Texas Surf Conservancy
Texas Surf Conservancy Partners with CCA Texas to Launch “The Science of Oysters” Education Program
Texas Surf Conservancy Partners with CCA Texas to Launch “The Science of Oysters” Education Program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 4, 2025
Media Contact: Cassandra Champion
361-450-7873
Texas Surf Conservancy Partners with CCA Texas to Launch “The Science of Oysters” Education Program
Corpus Christi, TX — The Texas Surf Conservancy is proud to announce a generous $125,000 grant from CCA Texas in support of a groundbreaking new educational initiative: “The Science of Oysters: An Educational Outreach Initiative Focused on Oyster Biology and the Importance of Oyster Reefs to Marine Ecosystems.” This vital funding will help launch the program and expand environmental education across the Texas coast.
This collaborative effort aims to engage K–5 students and their families in the Coastal Bend and beyond, highlighting oysters as a keystone species critical to the health of marine ecosystems. By raising awareness of the dramatic global decline in oyster habitats and the vital role farmed oysters play in restoring balance to our bays and estuaries, the initiative shows how these small organisms support entire food webs, improve water quality, and protect shorelines. Through a combination of in-classroom lessons, community events, and online programming, “The Science of Oysters” will inspire the next generation to become stewards of our coastal environment.
The educational program includes two levels of TEKS-aligned tracks for elementary students:
- Oyster Adventures (K–2): Introducing young learners to oyster biology and conservation through storytelling, experiments, and creative activities.
- Oyster Explorers (3–5): A deeper dive into oyster anatomy, ecology, and restoration science through hands-on learning and group activities.
CCA Texas’s support of this initiative reinforces its long-standing commitment to marine conservation and restoration. At their February meeting, the organization’s Board of Directors approved over $4.4 million in funding for conservation initiatives across Texas.
“We are thrilled to share this announcement and sincerely appreciate the continued support of our members, volunteers, sponsors, and industry partners,” said John Carlson, Chairman of the CCA Texas Board. “This level of funding would not be possible without the grassroots fundraising efforts of our community chapters, and we hope our members take pride in knowing their contributions are making a positive impact on our coast.”
The Science of Oysters will officially launch in Fall 2025, with in-person delivery to select schools and interactive lessons accessible statewide via online platforms. The Texas Surf Conservancy will also share fun, informal versions of the program at community events including the Texas Oyster Round Up and Surftoberfest.
For more information on this and other initiatives, visit www.texassurfconservancy.org.
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Jonathan Swindle
