Mapping and Quantification of Shallow Estuarine Habitats in Baffin Bay, TX

Baffin Bay, a secondary bay within the Upper Laguna Madre Estuary in Texas is famous locally for its extensive Serpulid reefs. This relatively uncommon reef type is built by Serpulid worms that settle on hard substrates and secrete a calcareous tube around themselves as they grow. Serpulid reefs supplement marine complexity by increasing the three-dimensional relief of the bottom, providing refuge and foraging habitat for fish and invertebrate species, and influencing sediment and organism transport processes. Serpulid worms can also improve water quality and minimize algal blooms through their suspension feeding activities.

However, Serpulid reefs have been reduced in size and distribution compared to historic levels, primarily due to wave action, prop damage from boats, and trampling from fishermen, and there is a need to better understand current Serpulid reef extent and distribution and condition to inform conservation, restoration, and management efforts.