PUBLIC REEFS, 2: You can help shape a new program to 
improve coastal fisheries ... details ahead on Passport to 
Texas
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PTT ... from TPWD and the Sport Fish Restoration Program

An exciting new public reefing program offers individuals 
and groups the opportunity to deposit approved reef 
materials within the state's territorial waters.
 
That will expand the number of reefs we have out in the Gulf of 
Mexico. :05

Paul Hammerschmidt, is Texas Parks and Wildlife's 
Director of strategic planning for coastal fisheries. Reefs 
are beneficial marine habitat. And with more habitat 
comes more fish.

Right now we're taking our first step. We have a site off of Port 
Mansfield that we're beginning to establish. Our ultimate goal is to 
have sites off of every gulf access point in the state. :10

And if you want to know more about this program, Texas 
Parks and Wildlife invites you to attend one of several 
public meetings, where you're invited to share your 
thoughts about the proclamation announcing the 
program.

We're going to have some informational workshop meetings. This will 
give us the opportunity to provide the information to the public. We're 
trying to pick their brains as to, 'Does this make sense? How can we 
make this work together?' And then we'll modify it as necessary and 
bring it to the commission sometime in August, I believe. :18

Meetings are planned June 6 in Dickenson, June 8th in 
Corpus Christi, and June 13th in Port Isabel. You can find 
locations and times on the TPWD website.

The Sport Fish Restoration Program supports our series 
and provides funding for the operations and management 
of Sea Center Texas. 

For Texas Parks and Wildlife ... I'm Cecilia Nasti.