Laguna Madre of Texas and Tamaulipas

The Laguna Madre of Texas & Tamaulipas is the only hypersaline coastal lagoon on the North American continent & only one of five worldwide. Extending along 277 miles of shoreline in South Texas & northeastern Mexico, the lagoon is renowned for its vast seagrass meadows, huge wintering bird population, & bountiful fishing grounds. Recent concerns about increasing human activity have focused attention on the long-term health of the Laguna Madre as growing population pressures, pollution problems, & dredging threaten this unique ecosystem. The Nature Conservancy, whose mission is the conservation of biodiversity through protection of habitat, recognized the need to compile all known information about the Laguna Madre in order to move ahead with a science-based conservation agenda. This book is the result. Taking an ecosystem approach to the study of this rich habitat, the authors first provide an overview of the natural history of the Laguna Madre & adjacent areas, including an essay on the importance of the region's private ranches. Succeeding chapters discuss the diverse natural resources of the lagoon--seagrasses, open bays, tidal flats, barrier islands, abundant waterfowl, colonial waterbird rookeries, sea turtles, & fisheries. A final section identifies information gaps, offers a conservation framework, & makes recommendations for preserving the biodiversity of this complex & special ecosystem. More than seventy years of literature on the Laguna Madre & surrounding environments has been synthesized here. With more than 150 figures & illustrations, this book is the first to take a broad & comprehensive look at both the Texan & Tamaulipan Laguna Madre. For scientists, conservationists, resource managers, & policy makers involved in the future of the Texas & Mexico coasts, the value of this book is clear. Coastal residents, birders, anglers, & nature lovers who want to learn about & take care of the Laguna Madre will also find this to be an indispensable guide.Tunnell, John W., Jr. is the author of 'Laguna Madre of Texas and Tamaulipas', published 2002 under ISBN 9781585441334 and ISBN 1585441333.