Videos

Louisiana Pelicans Released in Texas

Several rehabilitated brown pelicans and 1 Forrester tern were transported from Louisiana to the Aransas National Wildife Refuge near Rockport. The birds were banded and released. So far there are no known direct impacts of the oil spill on the Texas coast. For more on the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, see http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/site/emergency/

Oyster Shell Recycling, Back to the Bay

A unique recycling program is underway, and it’s helping our bays. By returning old oyster shells up and down the coast, many Texas reefs are on the rebound. Find out more about the Galveston Bay Foundation at https://galvbay.org/

Gardens of the Gulf of Mexico

There's a 'flower garden' in the Gulf of Mexico, and it's 60 feet underwater. Learn what the Flower Gardens are, what research scientists are doing at these coral reefs, and why we should be concerned about the garden's health.

An Office in the Ocean

Exploring the depths of Texas’ artificial reefs, documenting species of fish and coral, and monitoring the health of our reefs, these are all in a day’s work for Dr. Brooke Shipley and Chris Ledford of the TPWD Artificial Reef Program. These two are fortunate enough to make the undersea world of the Gulf of Mexico their office. Find out more about the artificial reef program at: https://tpwd.texas.gov/landwater/water/habitats/artificial_reef/links.phtml

Scouting for Redfish

A Boy Scout troop learns how to kayak for redfish. Explore Texas fishing at http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/

Scar on the Flats: Protect Seagrass Beds

Seagrass and marsh are the lifeblood of our coastal fisheries. But many boaters - some knowingly, some not - are destroying these grasses with the propellers of their boats. Learn about the importance of seagrass beds and the proper operation of a boat when fishing in and around these seagrass beds. This segment can be seen on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Television Series on PBS. See what's on our program this week: ‪http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/newsmedia/tv/‬. For a list of stations and air times: ‪http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/newsmedia/tv/tvwhere.phtml‬.

Restoring Dunes at McFaddin Beach

Restoring McFaddin Beach A storm ravaged beach along the upper Texas Coast is on the mend. McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge used to have miles and miles of sand dunes that protected the largest remaining freshwater marsh on the Texas Coast. Hurricanes and erosion have wiped out many of these dunes, and now work is underway to restore them. This project was funded in part by a grant from the Wildlife Restoration Program.

Cold-Stunned Sea Turtle Rescue on Texas Coast 2011

The cold snap on the Texas coast has left hundreds of sea turtles unable to swim. Rescuers are taking the cold-stunned sea turtles to rehab facilities for recovery and eventual release http://www.nps.gov/pais/naturescience/stsr-index.htm

Saving the Kemps Ridley Sea Turtle

To Save the Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle Once thought to be on its way to extinction, the Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle is making a comeback.  Due to the efforts of a few dedicated biologists and volunteers at Padre Island National Seashore, the turtle’s numbers are continuing to climb. Find out more at: https://www.nps.gov/pais/learn/nature/kridley.htm

Texas Above & Below: Beneath the Surface

Texas Above & Below: Beneath the Surface Our four part series concludes with footage of the Lone Star State in a way we don't normally get to see. Travel below the rim of Palo Duro Canyon, immerse yourself in a clear Texas river, and travel deep in the Gulf of Mexico, exploring our natural and artificial reefs.

Island Erosion, A Shrinking Sundown

One of the most important rookery islands on the Texas coast is in trouble. Chester Island in Matagorda Bay is slowly shrinking, as the shoreline is eroding at an alarming rate. But now efforts are underway to save the island, and help the thousands of birds that nest there.

YR Navy Barge Turned to Artificial Reef (Reef Site PS-1169L)

An old Navy dive barge has been recycled into an artificial reef in the Gulf of Mexico to create habitat for marine life http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/landwater/water/habitats/artificial_reef/rigs_to_reefs.phtml

Hooked on the Coast

The Texas coast is home to some of the finest sport fishing in the country. Follow along and see why anglers from all over are hooked on the coast.

Texas Jellyfish

Texas Jellies Most people see jellyfish as ugly blobs of goo looking for innocent swimmers to sting. But in reality, jellyfish are beautiful, delicate creatures. They also make a tasty low-calorie snack. watch the Texas Parks & Wildlife PBS television show www.tpwd.state.tx.us/tv

Rookery Island Restoration, Nurture the Nueces

Nurture the Nueces Several species of colonial water birds are on the decline in Texas and now work is underway to help them. In Nueces Bay, biologists are working to save eroding bird nesting islands.

Guarding the Nest on the Texas Coast

When birds are nesting on islands along the Texas coast people need to keep their distance and avoid disturbing them. For more info., see http://www.cbbep.org/programscoastalwbirds.html

Paddling Port O'Connor

Port O’Connor Paddling Trail If you love to paddle and you want to get away there is no better paddling trail than the one in Port O’Connor. From paddling the bays, to sliding through a saltwater marsh, this one of the best coastal paddling trails in the state. Get details on this and other Texas paddling trails at http://tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/boat/paddlingtrails/

Texas Water Safari - Postcard From Texas

Rookery Island Erosion, A New North Deer

A New North Deer North Deer Island near Galveston is the largest bird rookery island on the Upper Texas Coast, and it is shrinking. Erosion from waves has pounded the island for years. See what’s being done to preserve this island and protect it for the thousands of birds that nest here every year.

Shorebird Survival

Shorebird Survival Texas shorebirds are in trouble. From the endangered piping plover to the threatened snowy plover, shorebirds in Texas continue to lose habitat as beach development booms. Follow along with some biologists as they work to save these struggling shorebirds.

Aransas National Wildlife Refuge - Postcard From Texas

Postcard From Texas See what animals wake up early at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge.

Green Turtle Rescuers

Green Turtle Rescuers Green sea turtles have been showing up on south Texas beaches in larger numbers than ever. Dr. Donna Shaver, her team, and a great network of people have been busier than usual rescuing stuck or stranded turtles that need a little help getting to safety.

Texas Wetlands: A Learning Adventure - 1994

Texas Wetlands: A Learning Adventure This 1994 video highlights the Adopt-a-Wetland program. In this video children adopt wetlands near their home for study and preservation.

SeaCamp Students Solve Fishy Mysteries

Kids at Texas A&M's SeaCamp solve mysteries using biology, chemistry, and physics. Their lab experiences are paralleled with the work done in the "real world" by Texas Parks & Wildlife's Forensics group in San Marcos. http://www.tamug.edu/seacamp/

Preserving the Texas Coast: Jim Sutherlin

Jim Sutherlin, manager of the J.D. Murphree Wildlife Management Area in Port Arthur, won the 2010 Texas Parks & Wildlife Conservation award for his work toward protecting habitat along the upper Texas coast. More on the WMA http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/hunt/wma/find_a_wma/list/?id=40