Oliver Point and Oliver Point Reef  

Start: 2020  

Partners: Texas General Land Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, AtkinsRealis 

Funding: TGLO and USFWS (engineering, design and permitting) 

Status: Ongoing 

Project Description:

The Matagorda Bay Foundation’s Oliver Point and Oliver Point Reef Project is a vital initiative aimed at restoring and protecting over 700 acres of estuarine tidal marsh and shallow bay habitats, along with nearly 50 acres of oyster reef habitat.  Located just south of Palacios, Texas, at the confluence of Tres Palacios and Matagorda Bays, this area showcases a rich diversity of estuarine environments, including oyster reefs, tidal marshes, submerged aquatic vegetation, and fragile shell ridges. The project not only seeks to rehabilitate these critical habitats but also to safeguard the nesting and foraging grounds for various bird species such as Black Skimmers, American Oystercatchers, Brown Pelicans, terns, gulls, and coastal wading birds.  By implementing shoreline protections and restoring oyster reefs, the initiative aims to enhance water quality, combat erosion, and bolster the resilience of the coastal ecosystem. 

  Recognized as a Tier 1 project in the Texas Coastal Resilience Master Plan, the Oliver Point and Oliver Point Reef Project is currently underway, with Phase One focusing on constructing breakwaters along the Oliver Point shoreline.  Phase Two will involve the restoration of the historical Oliver Point Reef, contingent upon securing additional funding.  This comprehensive effort underscores a commitment to preserving the ecological integrity of Matagorda Bay for future generations.