HRI Lecture Series - Dr. Michael Wetz - "Human & Climate-Driven Water Quality Challenges Affecting the Texas Coast"

"Human & Climate-Driven Water Quality Challenges Affecting the Texas Coast"

DR. MICHAEL WETZ
ENDOWED CHAIR FOR COASTAL ECOSYSTEM PROCESSES
HARTE RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR GULF OF MEXICO STUDIES

Coastal watersheds in Texas have experienced significant human population growth over the past several decades. In addition, Texas estuaries have experienced a long-term increase in water temperature due to climate change and altered hydrology due to both climate change and growing human freshwater demands. These factors have potential to negatively impact coastal water quality, which [water quality] is a critical determinant of ecosystem health. Here data is synthesized from several long-term water quality monitoring programs to answer the question, “How has water quality changed on the Texas coast?”. Results show regional increases in salinity, localized eutrophication in estuaries with urbanized or agricultural dominated watersheds, and fecal bacterial pollution at both a local and regional scale. Results from these types of syntheses can guide targeted studies in estuaries that are experiencing water quality degradation to elucidate drivers and identify solutions. This talk will highlight one such example, the Bringing Baffin Back initiative and accompanying research studies.

Dr. Wetz is the Chair for Coastal Ecosystem Processes at the Harte Research Institute at Texas A&M Corpus Christi and a Professor in the Department of Life Sciences. He is a broadly trained marine scientist, with expertise in phytoplankton ecology and water quality studies. While grounded in aspects of coastal ecology, Wetz also conducts applied research aimed at solving complex regional environmental problems. Wetz strives to provide a sound scientific basis for stakeholder-led restoration/management efforts that gives due consideration to both human and environmental needs. In recognition of these efforts, Wetz has received several awards from conservation entities, including:

1. Conservationist of the Year; awarded by the Coastal Conservation Association in recognition of water quality research and stakeholder-based restoration planning that Wetz led in Baffin Bay, and
2. Higher Education Award, awarded by the Coastal Bend Bays Foundation for “dedication to conservation of Coastal Bend bays and estuaries, namely Oso and Baffin Bays, through development of programs designed to assess water quality conditions in these systems”.

Wetz leads a volunteer water quality monitoring program in Baffin Bay, results from which guide the Bringing Baffin Back™ initiative that was selected as a 2022 Conservation Wrangler program by Texan By Nature. Bringing Baffin Back^™ integrates research and monitoring, watershed and bay habitat restoration, and efforts that enhance stewardship to improve the health of Baffin Bay and the coastal economy that relies on it. Wetz also co-chairs the Baffin Bay Stakeholder Group, which plays an integral role in the Bringing Baffin Back^™ initiative.

In 2023, HRI released the Texas Coast Ecosystem Health Report Cards, which were led by Wetz and Dr. Jennifer Pollack in collaboration with stakeholders from the region. The Report Cards utilized rigorous data analysis and stakeholder input to characterize the health of Texas’ coastal ecosystems.