Harte Research Institute

Join us on June 17 at 9am supporting Ph.D. candidate Kelley Savage as she defends her dissertation, "The potential Role of Oyster Reefs in Carbon sequestration: Implications for Reef Conservation and Restoration".

Attend in person at the Harte Research Institute (HRI) room 127 or join us virtually. Check out the poster for more information.

Our Ph.D. candidate Kelley Savage will be defending her dissertation “The Potential Role of Oyster Reefs in Carbon Sequestration: Implications for Reef Conservation and Restoration” on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at 9:00am. Check out the poster for details on how to attend, either in person or virtual.

Congrats Kelley on this great achievement!👩‍🔬🎉

Looking back on World Ocean Day with the Coastal Conservation and Restoration Ecology Lab !🌊

Check out this new post from the Center for Sportfish Science and Conservation!

This past Monday was World Ocean Day! 🌊Reminding us that the ocean connects ecosystems, species, and people across the globe.

Dr. Patricia González-Díaz, HRI Furgason Fellowship International Chair for Coastal and Marine Studies in Cuba, was invited by the Geotherapy Institute to make a presentation about "Cuba's Reefs of Hope" at the Explorers Club in New York City during their Celebration of World Ocean's Week last week.

Later this summer, Patricia will be working with the group in Matanzas, Cuba to evaluate the spawning and state of health of Acropora coral populations in Laguna de Maya, one of "Cuba's Reefs of Hope".

Click the link in our Bio to learn more!

Interesting Beachcombing survey this week, including a witch bottle, sea piggy, and lots of different types of sea beans. Let us know if you have a favorite photo from this week. Have a great weekend, and happy Friday!

This week’s announces two new research projects in the Conservation & Biodiversity Program at HRI!

These projects focus on the risk of threatened or endangered waterbirds’ nests to flooding. Flooding of nests from storm surge is a common problem for ground-nesting birds, resulting in many being listed as imperiled and in decline.

The probability of nest failure due to overwash is influenced by the location of the bird’s nest, with nests at lower elevations being more prone to flooding.

These new projects aim to assess what factors influence where birds place their nests and which islands are most vulnerable to flooding, as well as identifying high value areas for nesting birds. This information will inform managers on ideal sites to focus their efforts and funds.

Learn more at harteresearch.org/research/conservation-biodiversity

These projects are funded by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts and Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries Program.

Check out this post from Sink Your Shucks Oyster Recycling Program!

Join us on Saturday, June 20 for an opportunity to learn about oyster reef restoration and healthy Texas Bays at this free, family-friendly event at the Bay Education Center in Rockport.

Click on the post to learn more!

Curious about oyster reef restoration?

Join us on Saturday, June 20 to talk all things oysters, restoration, and healthy Texas bays at a free, family-friendly event at the Bay Education Center in Rockport.

Enjoy hands-on activities, touch tanks, live demonstrations, crafts, giveaways, food, and more while learning how oyster reefs provide habitat for marine life, improve water quality, and support resilient coastlines.

Travel stipends available for registered participants while funds last.

Register today using the QR code on the flyer!