First line of
defense against rising sea levels and storms, about 280 barrier islands ring
the United States coast. The infantry are sand dunes, designed to give way to
the sea gradually – unless human disturbance intervenes. Dunes like these on
Padre Island and nearby Mustang Island stretch 130 miles along the Texas Gulf
Coast. They help block storm surges headed inland toward Corpus Christi and
other communities. Once covered with grass, Padre Island dunes were overgrazed
by cattle until 30 years ago. Then condominium building began ton Mustang and
the north and south ends of Padre Island, a threat that is intensifying today.
In 1982
federal legislation created the Coastal Barrier Resources System, which now
covers some 1300 mils of shoreline. While the legislation does not prohibit
development on barrier islands, it limits availability of federal flood
insurance and other assistance.
On Texas
beaches wildlife often needs help. The hawksbill sea turtle shown below was
wrapped so tightly in fishing line that its left front flipper had to be
amputated. It was treated and released by the University of Texas’ Animal
Rehabilitation Keep at Port Aransas on Mustang Island. Four other sea turtle
species – rare Kemp’s ridleys, loggerheads, greens, and leatherbacks – may nest
on the islands. All are endangered or threatened, so turtle eggs laid on the beaches
are collected and incubated at protected sites; the hatchlings are later
released.
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