle atrophy, the potential development of scoliosis, and vulnerability to additional human interactions could impact long-term survival. Strong social bonds with other dolphins may play an important role in the animal’s resilience. Beyond the scientific significance, researchers hope Dino’s story will inspire greater public awareness and empathy for marine mammals facing increasing pressures in an anthropogenic ocean. “Dino is a flagship individual for conservation,” the research team noted. “This dolphin reminds us both of the resilience of wildlife and the importance of reducing human impacts in our coastal ecosystems.” The Galveston Bay Dolphin Research Program encourages the public to learn more through its newly published scientific note and conference poster, with additional coverage planned for the July issue of The Bow Rider newsletter. Additional Resources: Published Scientific Note Conference Poster: “Dino” Demonstrating Remarkable Resilience in an Anthropogenic Ocean Partners on this work include University of Houston-Clear Lake's Environmental Institute of Houston and the National Marine Mammal Foundation. About Galveston Bay Dolphin Research Program The GDRP, led by Galveston Bay Foundation, is a highly collaborative initiative focused on understanding the bottlenose dolphins of Galveston Bay through research on their ecology, behavior, and health while also promoting public awareness about dolphins. About Galveston Bay Foundation Founded in 1987, Galveston Bay Foundation is a nonprofit organization that preserves and enhances Galveston Bay as a healthy and productive place for generations to come through programs in advocacy, habitat restoration, land conservation, water quality, education, and research. Media Contact: Kimberly Meza, Communications and Marketing Manager Kmeza@galvbay.org | 281-923-3278

KEMAH, TEXAS — Galveston Bay Foundation (GBF) is proud to announce the opening of its new headquarters, The Gessner Center , a state-of-the-art facility located on Galveston Bay. Designed to serve as a hub for environmental education, conservation, and community engagement, the building represents a major milestone in GBF’s mission to preserve and protect the Bay for generations to come. The Gessner Center was developed with sustainability at its core and is part of the internationally recognized Living Building Challenge . The project successfully incorporates numerous petals of the challenge, reflecting a commitment to regenerative design, environmental responsibility, and long-term resilience. Public access to the Bay remains limited, and GBF envisioned this space as a place where people can connect directly with the water through future programs, educational experiences, and guided visits. By welcoming students and community members onto the site and into the building, The Gessner Center serves as a gateway to the Bay—fostering a deeper understanding of its importance and inspiring the next generation of coastal stewards. “This project has always been about opening the Bay to people,” said Bob Stokes, President of the Galveston Bay Foundation. “For so many in our region, access to Galveston Bay is limited. The Gessner Center changes that. It creates a place where students and community members can experience the Bay firsthand—through education, exploration, and connection. More than anything, this is about inspiring people to care about the Bay by giving them the opportunity to truly engage with it.” The Gessner Center is made possible through the extraordinary generosity and vision of its namesakes, Barbara and Andy Gessner. “Galveston Bay Foundation will be able to use The Gessner Center to educate people why they should care about the Bay and how they can help protect it for future generations. Andy and I agree on the importance of education, especially as it pertains to the environment,” said Barbara Gessner. The successful realization of The Gessner Center is the result of a collaborative effort between intentional architects, expert builders, and landscape designers committed to sustainability and resilience. Designed by Kirksey Architecture , the b uilding blends innovation with environmental stewardship. “For our team, this project is both a milestone and a call to action. It demonstrates that even in challenging coastal contexts, buildings can give back more than they take. It offers a replicable model for designers and builders who aspire to pursue high-performance, restorative architecture. Most importantly, it positions the Galveston Bay Foundation to continue protecting and promoting the shoreline’s natural beauty for generations to come,” said Catherine Callaway, Associate Partner & Director of Sustainability and Building Performance at Kirksey. Satterfield & Pontikes served as the general contractor for the project, bringing the vision of a high-performance, environmentally responsible facility to life through thoughtful construction practices and attention to detail. Together, these efforts ensure that The Gessner Center is not only a building, but a living, breathing extension of the Bay itself. About Galveston Bay Foundation  Galveston Bay Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting Galveston Bay through land conservation, habitat restoration, education, water protection, research, and advocacy. By partnering with individuals, organizations, and communities, GBF works to ensure a healthy and resilient Bay for generations to come.

HOUSTON, TEXAS (April 11, 2026) – Galveston Bay Foundation’s fifth annual Oyster & SeaFest made waves this year, celebrating a record-breaking event with its highest-ever ticket sales (over 790) and attendance. Proceeds from the event support the nonprofit’s habitat restoration programs, including oyster reef restoration and oyster shell recycling efforts that help sustain Galveston Bay’s ecosystem. Held at Autry Park in Houston, the festival welcomed a record number of Houston-area food lovers, conservation supporters, and families for an unforgettable day of oysters, seafood, and environmental impact in celebration of #EarthMonth. Guests enjoyed a wide variety of oyster and seafood tastings, specialty cocktails, live music, yard games, and interactive, family-friendly educational activities. This year’s event featured an impressive lineup of restaurants and oyster farmers, each serving up creative and flavorful seafood dishes that showcased the region’s vibrant culinary scene. Participating partners included BB’s Tex Orleans, Capt. Benny’s, Oyster Bros., Key Allegro Oyster Co., McCormick & Schmick’s, Willie G’s, Navy Blue, and Killen’s Heights. McCormick & Schmick’s took home the People’s Choice Award, while Prestige Oyster with Big Bayou Cocktail Sauce earned the Judge’s Choice Award for their standout dishes. VIP guests enjoyed an elevated experience featuring a raw oyster bar from Prestige Choice Oysters and shrimp tacos from Pier 6 Seafood & Oyster House, paired with bubbles and specialty cocktails. In addition to record-setting attendance, the festival made a meaningful environmental impact through oyster shell recycling efforts. 992 pounds of oyster shell was recycled from the event, which will eventually make its way back to the Bay and provide a home for over 50,000 baby oysters. Funds raised from Oyster & SeaFest directly benefit Galveston Bay Foundation’s Habitat Restoration program, which enables oyster shell recycling services across dozens of Houston, Galveston, and Clear Lake restaurants. Since launching the program in 2011, the organization has recycled nearly 2,300 tons of oyster shell, helping restore vital reef habitat throughout the Bay. “The incredible turnout at this year’s Oyster & SeaFest shows just how much our community cares about Galveston Bay,” said Bob Stokes, President of the Galveston Bay Foundation. “Every ticket purchased and every oyster enjoyed helps us continue our work restoring critical habitat and protecting this important resource for generations to come.” The event was made possible thanks to the generous support of sponsors, volunteers, restaurants, and attendees who came together to celebrate and give back to the Bay. Thank you to our generous sponsors who helped make this event possible: Port Houston, Transocean, JP McGovern Foundation, Tito’s Vodka, Toadfish, Southern Devall, Pat Hammond, Gulf Coast Authority, Fortune Fish & Gourmet, S. Pellegrino, Bloody Revolution, Sips of Wellness, Distinct Vineyards, Lylo, All Hands, Arctic Ice, and Saint Arnold. To learn more about the Galveston Bay Foundation, Oyster & SeaFest, or its Habitat Restoration program, visit galvbay.org or contact Kimberly Meza at kmeza@galvbay.org or 281-923-3278.

CHAMBERS COUNTY, TEXAS — Galveston Bay Foundation (GBF) has completed the Cane Bayou Conservation Easement, permanently protecting 2,250 acres of working lands and wildlife habitat, adjacent to the Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge in southern Chambers County. With this project, GBF’s conservation holdings now exceed 20,000 acres across the Galveston Bay watershed.   The Cane Bayou Conservation Easement safeguards vital migratory corridors for shorebirds and waterfowl while preserving wetlands and important coastal habitats that support native wildlife and plant communities. Protection of this landscape enhances regional water quality and strengthens coastal resilience, while maintaining the rural character and working lands that define this part of the Texas coast.   “This project is a powerful example of how conservation and agriculture can go hand in hand,” said Bob Stokes, President of Galveston Bay Foundation. “By partnering with a dedicated landowner, we’re helping sustain working lands that are also essential to the ecological health of Galveston Bay.”   Conservation easements are a voluntary agreement between landowners and a land trust that permanently preserves conservation values like water quality and wildlife habitat. Cane Bayou will remain under private ownership and managed for rotational rice farming, cattle ranching, and wildlife — demonstrating how agricultural operations and conservation can work in tandem with proper management.    “This property proves you don’t have to choose between agriculture and conservation,” said landowner Tyler Fitzgerald. “With this easement, we’re protecting both a working landscape and the habitat that makes it special. As my family approaches the century mark on this land, this partnership with GBF will ensure the property stays whole in the future.”    The Cane Bayou Conservation Easement was made possible in part through funding from the Natural Resources Conservation Service Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) – Texas Coastal Prairie Initiative, administered by the Coastal Prairie Conservancy. Additional supporters include the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Texas Farm and Ranch Lands Conservation Program, the Knobloch Family Foundation, the Gulf Partnership, and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation.      About Galveston Bay Foundation  Founded in 1987, Galveston Bay Foundation is a nonprofit organization that preserves and enhances Galveston Bay as a healthy and productive place for generations to come through programs in advocacy, habitat restoration, land conservation, water quality, education, and research.   Media Contact:  Kimberly Meza, Communications and Marketing Manager    Kmeza@galvbay.org | 281-923-3278

CHAMBERS COUNTY, TEXAS — Galveston Bay Foundation (GBF) has acquired 20 acres of coastal habitat north of the Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge. The property, known as Whimbrel Fields Preserve , connects directly to privately conserved lands and expands protected open space in the East Galveston Bay watershed.   Whimbrel Fields Preserve protects vital migratory corridors for waterfowl and shorebirds, including its namesake, the Hudsonian Whimbrel, while also supporting regional water quality and coastal resilience. The habitat will benefit native wildlife, particularly shorebirds that migrate long distances and depend on connected conservation corridors for critical stopover habitat.   The property is adjacent to the Oyster Bayou Conservation Easement, a 450-acre preserve protected by GBF in partnership with the landowner. Whimbrel Fields Preserve is also part of a broader network of conservation projects led by GBF and partners along FM 1985 in southern Chambers County.   “Any time we can connect conserved habitat, it’s a win for Galveston Bay,” said Bob Stokes, Galveston Bay Foundation President. “This property builds on partnership efforts that have protected thousands of acres within the East Bay watershed.”   The acquisition was made possible in part through funding from the Knobloch Family Foundation, Galveston Bay Estuary Program, and Gulf Partnership.   Whimbrel Fields Preserve adds to the more than 19,000 acres GBF has conserved across the Galveston Bay watershed. These coastal habitats support regional wildlife, protect water quality, and strengthen community resilience.   About Galveston Bay Foundation  Founded in 1987, Galveston Bay Foundation is a nonprofit organization that preserves and protects Galveston Bay as a healthy and productive place for generations to come through programs in Advocacy, Habitat Restoration, Land Conservation, Water Protection, Education, and Research.   Media Contact:  Kimberly Meza, Communications and Marketing Manager    Kmeza@galvbay.org | 281-923-3278

On Friday, November 7th, more than 375 supporters of Galveston Bay Foundation gathered at The Revaire in Houston for an unforgettable evening celebrating the future of our Bay. This year’s Imagine Gala invited guests to imagine a Galveston Bay that continues to thrive for years to come—and they did just that, helping raise over $710,000 to support the Foundation’s vital conservation, education, research, and restoration work. The theme came to life from the moment guests entered the room. Dreamy clouds floated overhead, and the space was filled with interactive activations and stunning wall displays showcasing each of GBF’s core program areas. The creative design, brought to life by RL Design, encouraged everyone to pause, participate, and truly imagine what a healthy, resilient Galveston Bay can look like with community support.   Guests enjoyed a lively silent and live auction, featuring stunning items, one-of-a-kind experiences, world trips, and coastal getaways, with every bid helping to fund projects that protect the Bay’s waters, wildlife, and wetlands.   “At Galveston Bay Foundation, we’re not just working for today, we’re building for tomorrow. The Imagine Gala was more than a celebration—it was a reminder that when we come together for the Bay, we create lasting change,” said Bob Stokes, President of Galveston Bay Foundation. “Every dollar raised helps us keep Galveston Bay healthy and vibrant for generations to come.”   The evening also recognized the outstanding contributions of this year’s honorees, Cheniere Energy and Mary and Brad Robbins , whose leadership and commitment have made a lasting impact on GBF’s mission.   The Foundation extends heartfelt thanks to the event’s top sponsors, including Transocean, John P. McGovern Foundation, Macey & Harry Reasoner, and Kyle & John Kirksey , as well as the many other sponsors, donors, volunteers, and guests who made the evening possible. Together, we’re imagining—and building—a brighter future for Galveston Bay.   About Galveston Bay Foundation    Galveston Bay Foundation is a conservation nonprofit that has served as guardian of Galveston Bay since 1987. Our mission is to preserve and enhance Galveston Bay as a healthy and productive place for generations to come. We work to facilitate a true cross-section of Bay interests through creative, inclusive and forward-thinking solutions to the challenges confronting Galveston Bay. We envision a future Bay that is brimming with vitality, connected to people, and contributing to the community in every possible way.  Photos from the evening can be found here .

CHAMBERS COUNTY, TEXAS — Galveston Bay Foundation (GBF) has finalized the Onion Bayou Conservation Easement , permanently protecting 450 acres of wetland habitat in southern Chambers County, directly north of the Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge within the East Galveston Bay watershed.    The property, which the landowner will continue to own, is actively managed for rotational rice farming and wildlife habitat, connecting agricultural heritage to critical ecological functions that will be secured for generations to come. The conservation easement represents a partnership between the landowner and GBF to ensure conservation values remain preserved.   The Onion Bayou Conservation Easement safeguards vital migratory corridors for shorebirds and waterfowl while protecting frontage along Onion Bayou and its tributaries. The conservation easement not only enhances regional water quality and coastal resilience but also preserves the rural landscape and traditions that have defined this part of the Texas coast for decades.   “This project is a great example of how conservation and agriculture can work hand in hand,” said Bob Stokes, President of Galveston Bay Foundation. “By partnering with a dedicated landowner and our conservation allies, we’re helping sustain working lands that are also vital to the ecological health of Galveston Bay.”   The Onion Bayou Conservation Easement was made possible in part through funding from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) - Texas Coastal Prairie Initiative, administered by the Coastal Prairie Conservancy, along with critical support from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Texas Farm and Ranch Lands Conservation Program, the Knobloch Family Foundation, and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation.   The Onion Bayou Conservation Easement is part of the 19,000 acres of land GBF has conserved across the Galveston Bay watershed. These coastal habitats support the region’s wildlife, water quality, and community resilience.   About Galveston Bay Foundation  Founded in 1987, Galveston Bay Foundation is a nonprofit organization that preserves and enhances Galveston Bay as a healthy and productive place for generations to come through programs in advocacy, habitat restoration, land conservation, water quality, education, and research.   Media Contact:  Kimberly Meza, Communications and Marketing Manager    Kmeza@galvbay.org | 281-923-3278

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2lKcFfRbKQ Galveston Bay Foundation was thrilled to share the story about how our Oyster Shell Recycling Program came to be with the viewers of Houston Life and host, Derrick Shore. Watch the segment featuring our President, Bob Stokes, alongside Tom Tollett, owner of Tommy's Restaurant Oyster Bar in Clear Lake. Tom helped bring our program to life, and because of him and 38 other Houston/Galveston restaurants, we are able to recycle hundreds of tons of oyster shells back into the Bay every year. We then took Derrick and the Houston Life viewers along to our curing site where we place the recycled oyster shell to cure for 6+ months before placing it back into Galveston Bay through our restoration reef efforts. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85nZ1Lq14vU Thank you to the Galveston Bay Estuary Program and University of Houston Clear Lake for raising awareness about our efforts and working together in partnership with Galveston Bay Foundation to preserve and protect Galveston Bay for future generations.

HOUSTON (April 5, 2025) – Galveston Bay Foundation’s fourth annual Oyster & SeaFest raised over $110,000, which the net proceeds benefit the nonprofit organization’s habitat restoration program, including its oyster reef restoration and oyster shell recycling efforts. Additionally, 683 pounds of oyster shell was recycled at the festival and will make its way back to the Bay, providing a home to over 41,000 baby oysters. The oyster and seafood tasting event took place on Saturday, April 5 at Water Works at Buffalo Bayou Park and welcomed more than 700 Houston-area foodies and outdoor enthusiasts to kick off Earth Month. Guests enjoyed delicious oyster and seafood dishes, specialty cocktails, live music, yard games, and plenty of family-friendly educational activities. This year, the events hosted both restaurants and oyster farmers who served up creative oyster and seafood-inspired dishes. These incredible restaurants and oyster farmers truly brought the heat with incredible dishes! BB’s Tex Orleans, Capt. Benny's, Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse, DJ’s Oyster Co. by Oyster Bros, Key Allegro Oyster Co., Landry’s Seafood House, Loch Bar, Lone Star Oyster Co., McCormick & Schmick’s, Navy Blue, and Pig and Rooster Craft Oysters. Key Allegro Oyster Co. won the event’s People’s Choice Award, and Navy Blue won the Judge’s Choice Award. Guests in the VIP area enjoyed a raw oyster bar from Prestige Oysters along with shrimp tacos from Pier 6 Seafood & Oyster House, paired with bubbles and cocktails. While general admission tickets were priced at $35 and $50 and VIP tickets were priced at $175, most of the day’s funds were raised thanks to generous sponsors: Perry Homes, The Oyster Resource and Recovery Center, JP McGovern Foundation, Pat Hammond, Avera, Fortune Fish & Gourmet, Orsted, Port Houston, Southern Devall, Reliant an NRG Company, Gulf Coast Authority, Thunder Exploration, Sanpellegrino CIAO! Flavored Sparkling Water, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Transocean, LYLO, Arctic Ice, Bloody Revolution, Saint Arnold's Brewery, Krewe Eyewear, Kendra Scott, Galveston Fishing Co., Whataburger, and Mandito’s. Funds raised from Saturday’s event support Habitat Restoration work, enabling the organization to continue offering oyster shell recycling services to 39 Houston-area restaurants. In 2024, Galveston Bay Foundation reclaimed 233 tons of oyster shell to return to the Bay. The organization has collected over 2,000 tons since its inception in 2011. Over 285 hours of time were donated by 60+ volunteers who came out to support the event. This effort would not have been possible without them. “Oysters provide vital ecological benefits to Galveston Bay but have become increasingly threatened. For this reason, Galveston Bay Foundation works to restore oyster habitat by placing oyster shell back in the Bay where it will serve as habitat for new oysters to grow. The 700+ Houstonians who came out to celebrate and enjoy oysters with us on Saturday are directly contributing to this work,” said Bob Stokes, President, Galveston Bay Foundation. “We are so appreciative of the generous restaurants who participated in the event, along with our sponsors and attendees at our 2025 Oyster & SeaFest!” To learn more about Galveston Bay Foundation, its 2025 Oyster & SeaFest or its Habitat Restoration program, visit g alvbay.org or contact Kimberly Meza at kmeza@galvbay.org and 281-923-3278. PHOTOS Gary Blake and Katie Miller