Formation of FlatsWorthy as a 501c3 started by Chuck Naiser and Billy Trimble - Corpus Christi Caller Times video about the formation of FlatsWorthy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h89ejekV3Pw
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Timeline
Beginning
2015
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Hurricane Harvey
Hurricane Harvey disrupted to forward momentum of this small group of anglers
Image from Galveston County Daily News
Restoration Project
Video about restoration project on the ANWR
Advisory Inauguration
FlatsWorthy hosts first Advisory Board to set the direction of the organization
Hosts meeting to inform the public about the desalination plant
Game Warden Boat
In partnership with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation and NewWater Boatworks, FlatsWorthy was able to raise donations to purchase a shallow water boat to donate to the local Texas Game Wardens. This allowed them to patrol areas previously inaccessible.
FlatsWorthy's First Video
FlatsWorthy produces our first video “Protecting the Resource”
Jere Parrish Youth Stewardship Fund
FlatsWorthy establishes the Jere Parrish Youth Stewardship Fund. This provides funding to youth initiatives and supports the 4H Sportfishing programs
Partnership with SeaGrant Texas
Partnership with SeaGrant Texas to develop the Coastal Monitor Program. This program brought together local fishing guides and anglers who had local area knowledge to proactively identify potential issues in the resource
Kid Fish/ Scholarships/ Youth Involvement
FlatsWorthy sponsors KidFish through Texas A&M Agrilife 4-H to encourage kids to get involved with conservation and teach them how to responsibly use the resource and respect other bay users and the law. Over the years over 150 kids have participated in KidFish and FlatsWorthy is proud to spread its message to the next generation of anglers.
Meeting for the first FlatsWorthy Chapter
The official kick-off meeting for the first FlatsWorthy Chapter is held in South Padre Island. The Lower Laguna Madre chapter was formed to address issues specific to this area of the Texas Coast.
Baffle Reef Paper - This led to increased awareness and interest in the future of the oyster reefs
In an effort to educate the public on the importance of the Mesquite bay complex and the baffle reefs, FlatsWorthy published a series of videos detailing the immense ecological benefit and the importance of protecting this valuable structural resource.
Click here to learn more
Now
2022
TPWD voted
In a unanimous decision, TPWD voted to approve the permanent closure of the essential Mesquite Bay Complex to Oyster Harvest. This was a huge win for conservation and cemented the protection of the bay system around Rockport. We are proud to have played a role in that endeavor and stand ready for the next steps, in restoring and bringing back the reef system better than before.
Mariculture Meeting
On February 2nd, 2023 FlatsWorthy held a meeting discussing Oyster Mariculture and the benefits of getting involved in renewable, responsible Oyster harvesting. Dr. Amy Belaire and her husband, Seth Gambil discussed their experience getting involved in the Mariculture industry and all that goes into getting started.
Garrison Brothers team up
For their 2023 Laguna Madre release, Garrison Brothers distillery allied with FlatsWorthy to promote conservation along the Texas coast and specifically in the Laguna Madre region of South Texas. It was a unique experience and fostered a friendship with Garrison Brothers that will continue to grow into the future.
Looking to the future of Mesquite Bay
After successfully having the Mesquite Bay Complex declared a sanctuary, we are continuing efforts in the Mesquite Bay Complex.We have partnered with HRI, UTMSI, CCA, and many other organizations, in a restoration effort to bring back the structural integrity of Carlos, Cedar, Ayers, Third Chain of Islands and Second Chain of Islands Oyster reefs. These Baffle Reefs are integral and we are dedicated to restoring them, to a condition better than they were before the Pillage.n Brothers that will continue to grow into the future.
College Scholarships
Each year, FlatsWorthy awards 2 scholarships for college-bound students who are planning to major in the Marine Sciences and other outdoor-related fields. One scholarship each is awarded to a Senior from Rockport-Fulton ISD and Calhoun ISD. Applications are available through the respective 4H clubs.