Project Description:

The Carancahua Bay Community Reef Project is a groundbreaking initiative by the Matagorda Bay Foundation designed to engage the local community in hands-on coastal restoration. Situated in Carancahua Bay, between Palacios and Port Lavaca, this project benefits from the bay’s protection against commercial oyster harvesting, fostering a sanctuary for oysters and marine life.

In partnership with Texas Parks and Wildlife, MBF has surveyed and leased two 100-acre sites for reef development. What sets this project apart is its community-driven approach: volunteers and residents will use their own boats and resources to help build the reef, making it a truly grassroots restoration effort.

Phase 1, funded by a $1 million commitment from CCA, focuses on sourcing materials and deploying them via contractor. Phase 2 will bring in volunteers, including local residents and Texas Master Naturalists—to assist with oyster seeding and ongoing reef enhancement.

The reefs will serve as critical habitat for oyster larvae to settle and grow, improving water quality and enhancing recreational fishing, especially for trout, as higher reef elevations tend to attract sportfish. MBF and its partners will also experiment with reef shape and structure to optimize ecological benefits.