Mad Island Reef Block Project

Project Description:  Mad Island Marsh is part of an expansive coastal wetland system which, 60 years ago, stretched nearly unbroken along the mid- and upper-Texas Gulf Coast. These areas provide unique habitat for a diversity of wildlife.  Mad Island Lake located within this marsh system is approximately 400 acres in size and receives its tidal influence via Mad Island Bayou. In fact, Mad Island Bayou is the only tidal connection for approximately 2,000 acres of estuarine marsh including Mad Island Lake. The meanders of Mad Island Bayou help limit saltwater intrusion yet allow tidal influence into this highly productive marsh complex.  Erosion along the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (ICWW) currently threatens the integrity of Mad Island Bayou.  A breach in this bayou would increase saltwater intrusion into Mad Island Lake and would adversely affect this highly productive nursery area.   

Currently TNC has in-lieu-fee mitigation funds to construct 400 feet of offshore breakwater to protect an area of imminent breach between the ICWW and a large oxbow in Mad Island Bayou; however, to better protect this important natural resource TNC is seeking funding partners to assist in the completion of the remaining 400 feet of breakwater.  An offshore artificial oyster reef breakwater would be constructed.  This artificial reef would extend from the existing rock shoreline protection project west along the GIWW approximately 15 feet offshore for a length of 800 feet.  The area protected should naturally colonize with smooth cordgrass.  The 800 feet of offshore breakwater will directly protect 6.5 acres of estuarine marsh, 0.3 acres of oyster reef, and 4.6 acres of open water habitat.  Protecting the integrity of Mad Island Bayou and its associated meanders, will indirectly benefit approximately 2,000 acres of estuarine marsh, and submerged aquatic vegetation.

Partners:  The Nature Conservancy, Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, Conoco, TexasGenco, Reliant Energy, British Petroleum, and the Texas Coastal Program

Total Contribution of all Partners:    $ 120,532