News and Events

The Restore Little Bay Foundation held a meeting on January 30, 2026

The Restore Little Bay Foundation held a meeting on January 30, 2026, at the Allegro House in Key Allegro.

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The meeting drew strong attendance, including representatives from the Aransas County Commissioners Court, Judge Ray Garza, the City of Rockport, the Aransas County Navigation District, the Rockport Chamber of Commerce, the Harte Research Institute, the Coastal Bend Bays Foundation, the General Land Office, and the Coastal Bend Bays and Estuaries Program.

Foundation President Gary Guillory and Vice President Vernon Stebbings opened the meeting by outlining the need to restore Little Bay to the healthy ecosystem it enjoyed in the 1970s. They emphasized the four guiding tenets of the GLO’s Coastal Resiliency Program:

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1. Restore water circulation within Little Bay

2. Significantly reduce stormwater and Tule Creek effluent entering the bay

3. Reestablish a healthy ecosystem capable of supporting natural seagrass growth

4. Protect and responsibly manage the two bird rookeries located in the Ski Basin

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Mr. Guillory referenced a recent engineering report by Mott MacDonald Engineers, which identifies improved water circulation as the essential first step. The report recommends constructing a new inlet or channel on the south end of Little Bay near the iconic Crab monument to connect it directly to Aransas Bay. This connection would increase tidal exchange, reduce stagnation, and improve dissolved oxygen levels—conditions necessary for marine life and seagrass recovery.

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The report also concludes that dredging is needed in areas still silted in from Hurricane Harvey, particularly around the Ski Basin, Blevins Channel, and Leggett Channel. According to the analysis, implementing these measures would reduce Little Bay’s water circulation time from 42 days to 17 days. Mr. Guillory reiterated that the Restore Little Bay Foundation does not set policy for Rockport; rather, it serves as a fundraising partner to help local entities secure matching funds for grants. He noted that the proposed inlet project, in collaboration with the Aransas County Navigation District, is estimated to cost approximately $8 million, funded through grants and donations.

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Ashley Bennis of the Harte Research Institute then discussed the Institute’s commitment to providing scientific support and technical guidance for restoration efforts in Rockport and across the Texas Gulf Coast.

Environmental Engineer Charlie Belaire followed with an overview of the critical role seagrass plays in coastal ecosystems, serving as both an indicator of environmental health and essential habitat for marine species. He explained that he is currently conducting a soil study in Little Bay to determine the cause of seagrass loss, with results expected in two to three months. Afterward, he will lead a team in replanting seagrass in targeted areas.

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Aransas County Commissioner Pat Rousseau shared insights from her recent meeting with State Representative Todd Hunter regarding Rockport’s long-term drinking water needs. She emphasized the importance of securing a reliable water supply during drought conditions, given the decreasing availability of water from Corpus Christi and the Nueces River. Commissioner Rousseau described the discussion as productive, noting that Representative Hunter will continue researching potential solutions in Austin.

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The meeting concluded with broad agreement on the importance of planning for Rockport’s future water security and the long-term health of the Little Bay ecosystem. The Restore Little Bay Foundation will now begin actively seeking donations to support these efforts.

Stay Tuned

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More to come.