SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 668
WHEREAS, The completion of Rett Reef off the coast of
San Leon in Galveston Bay will mark the first oyster restoration
reef in Texas established by a private oyster industry member;
and
WHEREAS, Lisa Halili, the founder of the San Leon Oyster
Fest (SLOF), first conceived of the idea for Rett Reef to raise
awareness of Rett syndrome, a rare neurodevelopmental disorder
that primarily impacts girls and women and is characterized by
slowing development, loss of mobility, and other life-changing
symptoms; the Rett Reef project is being made possible through a
partnership involving SLOF, Pier 6 Seafood & Oyster House,
Prestige Oysters, The Nature Conservancy, and Texas Sea Grant at
Texas A&M University; and
WHEREAS, For the creation of Rett Reef, Pier 6 is donating
all the shells necessary to help restore a historical sport
fishing reef that was destroyed by Hurricane Ike; upon its
completion, the nonharvestable oyster reef will span 10 acres,
and it will play an instrumental role in improving water quality,
attracting fauna, protecting the area from storm surges, and
educating the public about the many benefits provided by oyster
reefs; in addition, the reef will serve as a habitat for fish and
invertebrate species, and anglers will be able to use the reef as
a recreational fishing location; and
WHEREAS, With its natural beauty and abundant wildlife,
the Galveston Bay area is one of the treasures of the Lone Star
State, and Rett Reef is sure to be a valuable addition to this
vibrant and unique ecosystem; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th
Legislature, hereby recognize Rett Reef in Galveston Bay and
extend to all those associated with the reef sincere appreciation
for their efforts to bring the project to fruition.
Middleton
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on May 25, 2023.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate