Coastal anglers fishing the Lower and Upper Laguna Madre have certainly seen “the tracks” created by propeller scaring through grass beds.  This occurred when boaters ran the boat in too shallow of water with their engine down thereby scaring the grassy areas and leaving troughs void of grass that takes years to recover.

There are regulations now in place to protect these fragile areas and even a slogan that states, “lift, drift, pole and troll.”  According to TPWD this mantra and statewide initiative educates boaters on how to safely navigate shallow flats and seagrass beds without causing damage to the bay bottom.

Submerged seagrass meadows are a dominant, unique subtropical habitat in many Texas bays and estuaries. These marine plants play critical roles in the coastal environment, including nursery habitat for estuarine fisheries, a major source of organic biomass for coastal food webs, effective agents for stabilizing coastal erosion and sedimentation, and major biological agents in nutrient cycling and water quality processes.

According to several studies coastal seagrass takes anywhere from 3 to 17 years to recover naturally from propeller scarring, with an average healing time of 5 to 10 years.  In some cases, heavily scarred turtle grass may never fully recover.

As of September 1, 2013, in Texas, it is illegal to cause or allow any rooted seagrass plant to be uprooted or dug out from the bay or saltwater bottom by a submerged propeller within the coastal waters of the state of Texas. Violation is a Class C Misdemeanor subject to a fine of up to $500.

This month’s cover art by popular South Texas artist Don Breeden entitled “Fishing the Tracks” depicts damage that has been done to these fragile grassy areas.  While damage has occurred and can be prevented, these troughs or tracks are a places redfish congregate and feed.  Boaters should lift, drift, pole and troll when fishing these areas to prevent further damage and allow recovery to take place.

For more information on a printed limited edition giclee of “Fishing the Tracks,” other fine works of art or commissions by Don Breeden, visit www.breedenart.com, email donbreedenart@gmail.com, or call (956) 459-3140. — Bill L. Olson

************************************************************************
To read more, click here to SUBSCRIBE